Fuel Delivery Service

Help Is on the Way: A Guide to Emergency Fuel Delivery Service

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Emergency Fuel Delivery Service

What a beautiful day for a drive! The sun is shining, the windows are down, and the gas tank is empty. Uh-oh.

If you were stranded by the roadside, what would you do?

  1. Phone a friend 100 miles away
  2. Start walking
  3. Hope for a good Samaritan

None of these options are very safe. Have you heard about calling an emergency fuel delivery service?

Keep reading to learn about how fuel delivery services can help you out of a troubling situation and get your life back on a roll! Read more

Car Won't Start

4 Common Reasons Your Car Won’t Start and Troubleshooting Tips

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One in three drivers on American roads will suffer a breakdown this year. That equated to 69 million drivers needing to call for some roadside assistance.  Many of these calls are made when a car won’t start. This issue is usually caused by a simple mechanical failure or a lack of power.

Remember, the reasons a car won’t start going back to simple chemistry. An engine to turn over and stay running needs a spark, air, and fuel. If any of these three elements are not present, you are calling for help on the side of the road.  Often, a few minutes under the hood can get you running again. But there will be times when the car won’t start but clicks or you don’t have the necessary parts and tools to get the job done in a pinch.

In the following article, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot a situation when you are left asking, “Why won’t my car start?”

1. Dead or Corroded Battery

A common problem is that a battery that has reached the end of its lifespan or refuses to charge up as the car is running. Unfortunately, as the days get colder, the problem is more prevalent as the frigid battery struggles to supply enough spark in the winter months.

Besides your battery being faulty, batteries can also build up corrosion around the negative and positive leads that lead to the starter. This corrosion is often greenish-white chalk and can be scraped off. In many cases, scraping off this excess corrosion will allow a proper charge to get through.

Also, often a quick jump start to an old battery will get you back on the road until you can get the battery replaced or serviced.

2. Faulty Starter Motor

If you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens, no clicking, no sound of the engine laboring to turn over, you could have a bad starter motor. If you look at your car and decide, my car won’t start, but the lights come on, then the starter motor is likely the culprit. This means power is flowing to the electrical system, but the motor is broken and won’t crank the engine.

3. Broken Ignition Switch

Do you have a fat key chain with a lot of weight on it? Believe it or not, this can harm your ignition switch over time. The ignition switch turns on your electrical system and allows power to flow to the starter motor.

If you have flickering dashboard lights and difficulty getting your car key to turn, a faulty ignition switch is a likely culprit.

4. Do You Have Gas?

It may sound ridiculous, but the leading cause of breakdowns out there on the road is still running out of gas. People try to run that extra mile or never get their fuel filters cleaned, resulting in the car failing to start or shutting down.

Make sure you change your fuel filters with your regular service appointments, and as soon as your low-fuel warning light comes on, look for a gas station to fill up.

Finding out that you misjudged how much gas you left in the tank can cause you all sorts of delays in your day.

Play It Safe

No one wants to break down on the side of the road, but chances are it will happen to you eventually. If your car won’t start or you get a flat tire, it happens.

Prepare for trouble with a roadside assistance service you can trust. Then, when you have 24-hour peace of mind, you know you’ll be covered when you need help the most.

Are you ready to sign up for assistance? Contact us today to get started.

car broken down

Car Broken Down? Here’s What to Do Next

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Is Your Car Broken Down?

If your car broke down and you’re looking for a way to get back on the road fast, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is figure out why your car isn’t drivable, then get help.

First, get your car off the road as fast as possible. If you’re going to be late for work or another important appointment, remember to call ahead and let people know that you’re running late.

Don’t be too down on yourself. It happens to everybody at least a few times over the course of their driving lifetime! So what’s next? Here’s a quick guide to what to do when your car breaks down, and how to get emergency roadside assistance in a jiffy.

What to Do if You Get a Flat Tire

We’ve all heard it at least once. The dreaded POP, followed by a loud flapping sound as your tire falls apart. You may want to scream, “My car broke down! HELP!” But that won’t accomplish much more than spiking your blood pressure.

If you’re lucky, you’ve prepared for getting a flat tire ahead of time. You have a spare “donut” tire in the trunk, a tire-changing jack, and a 4-way lug wrench to get the bolts off the flat tire.

You’ll need to use the jack to prop up the car, then remove the bolts and switch out your bad tire with the donut. This can be a greasy process, so unless you’re okay with having wheel grease and oil on your hands, use a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands.

Your donut tire will get you to the nearest garage or tire store. It’s best not to drive long distances on it if you can.

If you’re NOT lucky and you don’t have a spare tire or the right tools, you’ll need to call a roadside assistance company to help get you back on the road.

What to Do if Your Battery Dies

Batteries can drain in weather extremes and for lots of other reasons. If you find that your battery dies often, you may want to invest in a jump starter and keep it in your trunk.

You’ll discover a dead battery usually after your car’s parked for a while. So be aware of your surroundings until you can get a jumpstart or get roadside assistance to replace your battery. If you don’t feel safe, get inside a safe building and call for help from there.

Most roadside assistance companies offer car battery service. They can bring a new battery to you or jumpstart your car where it broke down.

Top Causes of Car Breakdowns

What are the top causes of car breakdowns? Besides batteries and tires, reasons for car breakdowns include failing starters, transmissions, clutches, or any other mechanical problem. But maybe it’s something simple like, you lost your keys or locked them in the car.

If Your Car Broke Down and It’s a True Roadside Emergency

If your car broke down, you may need a jump start, battery replacement, or a tow. That’s why we’re here to help. We can bring a new battery or a can of gas to wherever you are and get you back on the road in no time.

So check out our reviews, give us a call, and our dispatchers will send help as soon as possible!

Change a tire - use a spare

How To Safely Change a Tire on the Side of the Road

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Do you know how to safely and properly change a tire? If not, you aren’t alone. – and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

But, with millions of flats reported each year in the US alone, it’s only a matter of time before you experience a blowout yourself!

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely change a tire on the roadside and help you decide when it’s time to call for help. Keep reading for all the info.

How to Change a Tire Step by Step

Before we start our steps, consider this: According to the NHTSA, buying the right tires and maintaining them properly is the best way to avoid a flat in the first place. Follow their easy guide to see where your current set of wheels stands!

Pull Over Safely

Before you consider replacing a flat tire, you need to exit traffic safely. Start by finding a straight section of road with a stable place to pull off. And, be sure to use your hazard lights and parking brake once you’ve stopped.

Take a moment to visually inspect your flat tire and any damage that it may have caused. And, call for roadside assistance if you don’t feel comfortable attempting a repair or tire change.

Assemble Your Tools

Do you have everything you need to change a tire? You’ll want to assemble all of your tools before beginning. A jack, wrench, and a spare tire are essential – but the following might make your job easier:

  • Gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Mat for kneeling
  • Tire gauge
  • Vehicle owner’s manual

If you have everything you need, it’s time to set the jack and get ready for your roadside tire change.

Tire change serviceLoosen and Lift

Once your jack is in place, you’ll want to gently loosen each lug nut with your wrench or tire iron. But, if your car has hubcaps, you might need to pop them off first.

If all of your lug nuts came loose, you can now begin to lift the vehicle using the jack. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on where to place this and how to lift your car safely.

Once your vehicle’s tire is lifted a few inches off the ground, double-check that the jack is still firmly planted, and get ready to change your flat tire!

Remove and Replace

To change a flat, remove each lug nut and set it aside. Then, slide your tire off and replace it with a spare. Next, replace the lug nuts and tighten them gently.

Attempting to fully tighten your lug nuts now may knock your car off the jack, potentially damaging the vehicle or causing injury. Do not attempt this!

Lower and Tighten

Now, lower your vehicle fully and remove the jack. Tighten each lug nut completely using your tire iron. And replace your hubcaps. That’s it – you’re all done changing a tire!

Fix a Flat

Now that you know how to safely change a tire, it’s time to double-check a few things around your vehicle. After all, this knowledge is useless without a spare and the tools required to install it.

Armed with the essentials and this guide, you’ll never be caught unprepared.

But, should the worst happen, you’ll want contact information for a reliable mechanic close at hand. Contact Dugger’s or call (877)823-9696 for fast and professional help when you need it most!

Jump start

When Do You Need a Jump Start For Your Car?

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You’re running late and in a big hurry. You rush out the door to start your car only to hear the fatal clicking noises of a dead battery. We have all been there and your only way out is to get a jump start. But what is a jump start and how can you successfully carry one out to get your car back on the road? Learning how to jump a car is a crucial part of being a responsible driver. Read on to find out all about jumping your car.

What Is a Jump Start?

A jump start is when you use another vehicle or an external device to stimulate a dead battery with an electrical current. If your vehicle has a dead battery your only option is to use a jump start to get it back in action. During a jump start, you take jumper cables and attach one end of them to the battery of your vehicle. You then take the other end of the cables and attach them to the battery of a functioning vehicle, or external jump starter. Make sure to place the positive and negative clips of the cables on the corresponding areas of the battery to avoid damaging your equipment or shocking yourself.

Once the cables are attached, start the functioning vehicle and leave it running for a few minutes to charge your battery. Your vehicle should then start without any problems. If it doesn’t you may have other issues than a dead battery. If you have additional questions about the specifics of jumping your car consult your vehicle owner’s manual or call a professional like Dugger Services. Your manual will be able to provide you specific instructions on how to jump your vehicle without damaging it.

Additional Jump Start Info

When you need a jump start and nobody is around to help, you must call emergency roadside assistance. A professional can come to where you are and jump start your car for you. Your best bet to avoid having to jump start your car is to take care of crucial car maintenance. Make sure that your alternator gets inspected often as well as your starter. You should also replace your car’s battery at a minimum of every four years to avoid having it die on you. If you don’t drive your car very often, make sure to inspect your battery as well. If your car sits in one place and isn’t used, the battery will drain over time. This can put you in a precarious situation if you take it out for a short drive and end up with a dead battery once you reach your destination.

If your battery is due for a replacement, don’t hesitate. Car batteries are inexpensive and replacing an old one can save you a lot of trouble. They are also very easy to recycle.

Don’t Let a Dead Battery Ruin Your Day

A dead battery can be disastrous especially if you are on a tight schedule. Don’t let one ruin your day. Keep your battery new and in good condition. Also, know who to call when you need a jump start. If you are stuck on the side of the road contact us immediately. We can get your car jumped and get a new battery installed right away. That way you can get back on the road without having to worry about your car’s battery again.

Car battery trouble - problem solved

Cooler temperatures mean car battery trouble

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Car Battery Trouble

Fall is here and while in places like Arizona and New Mexico, that may just mean relief from summer heat, it can also mean car battery trouble. Summer heat does a lot of damage to your battery. All it takes is a cold snap or a heat wave and you are left stranded on the side of the road. When you get that unexpected moment when your car or truck won’t start, don’t panic. Call Dugger’s Emergency Road Service. Our trained technicians will come to you. If you are stuck at home or on the side of the road or in a parking lot, it doesn’t matter. Our dispatchers will help you evaluate the trouble and get you back on the road in no time.

Car won’t start? More often than not, you have car battery trouble. We’ll bring you a new battery and install it on the spot. No need to go to a shop or to get upsold on services you don’t need. Call Dugger’s and we’ll send a battery tech to your rescue. No matter where you are in town or on the highway, Dugger’s is ready for your road rescue. We don’t wear capes, but we will come to your rescue no matter what time it is. Don’t abandon your vehicle on the road beacuse of car battery trouble, call Dugger’s 1-877-823-9696

Car flat tire on road

Why Driving on a Flat Tire Is a Really Bad Idea

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FLAT TIRE FIX

There’s a slight heart spike every time your tire pressure light turns on.

Some of us have seen that light and ignored it because we were late for work or didn’t feel like stopping for air. While sometimes it’s only a slight change in the pressure, most times we shouldn’t ignore it. You might be on the verge or already have a flat tire. It could be caused by a nail or sharp edges on curbs. Whatever happened, if you have a flat tire, get it fixed as soon as possible. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is it such a big deal to be driving on a flat tire?” keep reading.

You Could Save the Tire

Let’s say you’re driving along your route from work to home. You pass a construction site like normal, but this time, your tire pressure light turns on a few miles past the site. You may have a nail from the construction in the tire. As soon as your tire pressure light pops on, you need to pull over to a safe area. It’s okay to drive on the flattening tire for just a few moments to seek an area to stop the car in.

If you change the tire, you can save the tire and bring it into a shop the next day. They’ll most likely be able to remove the nail and patch the hole. If you had kept driving, there might have been too much damage from a flat tire to save it.  Remember, call a tire change service if you’re in an unsafe area and don’t want to change the tire alone.

You’re Damaging the Rim

Driving on a flat tire damages more than the tire. It can start to damage the rim. By grinding, bending, and warping the rims, you’ll need some major repairs. This will cost you a pretty penny to fully fix. Even worse, driving on a flat tire can mess up the alignment, brakes, and suspension. Once all of these damages start taking place, you’ll start noticing you have less control of the vehicle.  This can lead to wrecks and overall driving anxiety. You want to know your car is safe to drive. Call your local road service with any concerns!

Stop Driving on a Flat Tire

Driving on a flat tire is never a good idea. It can cause issues for you, any passengers, and the car itself. Make sure to immediately address the issue if your car’s tire pressure light pops on.

Continuing to drive on a flat tire can damage a tire that could have been patched, and it could further damage certain parts of the car. You’ll be shoveling out lots of money to repair damages that could’ve been prevented. If you do change your tire, make sure you know how to do so, and do it in a safe area.

For more road service help, make sure to check out the rest of our site. After you check out these reviews, you won’t hesitate to call.

The 5 Most Common Roadside Emergencies (and How to Prevent Them)

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32 million drivers experienced car breakdowns in 2015, the most recent year we have a quality statistic. What’s interesting is the study found car breakdowns are happening more frequently every year.

That’s not surprising since cars on the road get older every year too. While it used to be uncommon for someone to drive a car older than 8 years, the average age of a car on the road is now 11.8 years old. While new cars can have problems too, the older a car gets the more likely they start developing issues.

And when those issues strike, you get caught on the side of the road. So how can you prepare for the most common roadside emergencies? Here’s how to plan.

A Flat Tire

Whether your tires are old or you hit debris in the road, a flat tire can ruin your road trip.

Always keep your car stocked with a spare, a quality jack, and a tire iron. Take the time to learn to change a tire. Or Call Us. We can help.

A Dead Battery

Battery issues are one of the most common car trouble problems. Keep jumper cables or an emergency jump kit in your car so you can jump your car anywhere. This is another car skill you should learn so you can help other drivers – or yourself!

An Overheating Engine

Your car can seem fine all winter long but your first long trip in the summer can lead to your car overheating. If your car overheats, let it cool down before trying to diagnose the problem.

Then check the coolant levels in the radiator. It’s a good idea to keeps some backup fluids like coolant or oil in your car, but water can do the trick in the pinch if the risk of freezing has passed.

Once the car is cool, and you’ve deemed everything looks in working order, start it up again and keep an eye on the heat. It’s a good idea to get your car checked by a mechanic right away.

You Get Stuck

Snow in winter or mud in spring, there’s a lot that nature can throw at your car. Make sure you always have a fully-stocked emergency kit in your car with flashlights, flares, food, blankets, and water. If you can, stock something that will give your car traction, like sticks and blankets for mud or snow, or kitty litter for icy roads.

Learn the best practices in case you get stuck on the side of the road.

You Lock Yourself Out

You’re not the first and you won’t be the last, lockouts occur all the time. The best way to avoid a lockout is to keep a spare key well hidden on your car. The second best is to have professional roadside service backing you up.

Be Prepared for the Most Common Roadside Emergencies

The most common roadside emergencies can happen to anyone, so make sure your car is ready. And if you truly want to be ready for anything, it helps to know you always have roadside emergency support.

Make sure you’re prepared for everything your car can throw at you. Make sure you have emergency road service.

Broken down

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

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Breaking down on a busy highway can be one of the most stressful situations. Not only is your day incredibly inconvenienced, but it can also be dangerous.

Although owning a new car may make you feel more confident, statistics show that drivers are breaking down more than ever. The advanced warning systems and alerts are nice, but increased electronics and technology can lead to more problems.

Regardless of if you’re driving an older car or a newer car, you need to know what to do if your car breaks down on the highway. How do you stay safe? Who do you call?

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

Breaking down anywhere, whether it’s a grocery store parking lot or in the middle of the highway can easily disrupt and ruin your day. However, the way you go about handling the situation is incredibly important for fixing your car, getting you back on the road, and keeping you safe.

Keep reading for a step by step guide on what to do if your car breaks down on the highway.

1. Pull the Car Onto the Shoulder of the Highway

As soon as you notice something is wrong with the car, turn on your turn signal so you can safely proceed to the side of the highway or the shoulder. This can occur for many reasons, such as:

Your goal should be to get the car as far out of harm’s way as possible without worsening your situations (driving into a ditch, grinding into a guard rail, etc.).

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

If you haven’t already, you now need to turn on your hazard lights. We don’t advise this immediately after you notice a problem, as it could distract you from pulling the car over safely. However, once pulled over, you need to make yourself more visible to other drivers and indicate that your car is broken down.

3. Stay Calm

Now, you have a moment to collect yourself. Stay calm and don’t allow yourself to be overcome with emotions such as panic, anger, frustration, fear, etc. Take deep breaths in and out as you count down from 30 if you feel yourself getting worked up.

Remember, this happens all the time, you’re going to be okay.

4. Decide Whether or Not You Need to Get Out

If possible, we recommend staying in the car with your seatbelt on, windows up, and doors locked for your own safety. You’re much more visible and safer in a car than on foot on a busy highway. The exception would be if you feel like staying in the car is more dangerous.

5. Call the Professionals

Finally, you need to call the professionals to come to help you with your car. Even if you know how to swap out a flat tire with your spare, doing so on the side of the highway may be too dangerous. Let a professional flat tire service handle it.

However, they can also give your battery a jump, replace a faulty battery, tow you to safety, etc. Additionally, a professional roadside service can provide further insight into what to do if your car breaks down on the highway.

Need Roadside Assistance?

If you’re in a sticky situation and need help with roadside assistance, we can help, even if it means walking you through what to do if your car breaks down on the highway. However, our services in Arizona and New Mexico exist to help stranded drivers with everything from fuel delivery and battery replacement to flat tires and towing.