Do I have a flat tire?

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A car tire should give you at least 70,000 miles of safe driving. This is assuming you don’t run over any nails or otherwise damage your tires.

But what happens when one of your tires unexpectedly goes flat? There are many car maintenance shops around that can fix the problem and get your car back on the road in no time.

But before you call a mechanic, you want to be sure that your tire is deflated and that no other issues are causing problems. Keep reading for everything you need to know about identifying a flat tire.

Signs of a Flat Tire

The first thing you should do is a visual inspection. If you notice that one of your tires appears lower than the others, or if there’s a bulge in the sidewall, then you’re likely dealing with a flat tire.

Press down on your tire with one hand to see if it feels like there’s less pressure than normal. If there is, change your tire as soon as possible.

If you’re ever stuck in the middle of a highway and can’t get out of your car to check on your tires, here are other signs that your tire is flat.

Vibrating Steering Wheel

The vibrations from a flat tire can cause the car to lose its balance, which causes the steering wheel to shake. If you notice this symptom while driving on an uneven road, try switching lanes or slowing down until the shaking stops. If it doesn’t stop after a few minutes, then chances are that one of your tires has gone flat and needs attention.

Thumping Noise

If you hear a loud flapping noise while driving, especially when going over bumps in the road or hitting potholes, then one of your tires is probably flat. When a tire is under-inflated, it will not maintain its shape and the material will slap against the road’s surface instead of rolling smoothly.

Uneven Driving

The most obvious sign you need a tire replacement is when your car leans to one side. When a tire loses its air pressure and can’t support the weight of your vehicle, it will cause that side of your car to sag. The ride will also be bumpier since the remaining wheels are struggling to balance themselves.

Trouble Speeding

You might notice that when you’re driving on flat terrains, the car feels like it’s struggling to pick up speed. Though many car problems can lead to this, there’s one sure sign that it’s a tire problem: the car will be off balance.

If one side of your car is leaning, this will cause an imbalance in how much traction each wheel gets from the road’s surface. The car will have a harder time gripping the road and accelerating because the weight of the car is being distributed unevenly.

Driving With a Flat Tire

If you’re driving with a flat tire, you must be extra cautious. You’ll need to drive slowly and avoid potholes or other obstacles that could cause your car to swerve.

Also, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times. This will help keep you in control of the imbalanced vehicle.

Fix a Flat Tire

A flat tire can be scary, especially when you discover it on the highway. If yours goes down while you’re driving to work one morning, call Dugger Services for emergency roadside assistance. We’ll send someone to meet you on the road and help you get back up and running safely.

Our services are 24/7, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time of the day or night. We’re here to help!

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 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!

Low on gas

Why You Shouldn’t Drive When You’re Low On Gas

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Many people have driven around with a low amount of gas in their cars. Whether this is an accident or because they think they can make it to a gas station before running out, it is a common occurrence.

While this is common, it is something you should avoid doing. Driving while low on gas can lead to issues with your car that will cost you in the long run.

Read on to learn about the reasons why you should not attempt driving on empty.

1. Immense Damage

If you are driving while low on gas, you will eventually break down.

Breaking down is not only a stressful experience, but it can cause damage to your car as well. For example, your exhaust system can be damaged due to your car stalling out. The specific part in this system that will experience the damage is the catalytic converter

The electric fuel-pump motor in your car can also experience damage due to driving low on gas. This can happen because the fuel pump will suck in air, creating unwanted heat.

These kinds of damages can be costly, so driving with a filled gas tank will prevent you from having to spend money on avoidable damage.

2. Expensive Gas Prices

Along with costly repairs, you will end up paying more money when you fill your car up with gas.

You eventually will begin to panic and pull into the nearest gas station. This gas station may be more expensive than others, but because you had no choice but to go there, you end up spending more money.

Pulling over to get gas before reaching an empty gas tank will prevent you from panicking, as well as save you money.

3. Dangers and Stress of Being Stranded

One thing people may not think about until it is too late is what they will do if they are stranded after breaking down. While you are waiting for fuel delivery to reach you, you may become very stressed out.

This can be dangerous if you break down in a high-traffic area. It may be difficult to not panic, especially if cars are passing you by at a very fast speed. This can lead to an accident if you break down in a spot where you are at risk of getting hit.

Avoid ending up in this situation by getting gas when you reach a quarter tank of gas.

Driving Low on Gas: Emergency Fuel Service

If you are stuck in a situation where you need emergency fuel delivered to you, you may wonder who you should call.

Duggar’s Road Service offers fuel delivery if you are ever in need of emergency fuel. We are dedicated to offering you exceptional service and are a reputable roadside service company. Here are some of our reviews.

If you fear that we may not be able to get to you due to the time of day, do not worry! Duggar’s has 24/7 emergency services available, including fuel delivery.

Contact us if you need fuel delivery or any of our other roadside services.

emergency roadside assistance2016

Tips: Stay Safe as You Wait for Emergency Roadside Assistance

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Emergency Roadside Assistance

We try to avoid it, but over 95 percent of drivers experience a roadside breakdown, according to car insurance companies. A dead battery or mis-fueling are two leading causes.

Help is a mobile phone call away, but safety is still important while you wait for emergency roadside assistance. Here are some handy roadside safety tips to get you through an emergency breakdown.

Keep Roadside Emergency Items in Your Vehicle

Half the safety battle is preparing for an emergency breakdown before you start driving. Emergency items include:

  • First aid kits
  • Drinking water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Road flares and emergency markers
  • Reflective vest

You’ll also need jumper cables, a spare tire, and other tools.

Good roadside assistance services may provide a spare tire or mobile battery replacement if you need it. But if they don’t, you could end up stuck longer.

Exit the Vehicle Carefully

The safest option is to park your car completely off the road (if you can) and remain inside until emergency roadside assistance arrives.

If you must exit the vehicle, always exit opposite the road and wear a reflective vest. Do not remain in the incoming traffic path for any reason, especially if it’s dark or on the interstate.

Use Hazard Lights and Warning Markers

Other drivers must know your car is stopped before they are upon it. This is very important for cars traveling +60mph that can’t react to a roadside breakdown at the last second.

Keep your hazard lights on, if you can. A completely dead battery may not power hazard lights, and running hazards for a few hours can drain the battery.

Road flares and roadside emergency markers will help other motorists avoid collisions if hazards aren’t an option.

Call Emergency Roadside Assistance

It’s tempting to call family or friends first, but emergency roadside assistance should be the phone call priority.

Roadside assistance services can generally respond more quickly, find you much faster, and they are already prepared for most common car issues.

Stay Vigilant During the Roadside Breakdown

Other motorists may pull over to assist you with the emergency breakdown. If you let them help, it’s a risk to their safety and yours.

Most people are genuinely helpful, but the safest choice is to remain inside, with your doors locked. You can crack your window slightly to exchange information.

Inform other motorists that emergency roadside assistance and highway patrol has your location and is on the way. This will let the good samaritans know you’re safe, and also deter would-be criminals.

Stay Hydrated, Warm, or Cool

Roadside breakdown planning should factor in the people traveling with you, and the time it would take emergency roadside assistance to reach your vehicle. Avoiding dehydration is crucial for certain situations:

  • High heat and dry climates
  • Very cold climates
  • Traveling with babies, toddlers, or young children
  • Traveling with senior citizens
  • Areas far from amenities
  • Driving after hiking or other strenuous activities

One lone water bottle won’t be enough preparation. Experts recommend drinking around half a gallon a day on average.

You may also need items like portable battery fans or blankets in climates with extreme summer and winter temperatures.

Don’t Let a Roadside Emergency Break You Down

An emergency breakdown is stressful and scary, but there are steps to stay safe. Preparation and situational awareness will save the day.

Emergency roadside assistance is also your savior. If you need a fast and comprehensive response, contact us at Dugger’s Road Service for 24-hour roadside assistance services.

4 Common Causes Of Car Breakdowns
Tire Change Service
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

how can you avoid getting a flat tire

How Can You Avoid Getting a Flat Tire?

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How Can You Avoid Getting a Flat Tire?

There is nothing that derails your day quite like a flat tire. It’s annoying, frustrating, and can be expensive to fix or replace.

But what if there was a way to avoid getting a flat tire in the first place? There is!

So if you’re wondering how can you avoid getting a flat tire, read below for a few quick tips.

Always Keep Tires Properly Inflated

People often make the mistake of ignoring their tire pressure until it’s too late. Keeping your tires properly inflated can reduce the likelihood of a flat tire.

If the pressure is too high the car may handle differently and not as smoothly. But without enough pressure, the tires wear down more quickly.

If you are unsure what the right tire pressure is, you can always check the car manual or the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure of how to check your tire pressure, you can ask a mechanic or read the instructions on the handheld tire pressure tool.

And whatever you do, don’t drive on a flat tire.

Avoid Rough Roads and Hazards When Possible

It may not be possible to avoid every bumpy road and construction zone when driving. But if you have the opportunity, take an alternate route to avoid areas with hazards. Construction zones may have nails or sharp metal that can damage tires.

Potholes can damage the tires, wheels, and even the body of the car, so be careful. If you notice changes to your tires like bulging or cracking, consult an expert.

Check Your Brakes

Your car’s brakes are possibly the biggest safety concern of being a car owner. Properly functioning brakes can also impact the tires. When brakes are worn or improperly adjusted it can cause uneven wear on the tires.

You can ask about brakes performance during routine service visits or when you notice there is uneven tread on your tires.

Get Your Wheels Aligned and Tires Rotated Regularly

Getting your wheels aligned can prevent uneven tread on tires. The uneven tread is what increases your chances of getting a flat.

Similarly, you should have your tires rotated on a regular basis too. Tire rotation can prolong the life of the tires.

Both of these services can be completed during routine maintenance. The frequency of wheel alignment and tire rotation is about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or if you notice uneven tread.

How Can You Avoid Getting a Flat Tire?

How can you avoid getting a flat tire? While you may not be able to guarantee that you won’t get a flat tire, these tips will limit your risk.

Always drive safely and pay attention to any warning lights or unusual sounds in your car.

If you do find yourself with a flat tire and in need of assistance, give us a call, and we will help you get back on the road in no time!

emergency fuel delivery

What to Do If You Run Out of Gas and Need Emergency Fuel Delivery

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Is one of your biggest fears that you’ll be driving down the road and run out of gas? Do you know what to do if that situation should arise?

While it can be scary to run out of gas, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s possible to get emergency fuel delivery, which will allow you to fill up your tank and get back on the road.

Read on for some other tips on what to do if you run out of gas.

1. Stay Calm

Finding yourself in a car that no longer has gas can be stressful and frustrating — but it happens. With so much going on in your life, it’s easy to forget to swing by the gas station to fill up your tank.

Should you find your car sputtering and slowing down while driving, it’s imperative that you stay calm. If you panic, you won’t be able to think clearly and logically. That will make the situation feels one thousand times worse than it really is.

Don’t be embarrassed if your car ran out of gas on the road. It happens. It can be fixed.

2. Get Safe

If you ran out of gas on the highway, the first thing you need to do is get safe. That means pulling over onto the shoulder as far as possible and turning on your hazard lights.

Should you happen to have flares or hazard signs in your vehicle, set those up. The more visible you can make yourself to other drivers, the less likely they are to slam into you.

3. Call Someone for Emergency Fuel Delivery

After you have gotten yourself safe, you may then be wondering who to call when you run out of gas. The best option is a company that specializes in fuel delivery for emergencies.

You may be able to find this information by doing a search while sitting on the side of the road, but being prepared and having the number stored in your phone might be a better option. This way, you’ll know exactly who to call and they’ll be able to get to your location quickly.

4. Know Your Location

For the fuel delivery driver to be able to get you back on the road, they need to be able to find you. Knowing your location can help with that endeavor.

Look for street signs and landmarks. If you are on the highway, find the mile marker closest to you. Should you find yourself on the side of the road at night, make yourself as visible as

possible. If you have a flashlight, use that to signal the fuel delivery driver. You might also consider using flares if you have them so that you can be found.

Finding Help When Stranded

Whether your car runs out of gas fast or you forgot one time to fill up your tank, getting help as soon as possible is in your best interest. If you need emergency fuel delivery, call Dugger’s Emergency Road Service. We’ll get to you as fast as possible so that you can get back on the road.

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.

jump start

Your Guide on How to Jump Start a Car

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Do you drive a car every day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, cars are the primary source of transportation for getting around in the world.

That’s why a dead battery can be a major issue. When your battery is dead, you might find yourself unable to get to work or stranded away from home. This is especially bad when it happens at night or during severe weather.

This article takes a look at how to jump a car when you have a dead battery. Keep reading to discover the insight scoop for how to get the help you need to get your vehicle up and running again.

Always Keep Jumper Cables In Your Trunk

The first step in jump starting a car is you’ll need jumper cables. This might sound obvious, but you’re going to be dead in the water without them. You can buy inexpensive jumper cable at most major retail stores and hardware stores but spend go ahead and spend a few extra bucks on good ones.

Buy a Jump Starter

A jump starter is basically a car battery with jumper cables attached. Keep one of these bad boys in the trunk in case of trouble, and then when your battery needs a jump, you won’t have to worry about sweet-talking someone into helping you out.

You can purchase a decent jump starter for less than a hundred dollars, and this can really save the day if you find yourself in a tight spot.

Make Sure Both Cars Are In Park or Neutral

Before getting out your jumper cables, you’ll need to park the vehicles so that the batteries are as close together as possible. Now put both cars are in park or neutral and turn off the engines. It’s also a good idea to set the parking brakes.

Attaching the Jumper Cables

Getting this part right is extremely important. Now you’re ready to attach the cables to the batteries.

Attach the red clamp to the positive post on your battery first, then clamp the other red clamp to the positive post in the other car. Once that’s done, go ahead and attach the black clamp on your end to your negative battery post. But don’t attach the other black clamp to the remaining negative battery post.

Instead, attach it to a piece of unpainted metal that’s not near your battery. This will serve as a ground.

Start the Other Car

Once the cables are attached to both cars, go ahead and start the car with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes. This will hopefully give your dead battery a chance to charge enough to start.

Try to Start Your Car

After your battery has charged for five minutes or so, try to start it. It should start right up. If not, go ahead and let it charge for another five to ten minutes. But if there’s still a problem, you’ll probably need to call for help.

Calling for Help

You might need to call a professional roadside service company for help. They usually have a jump starter with them, or they can provide a tow back to the house.

A Guide to How to Jump a Car

Being stranded in your car in a parking lot can be stressful. Fortunately, this guide to how to jump a car will help reduce anxiety during an emergency situation.

Click here to learn more about our emergency battery 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.