how long can you drive on a spare tire

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

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Every motorist’s worst nightmare is suddenly being stuck with a flat tire while mid-journey. Although it can be extremely irritating, replacing a flat tire immediately is of critical importance. Driving with a flat tire can cause a huge number of problems, ranging from car engine issues to catastrophic road accidents.

That is why quick and effective flat tire replacement should always be your first course of action. Of course, to do this, you will need to use the spare tire in the back of your car. But how long can you drive on a spare tire? Is a spare tire a quick and temporary fix or a long-term replacement? Read on to find out everything you need to know about when to drive on a spare and for how long.

1. Different Types of Tire

Regardless of the flat tire causes, you will need to replace the tire immediately. However, different cars will have different types of flat tires. The type of tire you have in the back will determine how long you can drive on it and how quickly you should head to the nearest tire shop or call a tire replacement specialist. Here are the main types of tire you are likely to have in your car:

  • A space-saving ‘donut’ tire: This is one of the most common spare tires. It is smaller than your main tires and is designed to be easily stored and clapped onto your car.
  • A full-size spare: This is a spare tire that is a brand-new, exact replica of your existing permanent tires.
  • A run-flat spare: A run-flat spare is a tire that can maintain its pressure for a certain period after a puncture and is a temporary fix.

Your spare tire should be easy to identify and should be labeled accordingly.

2. How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Next comes the question of driving on a spare. Depending on the tire you have, you will be able to drive longer distances before heading to the repair shop. Here is what you need to know:

  • A space-saving tire: These are temporary fixes that should only be used to drive straight to the repair shop. It is recommended to not drive more than 70 miles on a space-saving tire and to not exceed speeds of 50mph.
  • A full-size spare: A full-size spare can theoretically be driven for as long as possible, as it has all of the functionality of a new tire. However, it will not have the same tread and wear as your other three tires, as it is brand new.
  • A run-flat spare: This is a tire that is specifically designed to keep you going until you can get a proper repair and replacement. It will be accompanied by a dashboard tracker that tells you how much pressure is left. The absolute maximum distance you should drive on a run-flat tire is 70 miles.

Instant Flat Tire Help Today

Now that you know how can you drive on a spare tire, it is time to get a permanent fix. No matter where your tire breaks down in Arizona or New Mexico, you can call us to get a quick and affordable replacement.

Mobile Car Battery Replacement

5 Easy Benefits of Mobile Car Battery Replacement

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Mobile Car Battery Replacement

Did you know that the average car battery lasts just four years? If your battery dies or isn’t holding its charge properly, you’re either going to need a jump start or a battery replacement. If your car won’t start, how are you supposed to drive to the repair shop? That’s where mobile car battery replacement can help. Read on to learn some of the key benefits of mobile battery replacement.

1. You Don’t Have to Drive

As we’ve already discussed, one of the key benefits is that even if your car won’t start, you can still get your battery replaced.

Even if you have enough charge to get the car running, it’s not a good idea to drive with a defective battery. You may find it dies en route to the repair shop, or it may cause further damage to the battery. Your battery also powers the electrical safety features in your car, so you’re putting yourself at risk by driving with a defective battery.

2. They Can Come to Your Work

Even if your battery fails when you’re not at home, it’s not a problem. Mobile means mobile, so a mobile car battery replacement technician can come to you no matter where you are, whether you’re at home, at work, or stranded on the side of the road.

3. Fits Around Your Schedule

Because a mobile car battery replacement technician can visit you wherever you are, it means it’s much easier to fit your battery replacement around your schedule. Instead of having to take time off work to drive to the repair shop, you can carry on working or getting on with your day, knowing that the battery replacement technician will come to you.

4. You Can Be Present When the Work Is Done

If you drop your car at the repair shop, you might sit in the waiting room, or head off somewhere else and return when the work is done. With a mobile battery replacement, you have the option to stay whilst the work is done so that you can find out first-hand what the problem is and what the best course of action is. It also gives you peace of mind that the work is being done correctly.

5. Saves You Money

A repair shop has a lot of overheads, not least of which is the premises themselves. A mobile battery repair company doesn’t have the same overheads, and they can pass some of those savings on to you. That means your battery replacement could work out cheaper than going to a repair shop.

Are You Looking for Mobile Car Battery Replacement?

If you’re in need of mobile car battery replacement services, then we’re to help. Whether you need a jump start or a battery replaced, we can send a qualified battery technician to your location who can assess your battery and either offer a jump-start or replace your battery. We also offer fuel delivery, flat tire services, windshield chip services, and more.

Check out our reviews and contact us today.

Battery installed near the V8 motor in SUV

Car Battery Died? Here’s What To Do Next

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There are few things more frustrating than getting stranded on the side of the road because your car battery died. It can also be a bit frightening depending on where you are and what time of day it is. If this happens to you, we’ve got you covered.

Car battery issues and getting stranded somewhere can cause anxiety. It is good to know that help is available whenever you need it, day or night. Keep reading to find out what you should do if this happens to you.

What to Do If Your Car Battery Died

If you get stranded and your car won’t start, you can get a battery delivered right to you. You no longer have to get stuck, with no way of getting home or to a safe location. With the use of your cell phone, you can have a new battery installed in no time.

Use jumper cables or call a friend who has some. Make sure you know how to jump-start your car. Sometimes there may not be another car nearby and some car battery issues are so bad that you must get a new one.

You could use an emergency car battery but that does not always work. Some people have their cars towed to a mechanic but you would have to pay towing fees and could leave your car all day.

Call a company that will come to you with a jumpstart service. They can get you back on the road soon.

Other Steps to Take

Try to stay with or close to your vehicle. Some people see a car on the side of the road as a target to look through and see if they can find something worth taking.

Make sure your car is not in the way of traffic. If so, put the car in neutral and move it to a safe location.

If you get your battery jump-started, you may want to go get a new battery installed. Your car will have enough life to get you there but your car battery dying is a sign you need a new one.

Phone a friend or family member to make sure someone knows where you are. This is especially important if you are in a location that does not seem secure or is not very populated.

If you are by the road at night, make sure your flashers are on to let drivers know to be cautious when passing by. Remain inside your vehicle and out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Be Prepared

No one wants to have car trouble, especially at inconvenient times. Unfortunately, life happens. Being prepared for the worst-case scenario will help you know what to do.

Have your cell phone charged so you can make calls when needed. Keep a good pair of jumper cables in the trunk.

If your car battery died, there are steps to take that will get you back on the road soon. Luckily, car battery issues are common and easy to replace. If you get stranded and your car won’t start, contact us for emergency road service.

how long does it take to change a flat tire

How Long Does It Take to Change a Flat Tire?

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Do you know how to change a flat tire?

During a pitstop, a NASCAR pit crew can replace all 4 tires and fill the gas tank of a car in under 15 seconds.

Of course, they use highly specialized tools and experienced personnel in order to perform those tasks so quickly. For the average person using everyday tools, changing a flat tire takes a bit longer.

But exactly how long does it take to change a flat tire?

The answer depends on a number of variables. We’ll tell you what those are and give you an estimate in this quick guide to changing a tire.

How Long Does It Take to Change a Flat Tire by Yourself?

How long it takes to change a flat tire depends on the type of car you drive. It also varies depending on where you’re trying to change it and conditions such as weather.

Generally speaking, though, changing a tire is relatively straightforward. If you’re a handy person and you can use the most common car repair tools, you’ll be able to complete the task by yourself.

It shouldn’t take any longer than 15 to 30 minutes. But if you need new tires, you might have to change all four, which will take longer.

How Long Does It Take a Professional to Change a Flat Tire?

What type of car you drive is also a variable in the length of time it takes a professional mechanic or tire center to change your tire. Their process also impacts the length of time but, more influential is how busy the service center is.

While a professional mechanic can likely change your tire faster than you can by yourself, they’re limited by how many other cars they’re working on. The amount of time it takes a professional to change a flat tire therefore varies greatly.

Benefits of Going to a Professional vs Changing the Tire Yourself

Changing a flat tire yourself means saving the money otherwise spent at a service center or mechanic. It also means you can do it on your own time and save what time it would take to drive to have the service done and wait for it to be completed.

But if you’re not experienced, having your tire changed by a professional might actually be faster. Plus, a professional has more insight into the mechanics of your vehicle and can check everything from air pressure and rotation to tread-wear and pinholes.

Tire safety is extremely critical. Besides the damage you’ll cause by driving on a flat tire, in 2016 alone, over 700 motor vehicle deaths were related to a tire malfunction.

Get a Professional Tire Change 

So, how long does it take to change a flat tire? That depends on the make of your vehicle and whether you change it by yourself or with a professional.

A fairly straightforward task, changing a tire yourself is absolutely do-able. But considering how important tire safety is, it might be in your best interest to call the professionals if you’re inexperienced or simply can’t find the time. Find out more about our flat tire service here.

chipped windshield repair

Windshield Repair: Should You Fix a Chipped Windshield?

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Chipped Windshield?

When you’re driving on the open road, you’re probably aware of what could go wrong. A flat tire might leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere or you might run out of gas with the nearest gas station miles away.

These are the dangers most people prepare for. But have you ever considered the danger of driving with a chipped windshield?

Read on to find out why it’s so important to fix a chip in your windshield before it becomes a bigger problem.

Why Should They Be Fixed Immediately?

Chipped windshields are fairly common, especially on longer car trips. Chips are most often caused by debris from other vehicles or roadworks hitting your windshield at high speed. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid them.

A chipped windshield may not seem like a big deal. In fact, you may not even notice little cracks and chips at first. So why is it important to fix them?

From Chips to Cracks

Even if the chip on your windscreen is small enough not to bother you, pressure on your windscreen will eventually turn that tiny chip into a massive crack. Pressure can come from anything, including wind and changing temperature.

Cracks weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle and can lead to your windshield shattering or causing an accident.

Keep Your Vision Crystal Clear

A badly-placed chip or crack can obscure your vision while driving. This is particularly dangerous if a sudden change in pressure quickly lengthens the crack in your windshield mid-journey or the chip reflects sun into your eyes.

Safety isn’t just about seatbelts and speed. Make sure you keep yourself and passengers safe by keeping your windshield free from chips and cracks.

Save in the Long Run

Because chips can so easily lead to cracks and shattered glass, you’re going to want to fix them before you have to replace your windscreen entirely. Save yourself the time and the hundreds of dollars it takes to replace an entire windshield by repairing chips as soon as you see them.

Chips are usually much easier and cheaper to repair. You can even have them fixed on the move!

Avoid Penalties

When it comes to chipped and cracked windshields, laws vary according to different states. However, federal law dictates that any cracks and chips that obstruct the driver’s vision, or are larger than three inches by three inches could lead to penalties.

Now you might think because your chip is small or on the passenger’s side, you’re in the clear. But remember, chips can easily turn into larger cracks under pressure. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Chipped Windshield? No Problem

Chips and cracks can lead to more serious damage to your vehicle and can turn into a safety hazard if ignored. That’s why it’s important to repair your chipped windshield as soon as you notice it. Contact us to book a roadside service or for more information on how we can make your car trip safer and smoother.

Windshield Chip Repair Service

Emergency Road Services

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.

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.

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.

3 Common Issues Your Car Battery Can Have

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A faulty or dead car battery will ruin your day and possibly your week. Now, you have to call a friend to help you get to an auto shop to purchase a new battery.

You can see how your inconvenience is becoming a bigger nightmare for everyone.

Make sure you know the three common car battery problems so you can form solutions and prevent further issues.

1. Corrosion of the Battery

An obvious issue for battery failure is when the battery acid has started to corrode the unit.

The positive and negative terminals on the top of your battery are the points for charging the battery and for the alternator.

Mild corrosion may prevent you from jump-starting the battery or the alternator from charging up the battery when you turn the ignition.

A big sign of corrosion is discolored growths on and around the positive and negative terminals. Expect to see green or blue fungus-like acid on the battery. Another sign of corrosion is a white powder forming.

Battery corrosion is a normal process of the life cycle of a car battery. Small signs of corrosion don’t warrant any panic.

You can remove some acid by wiping it away with a dry rag. For tougher acid corrosion, use a wire brush carefully.

2. Car Battery Problems Are Age-Related

It shouldn’t be a shock that an old battery will die on you. The concept is the same as batteries in a TV remote or clock. Eventually, the battery will have no charge left.

The average lifespan of a battery is up to five years but can be as short as three years depending on climate.

Monitor the age of the car battery and test it regularly.

Parking a car in a garage and not using it can also create battery problems. The alternator in the car charges the battery. If you’re not using the car, the battery continues to drain even if it’s not in use.

It’s good to use all your vehicles occasionally to prevent the battery from dying. You can use a battery charger if you’re unable to use a vehicle for a while.

By knowing the age and watching your battery for signs of failure, you can prevent being caught off-guard on the road. Luckily, there are professionals who can assist you in that event.

3. Cold Climates

Have you ever noticed that your car battery always seems to die during the winter? There’s a reason for that.

Car batteries nearing the end of their life will freeze at relatively cold temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fully charged car batteries are 60% weaker at zero degrees outside.

Unless you have a garage to store your vehicle at night, it might be helpful to keep a portable battery starter in the house.

Look for signs that the battery is dying by watching for dimming lights or clicking sounds when you turn over the ignition.

Drive With Confidence

Knowing the common car battery problems allows you to prevent the issues and form solutions so you aren’t caught stranded on the road.

Even the basic warning your car battery is on its last leg will help you.

If you become stranded without help, contact us for our mobile battery service so we can get you back on the road.