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

How Far Can You Drive With Your Gas Light On?

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Did you know that almost one million people run out of gas every year? Pay attention to when that gas light comes on so you don’t end up being one of them!

Driving with your gas light on can be pretty risky for you and your vehicle. Read on to find out when your tank is actually empty!

My Gas Light Is On … Is My Tank Empty?

No! You’re not completely out of gas…yet.

Your gas light comes on to remind you that you are getting low and are now operating on your gas reserves. So, there’s no need to freak out, but you should make your way to the gas station sooner rather than later.

So, How Long Do I Have Then?

The amount of miles you have left until your tank is empty varies from vehicle to vehicle because every automaker has its light coming on at different times. However, you should be safe for at least another thirty miles.

Some automobiles can continue on for another fifty or so miles. It just depends on what kind of car you have.

It’s best to shoot for thirty miles instead of fifty. Also, you could just play it safe and take the next exit you see to fill up the tank.

Is It Bad for My Vehicle to Run On Empty?

Continually running on an empty tank will not only cause your car problems but also could potentially leave you stranded. It might not seem like a big deal because your empty gas light really is just a warning. However, there are a few things you should know about gas and the bottom of your empty tank.

Some pretty gross things settle to the bottom of your fuel tank over time. Dirt, sediment, and other debris are just a few.

It’s really not that big of a deal until you let your tank get below 1/4 full. Once it drops below that amount, you run the risk of pulling that debris through your fuel filter.

That can cause clogs, a damaged fuel pump, and more. When your fuel filter clogs, not as much fuel is getting to your engine, which can cause it to misfire.

You can guess that this isn’t good for the overall health of your engine and could cause you some serious problems down the line. It will also cost you a pretty penny in car maintenance.

Call for Help

If you do run out of gas and find yourself stranded, the safest thing to do is pull off, turn on your hazards, and call us for fuel delivery if you’re near the Tucson or Albuquerque areas. We’ll bring you two gallons of gas to get you back up and running.

Be sure to pay attention to when your gas light is on, and you’ll avoid any safety or car maintenance issues. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry!

If you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery, we can help with that too. Check out our jump-start service to know what to do.

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 - Not the battery

What’s Going On? My Car Won’t Start, but the Battery Is Still Good

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Car Won’t Start – Battery Is Fine

There’s nothing worse than car trouble. This is especially true when your car won’t start.

The next time you get in your car on a cold morning and discover that it won’t start, the problem could be any number of things. That’s why it’s important to have a basic understanding of how to troubleshoot the possible issues.

This article can help. Here we take a look at possible reasons your car won’t start but battery is good. The key is to be able to troubleshoot the problem fast so you can get on your way as soon as possible.

Keep reading to learn more.

Make Sure Battery Connections Are Secure

Let’s start by keeping things simple. First, take a moment to make sure your battery connections on each battery post are connected properly. After all, a good battery that’s not connected is no better than a dead battery.

You Might Be Out of Gas

Here’s a simple fact of life: if you’re out of gas, your car isn’t going to start. That’s why you need to check your gas gauge. And if the needle is on empty, you’ll need to have someone bring you a few gallons so you can get to the gas station.

The Starter Is Bad

It’s also possible that your starter is bad. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your engine will crank. If not, there’s a strong possibility that your starter will need to be replaced.

Your Spark Plugs Are Bad

When was the last time you checked your spark plugs? Because when they go bad, you won’t have any luck getting your car to start. Go ahead and pop your hood, remove and clean each plug, then screw them back in place. If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to replace them.

The Alternator Is Toast

When you have a good battery but your alternator is dead, your battery won’t charge. It could be a simple matter of a loose or broken alternator belt, so check the belt before investing in a replacement alternator.

Transmission Is in Neutral

This might seem silly, but your car might be in neutral. Get in your car and check the shifter is in park before moving on to the next possibility.

It’s also wouldn’t hurt to check the fuse box for a bad fuse.

Key Fob Battery Is Dead

Most modern cars have key fobs for locking the doors. Keep in mind that key fobs operate on small batteries and those batteries eventually die. That’s why it’s important to keep a spare fob battery in your console in case of emergencies.

Top Reasons a Car Won’t Start But Battery Is Good

Nothing is a bigger headache than a car that won’t start when you’re in a hurry. Fortunately, this guide to troubleshooting when car won’t start but battery is good will help you make a frustrating situation a bit less stressful.

Please contact us today to learn how our battery service can rescue you from being stranded.

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!

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.

This Is Why Your Car May Smell Like Gas

This Is Why Your Car May Smell Like Gas

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Some car issues can be ignored for a while, but a gas smell in the cabin is not one of them. You should make an appointment at a repair shop immediately if your car smells like gas. A gas leak could cause your car to catch on fire.

Don’t panic just yet though. While sometimes gas odors can result from scary and expensive car problems, the smell might also be an easy fix. Here are four answers to the question “why does my car smell like gas,” ranked from least to most concerning.

Damaged or Open Gas Cap

First, the bad news. The gas cap prevents fuel vapor from escaping your gas tank, so if it’s broken or not closed, gas fumes will leak out of your car. Not only does this smell bad, but it leads to gas you paid for evaporating instead of powering your engine.

The good news is that replacing a gas cap is both easy and cheap. Unless you drive a luxury car, a new gas cap shouldn’t cost more than $20, and you can do the repair yourself instead of taking it to a mechanic.

Spark Plug Issues

Spark plugs ignite the fuel inside your car’s engine. They screw into a hole that can potentially release the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. If you have a spark plug that’s damaged or improperly installed, it may let gas fumes leak into your HVAC system.

Faulty spark plugs will also make your car less fuel-efficient. If you have basic car repair knowledge, you can replace your own spark plugs. The plugs themselves are relatively cheap as well.

Broken EVAP System/Charcoal Canister

Your car’s EVAP system directs some engine fumes to a charcoal-filled tank for extra filtration before they are released. This reduces the levels of harmful chemicals in your car’s exhaust.

The EVAP system could make your car smell like gas in two ways: the charcoal canister could be cracked, or the valve that controls fume release could be broken.

Gas Leaks in Tank or Fuel Lines

A gas leak is the most dangerous possible reason your car smells like gas. If the fuel leaking out of your car finds an ignition source, your vehicle could go up in flames.

The fuel lines carry gas from the tank to your engine. They are visible underneath the car, and if you’re handy you can patch them yourself.

A leaky fuel tank is a much bigger problem. If you catch the leak early, a mechanic will be able to patch it, but a big hole will necessitate a new fuel tank. That could run you upwards of $1000.

Car Smells Like Gas? Turn to the Pros

If your car smells like gas it could mean big trouble. You might be able to fix it yourself, but it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.

In a perfect world, you would take care of any car issues before something bad happened on the road. The world isn’t perfect, so if you need roadside assistance, Dugger Services is here to help. Whether you need a tire change, new battery, or fuel delivery, they can come to you to get you back on the road.

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!

Flat tire - Can you put on a spare?

How To Safely Drive on a Spare Tire

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Spare Tire

Did you know that 60% of people claim that they can’t change a flat tire? Like it or not, we’re all bound to have that unlucky day when we have to switch out a flat for a spare.  Whether you belong inside or outside that sixty percent margin, it’s safe to say a good share of people aren’t quite familiar with the ins and outs of what to do after they throw on their spare tire. Your spare tire can’t necessarily be treated like the tire it replaced, and there are some important precautions to keep in mind when driving on one. Should you find yourself having to continue driving with your spare tire, this short guide will explain how you can drive to best accommodate it.

Driving On A Spare Tire

Firstly, if you have any difficulty or uncertainty with the process of changing your tire or handling your spare, do not hesitate to simply consult a reliable roadside assistance service company. If you’re not completely confident with the process, it’s best that you don’t take the risk.

However, if you’ve changed your tire and are ready to go, here are some things you should keep in mind when driving on spare tires.

By its very design, most spare tires are slimmer, more compact and primarily designed to fit in your vehicle’s trunk. It also has very little tread compared to a standard tire. It’s made with long-term storage in mind, which means short-term driving. If you can, you should limit your distance to no more than seventy miles and your speed to no more than fifty miles per hour while your spare is attached. The size difference between the spare and your other tires requires varying power from your car’s transmission. This can potentially cause further car trouble or even breakdowns if you drive longer or faster than you should.

With this in mind, you should also be aware of additional complications posed by this disparity in wheel sizes. Do not use cruise control, be especially cautious on wet or icy surfaces, and take turns very slowly. Also, you truly never know when your spare tire might be needed, so it’s important to stay prepared before any problem actually occurs. Always make sure your spare is inflated to a pressure of 60 psi (pounds per square inch) or the recommended PSI on the tire. After all, it won’t do you any good to change out one flat for another!

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Again, for any number of reasons, you might not be prepared or fully confident with the process of what to do after getting a flat tire. That’s completely okay, and you’re certainly not alone! It’s a troubling situation altogether, and we’re here to help. Whether you need a spare tire, your car towed, or your battery jump-started, Dugger’s Road Service is here to help. All it takes is one quick call, and we’ll be out to you in no time.

Are you having any roadside trouble? Give us a call today! 1-877-823-9696