Did you know that making an improper turn is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes across America? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 2018 was the third-deadliest decade on American roads:

• 36,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes
• Vehicle occupants accounted for 66 percent of traffic deaths
• Driving behaviors including making improper turns is one of the causes of fatal crashes

How To Turn While Towing

1. Left Turns (Multi-lane left turn/Vehicle-left side of the lane)

• Merge vehicle over to the right lane
• Conduct a left turn

Caution:

• Always confirm there is no vehicle in the right lane  
• It’s best to turn left from the right turn lane (if multiple left-turn lanes available)
• Ensure the use of turn signals when making turns
• Routinely check mirrors

 

2. Right Turns (Multi-lane/Vehicle-right side of the lane)

• Stay tight to right curb
• Conduct a right turn

Caution:

• Never extend vehicle to the left lane when making turn
• Use turn signals to indicate driving intentions
• Block the right lane with trailer to prevent someone from attempting to get around you on the right
• Observe other drivers

Towing Tips And Tricks

1. Plot Out The Turn

Before making a turn, plan and visualize ahead of the maneuver.

 

2. Wider Turns

Cut a sharper corner than your vehicle to maximize chances of clearing the corner safely.  

 

3. Mirrors

Constantly check mirrors to be aware of surroundings.

 

4. Practice

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Practice turning trailers from small-sized to large-sized trailers.

 

5. Know Thy Size

The size of the trailer matters most. Understand the trailers details and dimensions.

 

6. Consult the Experts

Experiencing trouble with driving while towing a large trailer? Call the towing professionals. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Extra Tips:

• Before conducting turns, wait a few seconds for traffic to clear
• When making wider turns, check for objects like mailboxes, street signs, other vehicles, and people
• Properly adjust mirrors to safely approximate trailer dimensions and wheels
• Always check mirrors
• Block the lane
• Use turn signals
• Always be patient

 

Cape Coral, Florida's Leader in Fast and Reliable Towing Services | Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc.

In order to avoid vehicle crashes, it is important to understand proper turning techniques while towing. Learn from Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc., Florida’s quick and trusted towing service experts.

 

Since 1993, Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. has provided high-quality and affordable towing services to Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs and the surrounding Southwest Florida areas. 

• Boat Towing and Hauling
• Car Removal Services
• Commercial Towing
• Flat Bed Towing
• Fleet Towing
• Emergency Road Side Assistance
• Emergency Towing Services
  • Boat Towing
  • Car Towing
  • Mini Bus Towing
  • Motorcycle Towing
  • Recreational Vehicle Towing
  • Trailer Towing
  • Truck Towing
  • Van Towing
• Private Vehicle Delivery
• Towing Contractor

To discover more about towing while turning, call Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. at 239-458-3333/239-656-4030 or request a service online.

What Should I Do if I Run Out of Fuel on the Road in Cape Coral, Fl

According to statistics, more than 50% of drivers constantly test the limits of their vehicles by driving on reserve. Bad things. Running out of fuel is bad news for your engine, whether you drive a petrol or diesel car.

Running out of fuel at the roadside is a bad idea for many reasons. For a start it can put you in unnecessary danger, stranded beside speeding vehicles. And depending on the kind of car you drive and its age, it could cause mechanical complications when you do get fuel.

Running out of fuel, the best thing to do:

1) Find a safe place to pull over – make sure your hazard lights are on.

2) Call for help – whether that’s a friend or relative that can help with getting more petrol to you, or roadside assistance if you have a diesel car.

3) Avoid pulling over on the hard shoulder of a motorway, it can be incredibly dangerous. Stopping on the hard shoulder should only be done in an emergency situation where you have no other choice.

4) Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation.

How do you know your car is running dry? 

• The fuel gauge is designed to be the first sign that your car is running out of gas. 
• When the fuel tank gets beyond a quarter empty an orange warning light comes on. 
• On some cars, the range function then automatically lights up on the instrument panel.

Here’s a quick look at what happens to your car when you run out of fuel. 

• Loss of Power – This will be one of the earliest signs of an empty gas tank and will be most noticeable when going uphill. If you press the gas pedal and the vehicle does not accelerate, then fuel starvation is a likely cause.
• Engine Sputtering – This will make it seem almost like the engine is burping or hiccupping; this is caused by there being too much air—and not enough fuel—entering the cylinder.
• Surging – This will be felt in the form of a jerking sensation from behind the wheel, almost as if your car momentarily stops and then thrusts forward; this is the result of inconsistent fuel supply.
• Backfire – While uncommon in newer vehicles, a loud pop in older vehicles, like a firework going off, coming from the tailpipe, may also be a sign that you are out of gas.

 Things to Do if Your Car Runs Out of Gas on the Highway

1.   Pull Your Vehicle to Safety

• The most important thing to remember about running out of gas is that you do not want to turn an inconvenience into an accident.
•  When a low fuel indicator is on, and vehicle is demonstrating one of the low-fuel symptoms, immediately turn on hazard lights.
  
  

2.   Ascertain Your Location

• It is essential to know the exact location of the vehicle so that no confusion is caused when help comes on the way.
• In addition, if you need to leave the vehicle, you will not want to be wandering around looking for it on the way back.
• If possible, take note of your GPS coordinates.
  
  

3.   Call for Assistance

•  Make a call to the best roadside assistance and let them know that you are stranded without gas.
•  If you are getting a fuel delivery service, make sure they know what type of fuel your vehicle requires. I

4.   Flag Down Help

• When flagging down help, it is vital to make sure that you are in a visible location, well out of the way of traffic. 
• Avoid standing on curves and corners, and try to use bright clothing or any other articles that are likely to catch the attention of passersby.

If you are unable to place a call or flag down help and do have to walk to find gas, remember the following pieces of advice:

• Walk back from the direction you came. If you run out of gas in an unfamiliar area, do not go walking into the great unknown. Walk back in the direction from which you came, as you will be more familiar with the terrain.
• Take snacks and water. Do not attempt to walk for gas if you do not have food and water to last you for an extended hike.
• Keep yourself visible. Make sure that passing traffic can see you as you walk to safety.
•  It is best to stay in your vehicle and wait for somebody to stop and help.

Is running out of fuel bad for a car?

The roadside is a very dangerous place to spend time. But apart from that, there are a couple of reasons why it’s less than ideal to run out of fuel.

Older cars can have debris that’s accumulated over the years at the bottom of the fuel tank. There are filters designed to prevent this from making it into the engine. It’s better those don’t get clogged as eventually, this may impede the flow of fuel.

The fuel also cools the fuel pump. But don’t worry, running out of fuel once shouldn’t damage the pump. Running out multiple times might. Of more concern is that you may struggle to re-start your car.

What to do if in need of assistance?  

If you find towing complicated and dangerous that would risk your safety and of your family, better call the professional towing company near you. Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services Inc., Southwest Florida’s towing expert company has the resources, experience, and equipped with highly trained Cape Coral emergency towing experts in Florida. 

 

  Why Choose Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services

·         Fast and Reliable Towing Services

·         More than 25 years of experience 

·         Emergency Towing Services 

·         Family-owned and operated towing company

In addition to our emergency towing services, we also offer 24-hour emergency roadside assistance services. You can receive help in a hurry when you need a change of tires, gas, require or jump-start, or any other roadside services.  Our drivers always respond with a sense of urgency whenever they are attending to your emergency service needs.

We are just a phone call away to come to your aid and assist you. You can call us at (239) 458-3333 or you also submit a service request here. Visit our website for more details.

Cape Coral Heavy Equipment Towing Tips

Are you in need of heavy equipment towing services near you? Did your trailer get broken down on the side of the road and in need of towing, or simply curious how do these heavy equipment towing works.

 

When it comes to towing services, we at Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services, Inc. have years of experience and understand the needs of your clients. Here we share and break down the fundamentals of heavy equipment towing.       

 

Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services, Inc., since 1993, is a family-owned and operated towing service company that has been providing high-quality towing service to the residents and businesses in Southwest Florida. 

What Is Heavy Equipment Towing?

Heavy equipment towing is a process of towing, hauling, moving, and shipping heavy equipment, commonly in a form of a transport vehicle such as trailers, buses, semi-trucks, track vehicles, and other equipment.

What are the types of heavy equipment towing:

1. Wheeled vehicle towing – these types of vehicles that can be towed without using a flatbed, usually wheeled transport vehicles like buses and semi-trucks. Ordinarily, the process is the same as towing a car, where the wheeled transport vehicles are lifted up, secured, and towed by a heavy-duty tow truck.  

 

2. Non-wheeled equipment towing - are a type of vehicle that can be towed using a flatbed, or equipment without wheels such as bulldozers cranes, and other equipment. It is where the equipment is hoisted onto the flatbed using a crane or be driven into the flatbed.

Before Towing Tips: 

Tip No. 1: Ensure to Use the Right Equipment

Before starting off, it is necessary and a MUST to use the right and proper equipment. Gather all the necessary information such as the configuration and type of all things to be moved, physical dimensions and weight, and most importantly the towing vehicle is in compliance with the safety and gross weight rating.

 

Tip No. 2: Do Safety Checks

As always, check first the safety of the vehicle and trailer, overall such as its mirrors, reflectors, tires, horns, axles, hydraulic hoses, lights, and others. It is commendable that the brakes should be applied before loading the equipment to lessen the movement of the equipment and for safety purposes.   

 

Tip No. 3: Secure Everything 

Everything should be properly secured to lessen movement while in transit. Check the cargo, special equipment, and all tie the downs or wedges if they are tight and locked in place. Search for visible signs on the tie-down equipment that could possibly fray or break while in transit. Additionally, fully use pads in all edges of the towing bed to make sure the tie downs don’t get damaged from friction or weight during the transit.

 

Tip No. 4: Distribute Properly

Commonly, wrong loading is one of the causes of most transport vehicle accidents. Balance all the weight evenly by placing the transported items properly. Place the equipment or cargo correctly so that the driver can maintain control of the transport vehicles and to avoid the risk of tipping over.

 

Tip No. 5: Check the Road Laws and Local Regulatory Requirements

Each state has its own laws and regulations as to transporting items, goods, or things. Read, inquire, and comply with the necessary requirements as needed. Never assume the regulations the same from departure point to destination point. Take note for interstate commercial loads, Federal regulations are being applied especially for cargos or items that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.

 

Tip No. 6: Assign Qualified and Experienced Drivers

Letting a greenhorn driver drive behind the wheel when transporting big loads, is very risky and a dangerous mistake. Assign only a driver who has years of experience, applicable training, and has certified for heavy equipment load driving skills. Moreover, those drivers should always be updated in their training to learn new things and ensure their skills are fresh at all times.    

 

During Towing Tips: 

We recommend every now and then to re-check the transport items or cargos, to ensure everything is going well during the trip. If possible, the driver should literally go down and check-up if the load has not slipped or outbalanced, and the tie downs are still tight and secured.  

 

Last Minute Towing Tips:

Here are some useful safety advice and suggestions to avoid accidents and hazards from happening during driving and operation of heavy equipment:

• always wear seat belts
• blind spots are dangerous, avoid them
• personnel should maintain constant communication
• always use the Three-Point Rule for mounting and dismounting
• practice safety during loading and unloading
• prevent hazards by doing Pre-Work Checks
• get to know and obey load limits
• recognize the driver’s physical and emotional limits

 

If you find yourself and your trailer truck got broken down in the middle of nowhere and in need of towing services, don’t hesitate to call Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services. We have the towing experience, equipped capable resources, and a highly trained team of experts in towing at Cape Coral, Florida.  

 

Contact us at 239-458-3333/ 239-656-4030, or you can make a Service Request at https://www.capetowing.net/request-service/, for all your towing needs including fleet towing and accident response situations.  

 

Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. | Southwest Florida’s Towing Expert

We offer several towing services for different types of transport vehicles such as:

 

• Truck Towing
• Car Towing
• Van Towing
• Motorcycle Towing
• Recreational Vehicle Towing
• Boat Towing
• Trailer Towing
• Minibus Towing

 

Learn to know more about us at https://www.capetowing.net/about-us/, or visit our Service Areas: Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Burnt Store, Bokeelia, St. James City, Matlacha, Bonita Springs, and Gateway.

 

Traveling long distances is never easy. Questions of doubt and fear can be overwhelming 

like if you would take my car and when engine failure happens, how can you tow my car? 

If hiring a towing company, can they provide a professional towing service for your precious 

car investment?     

 

Whether you are a professional or a greenhorn driver, learning to know about the 

fundamentals of towing is important and essential for any person who drives behind the 

wheel. We share below some basics of towing and steps on how to make sure you have 

a safe emergency towing method to use while traveling.

 

What is towing?

Towing is a process of hauling or pulling behind a line, chain, or other forms of connection. 

Commonly seen and performed on cars, trailers, tractors, waterborne vessels, and all 

sorts of transport vehicles.      

 

What are the three different types of towing methods and how to 

use them?

There are three methods used in towing a transport vehicle namely the tow dolly method, 

trailer method, and tow bar method:

FLATBED TOWING

 

1. Tow Dolly Method

This method is performed by lifting the front wheels of the vehicle and allowing the rear 

wheels on the road while being towed. It is one of the budget-friendly and safest towing 

options for your vehicle.  

What are the steps in using the tow dolly?

 

Step No. 1:

Manually connect the tow dolly by attaching the coupler to the hitch ball on the towing 

vehicle. To ensure the coupler is tightly secured, slowly move the vehicle and the dolly 

in the opposite direction. Next anchor the chains from the dolly to the towing vehicle. 

This is to ensure the dolly will not detach from the car if the coupler comes off the 

hitch ball.

 

Step No. 2:

Load the towed vehicle by driving the car onto the dolly ramp facing forward. Remember, 

first make sure that the width fits the ramp, and do not forget to check the other parts 

while loading.

 

Step No. 3:

Secure the towed vehicle by driving into the dolly with both front tires against the wheel 

stops. Tire straps should be used by locking them with front tires. Stay safe by keeping 

the chains away from the fuel and brake lines.

 

Step No. 4:

Lastly, disconnect the driveshaft by going underneath the towed vehicle. Look for the 

U-joint, holding the driveshaft to the differential component. Use a strap cord to lock 

the driveshaft into the undercarriage and secure it to a frame, not the exhaust pipes. 

Next, exit the four bolts at U-joint and push the driveshaft in an upward motion. Then 

get the bolts back(yoke) on the differential component. Do again the same steps with 

another axle. If you find yourself having difficulty in doing it, better call in the 

professionals.

2.Trailer Method

A trailer method is a towing process where a towed vehicle hauls or moves a trailer, 

sometimes the trailer is a massive transport vehicle while the towed vehicle is much 

smaller in size. It is recommendable to know beforehand the tow rating of the towing 

vehicle, rated enough to haul the weight of the car and trailer as well.

 

What are the steps in using the trailer method?

Step No. 1: First, connect the trailer. Make sure to attach the trailer to the hitch ball 

of the towing vehicle and move the vehicle slightly forward (same as the tow dolly). 

The trailer coupler should be connected to the hitch. Next, the safety chains should 

be connected from the trailer to the towing vehicle, and make sure to attach the 

trailer wiring to the towing vehicle’s socket.

 

Step No. 2: Ramp the transport vehicle. The trailer ramps should be extended by 

then you can drive the towed vehicle onto the trailer. Remember to maintain the 

center point while driving slowly upwards. Next, set the vehicle in parking gear 

and place it with brakes.

 

Step No. 3: Secure the vehicle to the trailer. By using the nets or straps, placed 

them over the center of the front tires. Then ratchet the strap down to make 

sure they are secured, tight, and safe.

 

3.Tow Bar Method

A tow bar method is a towing method where all the wheels of the towed vehicle 

are on the ground while moving. A safety warning in using this method is that 

beforehand you need to detach the driveshaft to avoid damaging the transmission 

and always connect the brackets to the front frame of the towed vehicle.

 

What are the steps in using the tow bar method?

Step No. 1: Position firmly the bracket frame. By using the tow bar as a guide, 

check the hardest part of the vehicle frame in order to join the bracket on each 

side of the front of the towed vehicle (requiring you to drill into the frame component 

of your vehicle).

 

Step No. 2: Next, examine the brake lights if it is in good condition. Do not touch 

them during the towing process.

 

Step No. 3: Connect the tow bar to the towing vehicle by joining the tow bar

 bracket to the towed vehicle. This can be done by sliding the bolts through both 

ends of the tow bar (connecting to the brackets).

 

Next, make sure the bolts are tight by using washers and nuts of the same bolt 

size. Tighten it by using a ratchet. Then, use the bolt, nut, and washers 

(together with the tow bar) in attaching the two tow bars coming from the 

bracket end on the towed vehicle to the pivot brackets.

 

Lastly, attach the chains from the towed vehicle to the pivot bracket from the 

base plate to the towed vehicle.

 

Additional Important Towing Tips:

Below are some extra driving safety suggestions to avoid accidents from 

happening during your towing operation:

• use the right and proper equipment

• correctly hitch up your trailer

• when driving always allow plenty of stopping distance

• preemptively anticipate problems

• when passing, be patient

• always watch out for trailer sways

• when changing lanes be extra careful

 

What to do if in need of assistance?  

If you find towing complicated and dangerous that would risk your safety and 

of your family, better call the professional towing company near you. Cape 

Coral Towing and Recovery Services Inc., Southwest Florida’s towing 

expert company has the resources, experience, and equipment with highly 

trained Cape Coral emergency towing experts in Florida. 

 

Contact us at 239-458-3333/ 239-656-4030, or you can make a Service 

Request at https://www.capetowing.net/request-service/, for all your 

towing needs, whenever and wherever near Cape Coral, Florida.  

   

Why Choose Cape Coral Towing and Recovery Services

• Fast and Reliable Towing Services

• More than 25 years of experience 

• Emergency Towing Services 

• Family-owned and operated towing company

• Available 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, and 365 days in a
  year towing services

 

Learn to know why we are Southwest Florida’s Towing Expert Company, 

by checking us out at https://www.capetowing.net/.