Protecting Your Car From Winter Wear & Tear

We're still just hovering at the beginning of winter - and so far we're seeing our fair share of winter weather for our area. While it's easy to get caught up in preparing for weather by filling our pantry, checking our pipes, and making sure we have enough blankets on hand - sometimes our vehicles get forgotten about. From protecting your paint to your tires and even the interior of your vehicle, here are a few ways you can protect your car even during the dead of winter.

Protecting Your Paint

With winter weather comes road salt - and this can be extremely hard on your car's finish. Your best bet to protect your the paint on your vehicle by putting a coating on it. If you aren't sure what type of coating would be best for your vehicle, there are many ways to find one that works not only with your vehicle but with your budget as well. We know it can be hard to wash your vehicle in the winter, but it's important to not let the salt sit on your vehicle for any longer than you have to.

Protecting Your Wheels

Did you know that there are actually products that protect your wheels the same way they can protect your vehicle's paint? Take some time to treat your tires and wheels with respect, as they are what keeps you getting around safe on the road in many types of weather. In cold weather, you want to keep the rubber soft and supple to keep it from cracking - but you also want to make sure they have plenty of air in them as well! If you find that the tread on your tires is getting too low, we keep a good stock of tires at the Lake of the Ozarks and can have them changed out for you.

Protecting Your Windshield Wipers

There are special additives that you can get for your windshield wiper fluid that will help keep your windshield clean and frost free! This is not only good for your windshield but also your wipers as well. Snow and ice can be hard on your wipers - so it's important to take care of them. You will also want to keep a good, quality ice scraper in your vehicle for those moments.

Protecting Your Garage

There are garage floor mats that you can get to protect your garage floor. These mats have a raised lip around the outside to keep water from spreading all around your garage and making it slippery and dangerous. It can also keep your concrete clean from oils leaks.

Keeping It Covered & Protect the Interior

If you have to keep your car outside during the winter, you may want to consider getting a cover to help protect the finish from getting too much winter weather. There are many covers on the market that are manageable enough to take on and off every day, while still protecting your vehicle.

Don't forget about the interior of your vehicle as well! Winter is just as hard on the inside of your car as it is on the outside, especially the floor mats. By keeping quality mats in your car, it can protect the flooring from salt, water, snow, mud, and dirt.

Keeping Your Car Running Longer at Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive

While you care for the outside of your vehicle - let US care for the inside! Cold temps can be just as hard on your engine as it is on your paint, and if you find that your car isn't running properly, or it makes strange sounds, bring it in! As the weather could get bad this weekend, don't forget to stay safe and be careful. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, remember that Bledsoe's offers 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks and we want to be your first call for rescue.

Serving the Lake of the Ozarks with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Tips for Driving Safe in the Rain

The last few days have been on the dreary side of life, and with that, comes the chance for accidents and incidents due to the inclemate weather. Rain, fog, clouds, and now cooler weather all play a part in the driving conditions, and while we are the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we really don't want to see you in a position where you need us. Here are a few ways you can drive safely in rainy weather, and hopefully see less of us!

Did You Know

While you probably assumed driving in the rain was dangerous, did you know that it's more dangerous than driving in the snow? Research has shown that 46 percent of weather-related crashes happened during rainfall, but only 17 percent while it was snowing or sleeting. Of course, this is in part because drivers tend to stay home when the weather gets bad, but it does also show that drivers as a whole don't acknowledge the dangers of driving in the rain.

Rain Ready

The tread on your tires makes a huge difference in your ability to keep control of your vehicle. One way you can check is by grabbing a quarter (some say to use a penny, but some researchers say a quarter is more accurate). Insert the quarter in your tire and if Washington's head is always covered by the tire than you should have more than 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If the top of Washington's head is exposed, you need to get new tires. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive we have the best tires at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Tire pressure is also important. Check your pressure once a month, using a tire gauge. You also want to check your windshield wipers to make sure they are ready to function properly when you're out on the road. Finally, check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals and make sure they are all in working order. 

Keep It Slow

In order to stay safe out on the road, be sure to keep a safe distance between you and the other drivers. A good way to know how far to stay back is by staying about 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. When the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed marker, like a street light, count three seconds. Add more time if it's raining, like five seconds, and then add another second per driving challenge.

Beware of Technology

There is some technology that is safe to use in bad weather, others that are not - the key is knowing which is which. Cruise control is not safe to use while you're driving in the rain because you lose some early weight transfer as you let off the gas. Traction-control, however, is made for rainy days and can prevent the wheels from slipping on wet pavement.Your antilock braking is also meant to prevent the loss of steering control during hard braking, especially on wet and slippery roads.

Stay Safe on the Roads

Whether you're driving on a bright and sunny day, or a wet dreary day, the Bledsoe's team hopes you have a safe time on the road. Whether you find yourself with a broken windshield wiper or stuck in a ditch, our automotive company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help. Give us a call at (573) 346-7050 for 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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How To Eliminate Driving Distractions

Driving can seem like a mundane, day to day deal, something ordinary and basic. While this may be true, it's also true that driving can be dangerous - and made worse by distractions. There are so many things being thrown at you every day, and they don't go away when you get behind the wheel. At Bledsoe's Towing, we see first-hand the dangers of distracted driving. As the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we respond to the scene of many incidents, and we don't want you to be the next. Here are a few ways you can decrease distractions while you're driving and help keep you safe on the road.

What Is Distracting You?

Did you know that 10 percent of all drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time? At any given moment in the United States, there are 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating an electronic device. So what is distracting you, and what is considered distracted driving? It's any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. Here are a few things competing for your attention:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
• Smoking
• Pets

How to Eliminate Distractions

The most important thing is to focus on driving. If there is anything that is grabbing your attention, do what you can to eliminate it. Adjust your mirrors and find your radio station before you start driving, and put your cell phone in a place where you don't have access to it. If you think anyone will be concerned that you don't answer your cell phone immediately, you can state in your voicemail that you don't answer while driving and that you will get back with them soon. There are no reasons that are better than your safety.

Another way to eliminate distractions is to stow away all loose articles in your car. It's instinctive to want to catch something if it rolls or flies across your vehicle, so if you secure it safely before you begin, that is one less thing to worry about.

Keeping You Safe From Beginning to End

At Bledsoe's Towing, we know first-hand how dangerous it can be to drive distracted, and we hope that you use safe driving practices so that you don't have to call us. If, however, you do find yourself in a sticky situation, Bledsoe's Towing provides the best 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would be glad to come get you and bring you back to the shop to then figure out what happened. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or give us a call at (573) 346-7050!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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3 Ways to Stay Safe During Thanksgiving Travel

Along with holiday festivities comes holiday travel, and according the AAA there will be 48.7 million Americans traveling over 50 miles from home.With excessive travel comes the possibility of auto accidents, vehicle malfunctions and more. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, we see many of the things that can happen to you while you're on the road, and we are here to help. Here are a few ways you can stay safe while out on the road, and how Bledsoe's Towing can help!

Get a Check Up

Before taking your vehicle out on the road for a long drive, you can't go wrong with having it looked over. We can check the level of your fluids, your brakes, tires and more. If you'll be going on a long drive, you may even want to have your oil changed before making the trek. Don't forget to check your windshield wipers and your headlights as well. If you'll be going on a long trip, you will probably run into some type of weather, and it's best to be prepared for it with good wiper blades and lights.

When you have your car looked over before a trip, it can help diagnose any issues that might arise, and catch them before you're stuck on the side of the road. Of course, if you do find yourself stranded, don't forget to call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We pride ourselves on taking care of you and your family and getting you back on the road fast.

Plan Your Route

During this busy time of year, it's always a good idea to make sure you know exactly where you are going. Getting lost, missing your exit, and taking wrong turns can all make for a stressed out ride. Not to mention, when you are stressed, it's harder to make safe decisions. While looking over your route, check to see if there will be any construction in between point A and point B. Road construction can add to your travel time and make the trip harder to navigate.

Drive Safe

Just as much as ever before, make sure that you are using safe practises while you're out on the road. Keep plenty of distance between you and the other vehicles. It has commonly been thought that you only need a distance of ten cars in order to stop while going 70 miles per hour, but you really need twenty four cars length to stop. If you run into any bad weather, you'll want to keep even more of a distance.

Happy Thanksgiving From Bledsoe's Towing

From the time you leave till the time you get back, the Bledsoe's Towing family hopes you have a safe and wonderful holiday. Should you have any car troubles, don't forget to call Bledsoe's for the best automotive care at the Lake of the Ozarks. Happy Thanksgiving!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

Ready or not, old man winter is making his way to our area soon - is your car ready for him? Every year winter comes and goes, and you never know whether to expect a harsh winter with snow, ice, and chilly temperatures - or a mild winter where it feels like you can still keep your garden going. No matter what happens, there are a few things you can do for your vehicle to help make the transition to winter, and the survival of winter a little smoother and easier. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to keep you safe on the road for every season, so here are a few ways to get your car prepared for winter!

Check Your Antifreeze

When your antifreeze is low, it can prevent the coolant from running properly because it could freeze. This can inhibit your engine's ability to cool, and even in cold weather, it could overheat. Are you afraid that your coolant is low? Bring your car out to Bledsoe's Towing and we'll take a look at it for you.

Keep The Tank Full

Not only is it a good idea to keep your fuel tank above half because it helps it to run smoothly, but in the winter you just never know what to expect. Have you ever been stuck in bad winter traffic where everyone is trying to get home at two miles per hour? Your twenty minute drive just became two hours, and if you don't have enough fuel to keep your car running that long, you'll have more issues than staying on a slick road.

Get Your Tires Rotated & Aligned

Your tires play a huge role in getting you from point A to point B, so make sure they are in tip-top shape for the upcoming winter. If they are starting to bald, you'll want to check them, and potentially replace them. You want to have plenty of grip on your tires when you venture out into inclimate weather. You also want to stay on top of having them rotated and aligned. This helps to keep your tires in good condition by wearing them properly.

Change Our Your Windshield Wiper Fluid

Chances are, if you'll be driving much this winter, you'll run into some form of weather where you need your windshield wiper fluid. There are also summer blends and winter blends to consider. While the summer blend is mostly water, the winter blend has other compounds added to it to keep it from freezing.

Pack Your Car Properly

Finally, you want to pack your car appropriately. While we don't live in an area where sudden blizzards are common, it doesn't hurt to keep a few items in your car just in case you need them. Think of things like nonperishable food, some water, blankets, gloves and hats. You'll also want to have things for your car like jumper cables, a bag of kitty litter or sand to help get you out of a ditch. Or, you can program our phone number into your phone so that if you do end up somewhere that you didn't intend you can give us a call for the best towing service at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Best Car Shop at the Lake of the Ozarks

Are you looking for a place to bring your vehicle for a tune up or repair? At Bledsoe's Towing we specialize in keeping your car up and running no matter what season - but we definitely want to help you prepare for this season and make your winter driving a success!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Important Driving Tips For Halloween

As Halloween approaches, it's time to start being even more aware of your surroundings when flying driving! While Halloween is a fun night to get out and trick-or-treat, you should also remember that it can be one of the most dangerous nights for kids and adults of all ages. In fact, according to Sperling's BestPlaces, fatalities more than double on Halloween versus any other night, and most of the fatalities occurred with children ages 12-15 (32% of all child fatalities), followed by children ages 5-8 (23%).

At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to help keep you, other children, and even your car safe as you enjoy the holiday. Here are a few things to remember as your drive around the area with, or without, trick-or-treaters in tow.

Be Aware & Eliminate Distractions

While we will be the first to tell you that safe driving starts with distraction-free driving ALWAYS, it's especially important on the evenings surrounding Halloween. Put your phone down, and don't mess around with the radio. The majority of accidents on this night do not happen at intersections - they happen on roadways where you're not expecting children to dash out.

If you'll be on the road between 4 PM and 8 PM, those are the most common times you'll find children out and about. No matter what night Halloween falls on you'll want to be cautious of the weekend before and after the holiday, as many activities will be scheduled then instead of the day of.

Watch & Communicate

You'll want to watch out for children dashing across the street. If one of your headlights is out, this is a great time to replace it so you have adequate light to see properly. You'll also want to communicate with other drivers, and if you're pulling over to drop kids off to get candy - always put your hazards on. As well, if a car pulls over ahead of you, please try not to pass it. You never know when a child will come running out in front.

You Aren't Just Watching for Kids

If you thought the only thing you were watching for was children - think again. Many adults celebrate Halloween and the celebrations are likely to include alcohol. Check out these sobering facts from Julie Butcher Law about Halloween and intoxication:

• 54 people died in vehicle accidents on Halloween night in 2012 nationwide.
• Nearly half of the fatalities occurred in accidents involving drunk drivers. On an average day, a third of traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.
• 28% of Halloween crash fatalities were pedestrians, double the rate on an average day.
• From 2008 to 2012, 21% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

If you will be celebrating the night with alcohol, please drink responsibly and call a cab or find a designated driver who can get you home safely. 

Happy Halloween from Bledsoe's Towing!

We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday filled with fun games, great costumes, and obviously - LOTS of candy! Should you find that you ended up with more of a "trick" instead of "treat", and your car is malfunctioning, we can help. From tires and oil changes to windshield replacement and towing or accident recovery, our car mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks want to serve you. Have a safe night, and if you find yourself in a ditch, call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Questions to Ask Your Towing Company

When you call us or your roadside assistance program for a tow, we can wager that it's because you're stranded on the road and need help. While this is normally a situation where you don't have a lot of time to ask questions and just need results, there are a few things you want to know about before getting your tow. At Bledsoe's Towing, we provide expert towing services at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we look forward to responding to your call. Here are a few questions you should ask your towing company when you give them a call, or even beforehand to solidify a relationship before the emergency!

What are your hours?

This can be an extremely important question when you're looking for a towing company that has your best interest at heart. While some companies may only respond to your call at certain hours of the day, Bledsoe's Towing will respond to your call about towing at the Lake of the Ozarks twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We're available when you're in need.

What is your response time?

While this can vary depending on the situation and what all is going on, our primary goal is to get to you as soon as we can so that you aren't stuck for longer than necessary. If you call your roadside assistance, you are dependent on their response time as well as ours, so you have to wait a little longer in some cases. When you call us directly, we send an employee out at the shortest possible moment to respond to your call

Do you accept my insurance?

You always want to ask your towing company if they accept your insurance. In many cases, it works out in your favor, especially when you get a hold of us through your roadside assistance program. If this is something that worries you, please, give us a call before you ever have an emergency. It's always a good idea to know who you'll call when you're in a hurry for an answer. Call us and figure out if we can accept your insurance, learn about our process, how to pay us, and what areas we respond to, and then program our number into your phone so you can call us quickly if anything happens.

What does your quote include?

This is a great question to ask your towing company because sometimes it's helpful to know if they can repair a tire while they're out, or give you a ride somewhere since your vehicle is being towed to the shop. 

Best Automotive Compay at the Lake of the Ozarks

The best part about hiring Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive for your towing needs is that we can also get your car back on the road with our expert vehicle maintenance services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Does your car just need basic tuning up? We can help with that too! Bring your vehicle out to our shop. We're conveniently located off the square in Camdenton and we would be glad to take a look and have your car running as good as new!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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What Should You Do In Case Of A Car Accident?

The unthinkable has happened, you were driving down the road and suddenly, something unexpected happened and now you are in the ditch. After you've assessed the situation, it's time to start acting. Was there anyone else involved? Is your car capable of running? All of these are important questions to ask yourself. At Bledsoe's Towing, we take your safety seriously and we want to make sure that no matter what, you and your family are safe.

We provide 24 hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we'll be on the way to rescue you shortly. Before we get there, here are a few things you should do to make sure that you are covered and taken care of.

Assess the Situation

First, you want to make sure that no one has been injured. If everyone is okay, you'll want to make sure before ever stepping out of your vehicle that you have not hit any power lines. If you have, you'll want to stay in your vehicle to limit your risk of electrocution. If you smell smoke, though, this will change how you handle yourself, and you'll want to get out safely, but with certain precautions. If this is the case, you should jump away from the vehicle without touching it, and land with both feet together. Then hop as far away as possible keeping both feet together - but this is only in worst case scenarios.

Set Up Alerts

If you vehicle still works, you'll want to put your emergency blinkers on. If your vehicle is incapable of starting, you should put reflective cones around your vehicle to warn other drivers that you are having trouble so they can be careful around you. If you don't have any reflective cones in your vehicle, now is the time to get them so you'll be prepared.

Call the Police

When you are involved in an accident, you always want to call the police - especially if there is another vehicle involved. By calling the police you are protecting yourself and your car because they can file a police report which can be used when you file a claim. This is even more important if there is someone else involved because it will verify who was really at fault in the accident.

Call Your Lake of the Ozarks Tow Company

Bledsoe's Towing is open 24 hours a day, so no matter what time you find yourself in a sticky situation, we are ready to come to your rescue. While you want to call us quickly so we can be on the way, please call the police first. We will ask you several questions regarding the type of vehicle you have and the condition of the vehicle like whether it starts or not.

Keeping You Safe One Vehicle At a Time

From rescuing you on the highway with our towing services to helping keep you out of the ditch by keeping your car in working order, Bledsoe's Towing is here to help. We have the best vehicle maintenance at the lake of the Ozarks, and we would be honored to not only answer your car questions but fix them too. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or give us a call to get the answers you need.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Tips for Driving Safely In the Dark

While driving can always come with a certain amount of risk, the risks are increased at night. Did you know that the accident death rate is three times more likely after sundown? While you can't exactly get out of driving places when it gets dark, there are a few things that you should remember to help keep you and everyone on the road safe when you head out later in the day. Let the best automotive repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks show you a few tips and statistics about night driving.

Night Driving Dangers

Did your grandparents ever tell you that nothing good happens after 10 PM? Well, on the road that is the case in many situations. While it's mostly just related to vision problems, there are other dangers to be aware of. 32% of crashes at night involve at least one driver who has consumed alcohol. It is not safe to drink and drive, so if you'll be enjoying a night out on the town, be sure to have a designated driver prearranged, or find other means of transportation.

In many cases, night driving is only dangerous because the lighting is low and vision problems become more prevalent. In fact, 90% of driver's reaction times are affected by the influence the light has on their vision. Night driving can affect your depth perception, color recognition, and even your peripheral vision.

Drowsy driving is also a hazard of driving at night. It dulls your concentration and slows your reaction time to anything that can happen. If you feel the slightest bit drowsy while you're driving, it's best to find a place to pull over and rest up or switch drivers. While Bledsoe's Towing is the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would rather not see you put in harm's way from sleeping at the wheel.

• Night Driving Tips to Keep You Safe
• Keep your headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows clean for easy visibility.
• Make sure your headlights are aimed properly.
• Reduce speed and increase your following distances at night.
• Don't use your high beams when following or approaching another vehicle.
• If you're blinded by oncoming traffic, use the edge of the road as a visual guide.
• Keep your eyes moving rather than focusing on one area.
• Always watch for deer, turkey, possums, racoons and more.
• Watch for the flash of headlights, other drivers could be signaling you to troubles ahead.

24 Hour Towing at the Lake of the Ozarks

At Bledsoe's Towing, our primary goal is to make sure that you and your family stay safe while on the road. Whether that's during the day or night, in normal driving conditions or hazardous ones. Should you ever find yourself in a bind while on the road or have troubles with your vehicle even in the driveway, we'd love to help you out!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing & automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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5 Tips for Teaching Your Teen How to Drive

The day has finally come and your baby is learning how to drive their first car. They're more excited than can be expressed, while you ... you're terrified! Driving is a rite of passage for many teenagers, especially now that school is starting up, there's nothing greater than getting to skip the school bus. As a parent, you want to teach them appropriate driving safety, though, because this is even more important than teaching them how to color within the lines.

At Bledsoe's Towing, we care just as much about your teenager out on the road as you, if not more so. We're one of the first called to the scene of an accident because we offer 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we don't like to see your young adult involved in those types of fender benders. Here are a few things to remember as your teaching your teenager how to drive.

Be The Parent With the Plan

There are driving teaching plans out there which can give you the guidance you may need to get started. According to the NPR, the driving plan teaching students and parents alike how to navigate and teach situations that will be likely on the road. After all, let's face it, while you may not be a professional teacher or driver, you are a professional parent who cares about the safety of their child. A study was done to show that when taking a driving test after studying from a driving program, they were 65% more likely to pass their test. If you aren't sure where to start, start by following a plan.

Don't Just Play It Safe

While we do suggest playing it safe while on the road, we don't suggest only keeping your child in the large empty parking lot. You do need to start in the empty parking lot at first to gain necessary skills in stopping, gaining speed, finding their turn signals and windshield wipers, but at some point, you'll want to get out on the open road. While it's tempting to only pick times of the day that are not as busy, and you will want to start out there, as your child gets better control, start challenging them while they are in the safety of your care instead of out on the road alone. Try driving in bad weather, merging onto busy traffic, driving through rush hour traffic, and even driving in varied weather situations.

Surprise Obstacles

At some point, while driving down the backwoods of the Ozarks, your child is likely to stumble upon a possum, skunk, raccoon, armadillo, turkey, vulture, squirrel, or even deer. These can be alarming to find while driving, and obviously, they won't want to hit it, but you should talk ahead of time about the important of not swerving. In many cases, the animals do get out of the way in time or even backtrack in time without you even having to adjust your speed. Teach them that slamming their brakes or swerving can cause them to end up in the ditch, or worse, rolling down one of those large hills that the Ozarks are known for.

"Donut" Forget to Skid

While you can't actually put your child in a harmful situation where they have to learn how to regain control of their vehicle while skidding to a stop, you can practice skidding. Doing donuts in an empty parking lot will help them become familiar with the effects of skidding on their vehicle, and how to regain control of the vehicle once that happens. Sometimes the best reaction in a situation is a muscle memory reaction after hours of practice. Take them out on rainy days, hot days, and snowy days so they can get a feel for the road in many different situations.

Finally, Hug It Out In the End

If you think back to your driving days, like many of us, it possibly ended in tears or anger. This is a growing process for both of you, but don't ever forget to hug it out. Just like the millions of people who have learned how to safely drive and navigate the roads, your child will as well. Give them plenty of affirmation when they do a good job, and when they don't do a good job, try to calmly teach them a better way to handle it.

Best Automotive Center at the Lake of the Ozarks

As your child learns to drive, we can honestly say that our tow truck doesn't ever want to see them - and definitely not know them on a first-name basis! However, most likely, there will be a small fender bender in your child's future, and when it happens, call the team you can trust. At Bledsoe's Towing, we are available 24 hours a day, and when you need us, we're just a phone call away.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Car Safety for Kids

Wearing your seatbelt is the law, but what happens when you're a small baby or toddler? Do you know the rules for keeping your children safe when they are in booster seats, forward facing car seats, or rear facing car seats? At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to keep all of your passengers safe, from the largest to the smallest and everyone in between. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buckling your kids up for their next ride.

Quick Glance at Types of Car Seats

Every age requires a different form of safety for your child, so it's important to know what the requirements are before getting them in the car.

Infants & Toddlers - Rear facing or rear facing convertible car seats only
Toddlers & Preschoolers - Convertible car seat or forward facing with harness
School - aged Children - Booster Seats
Older Children - Seatbelts

Safety for Infants

The AAP recommends that ALL infants ride rear facing beginning with their first ride home. As surprising as it may seem, they should continue to ride rear-facing until they are at least two years of age, or until the reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat.

Before bringing your baby home, you will want to read the manufacturer's instructions for both the car and the car seat to learn the best way to get it secured in the vehicle. You can have them secured down with the Latch System, or with your seatbelt.

Safety for Toddlers & Preschoolers

When your child has grown too large for their rear-facing seat, you can then transition them into a forward facing seat. They should use a forward-facing seat with a harness, and you should keep them in that harness as long as possible, hopefully, four years of age.

Safety for School-Aged Children

Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, it's time to upgrade to a booster seat! Most of the children will not fit in most vehicle seat belts without a boost until they are ten to eleven years old, and all children younger than thirteen should ride int eh back seat. There will be instructions that come with your booster seat to let you know what the height and weight limits are. You can get a high back booster seat or a backless booster seat. This all depends on what your child would like.

Safety for Older Children

After your child is at least eight years old, weighs at least 80 pounds or is taller than 4'9" they can upgrade to just a seatbelt. The should belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat, and the lap belt should be low and snug across the upper thighs. Be sure that your child doesn't tuck the should belt under their arm or behind their back. 

Caring For Your Child's Safety

We care about your children's safety just as much as we care about your when you're out and about in your vehicle. Even small fender benders can make a huge impact when a child is not strapped in properly in their seat. Bledsoe's Towing is proud to be the best auto mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks, so when you have a car problem, we are here to help. Do you need towing at the Lake of the Ozarks? We can help with that too, and we provide 24-hour towing so no matter what time you need us, we're there.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Safety at the Fuel Pump

Between work, school, and activities, we guess you probably spend quite a bit of time at the gas pump. While it may be a normal part of your routine, sometimes we forget how important it is to remain safe at the gas pump. After all, they're extremely flammable, and can be the cause of many injuries when you're not paying attention. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want you to stay safe around your vehicle, whether you're driving it, or caring for it. Here are a few things to remember next time you fill your tank.

Never Leave the Pump Unattended

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many times it can be an easy one to fall into. If it's either really hot or really cold, the first thing you want to do is jump back in that car and not have to stand out there. Or maybe you needed to run into the gas station and use the restroom. All of these seem like valid reasons, but if for any reason the pump malfunctions and doesn't stop pumping you could end up with fuel covering the side of your vehicle and spilling to the ground. This can be a hazard and a waste of money. If you're afraid of getting cold in the winter, just keep special "gas pump gloves" in your car, and if you need to go inside for any reason, do it after you're done filling the car up.

Turn Your Car Off

Sometimes you just want to get in and out, and it seems faster to not turn your car off. Plus, if you do,  the air conditioning is turned off, the heater is turned off, and you don't have a comfy place to run when you're done. Unfortunately, this is not safe for you or your car. Your gas tank is pressurized, and that pressure is what keeps your check engine light from coming on. If you open your gas tank while the vehicle is running, that causes your car to flash the light unnecessarily. Plus, a running vehicle with gas fumes provides more opportunities for a dangerous situation.

Don't Let Your Gas Tank Get Too Low

Not only is this a bad idea because it could put you in a dangerous situation - it's also bad for your fuel pump. When you get too low, you are risking running out of fuel while on the road, and in some cases, being too far away from a gas station to easily fill up. You'll then have to wait for our towing service at the Lake of the Ozarks to come out and bring you extra gas, which doesn't save you time (even though we are GLAD to come out and help you!).You're also stressing and straining your vehicle more than necessary. Come up with a routine that works best for you, maybe to fill up on your lunch break, or every Friday afternoon on your way home from school, or even when you hit the halfway mark.

Caring for Your Car

There are only a few things your car really needs to continue to run, and fuel is one of them. Whether you use gasoline, diesel, or another form of fuel, it's important to always keep the appropriate amount in your vehicle. Of course, should something happen, and you need the best vehicle maintenance team at the Lake of the Ozarks to come out and get you, we would be glad to. Our 24-hour towing service at the Lake of the Ozarks is always here to help!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Decoding the Lights On My Dashboard - Part 2

Have you ever been driving down the road only to realize that there is a light on your dashboard that you don't recognize? It happens to everyone, so that's why we want to provide you with the information you need so you can easily recognize what the light stands for. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, we realize that there are many things that happen while you're out on the road, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get back out there, whether you need towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, or simple vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here is part two of our Decoding the Lights on My Dashboard, and we hope it can help you out!

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

This light is a warning that there has been a drop in air pressure in one or more of your tires. Some vehicles have it where they will show you which tire is low, others just give you a warning that one is and you can bring it to us to figure out. If any of your tires are low, it's important to get them filled up as quickly as possible. If you have to keep adding air on a routine basis, then you may have a leak in your tire.

Oil Pressure Light

This could indicate one of two things - either your sensor that activates the oil pressure has failed, or your engine has low oil pressure. We figure it's better to assume the pressure is low and bring it out to Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive. If the light is just disconnected, we can try to fix that for you and you'll be on your merry way! Otherwise, if the oil pressure really is low, than we've just saved you from being stranded!

Fog Lamp Indicator

This just alerts you to the fact that your fog lights are lit up. If you aren't having issues seeing, and there isn't any fog, you can turn these off.

Low Fuel Light

This is one of the more important lights on your dashboard, because if it shows up, you need to make your way to the nearest gas station and fuel up. If it shows up while you still have a full tank of gas, you should bring it out to us and let us see where the error is. We would hate for you to be stranded because of a dashboard malfunction. Every vehicle has a different amount of miles you can go when the light comes on, but it's best to not wait that long.

Headlight Indicator

If you were driving late last night and you turned your car off with your brights still illuminated, then this light will let you know that you need to turn them off and back down to your regular head lights.

The Best Auto Mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks

Are you looking for a trustworthy company to do repairs on your vehicle, or come out and get you when you need a tow? Trust Bledsoe's Towing. We've been located at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1964, and we've been providing the best service ever since then. Bring your car out and let us take a look at it to help you deduce what errors you may be having before they get worse!

Did you miss the other blogs in the series? You can read them here:Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 1
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 3

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

Follow Us On Social Media!

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Twitter

LinkedIn

Google+