Staying Safe on the Road During Holiday Weekends

If you've lived or vacationed at the Lake for any amount of time, you'll know that the traffic can get significantly heavier during the summer, and even more so during holiday weekends. At Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive we want to make sure that everyone stays safe out on the road, and help you minimize as many traffic incidents as possible. We may be the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks, but we would love to see you and your family not involved in any accidents at all. Here are a few things to remember as you navigate busy traffic over the weekend.

Keep Everything Maintained

Before any long trip, you need to make sure that your vehicle has been properly maintained. Get your car tuned up, get the oil change if necessary, and check the tire pressure. All of these details will help keep you from having to make an emergency stop at the mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you do have a problem, remember that Bledsoe's Towing is here to help!

Prepare Your Route Ahead of Time

If you've never traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks before, take a look at a map, and become familiar with the names of the roads, exits that you'll need to take, and where your popular hang out spots will be. This will help minimize the surprises on the road, and help you stay calm.

Properly Store Valuables

When taking a road trip to the Lake of the Ozarks, depending on where you're coming from, you may have to make stops at gas stations along the way. Remember that when you leave your vehicle, you need to properly store all valuables. If you won't be taking them inside with you, hide purses, portable DVD players, gaming devices, cell phones, and even keep spare change cleaned up and hidden.

Prepare For Kids On the Trip

Will you be bringing your young kids out on the road with you? Take time to not only prepare things for them to do on the trip but also prepare THEM for the trip. Remind them about any family rules that may be necessary for talking to strangers, and also discuss the important details about what to do if you get separated while on vacation.

Keep Important Numbers On Hand

When you head out on a road trip, it's important to keep the numbers you'll be using on hand. You can write them on a note and stick it in your car, or put them in a note on your phone. Here are a few numbers you'll want to keep on hand as you travel through the Lake of the Ozarks.

• A local vehicle maintenance or towing company
• The local hospital
• Your hotel or vacation rental
• Any activities like boat rental or restaurants

Make Necessary Items Readily Available

When you're driving, one of the worst things you can do is get distracted by trying to dig around for your phone charger, phone, purse, wallet, pen, napkin or other random objects. Keep all items handy and within easy reach, or better yet, designate a passenger as your assistant. When you need something, it will be their job to find it and hand it to you. This will help you keep your eyes on the road, making it easier to react when there is a problem.

Vehicle Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

Sometimes things happen, and you need to be prepared just in case. One of the biggest concerns when going out of town is that you could have car trouble along the way or while you're there, but don't let this keep you from having fun! Our team of expertly trained mechanics can diagnose the problem, and then get you back on the road again. Should you have any surprises while vacationing this weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks, 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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FAQs About Towing

When you're stuck in an emergency, and your car needs to be towed, you want to call the people you can trust to come out and get you back on the road. Choosing a tow company can be an incredibly important decision, and often times, one that is made in a hurry. At Bledsoe's Towing, we offer 24/7 towing, and we can get to you fast. Here are a few frequently asked questions about towing to set your mind at ease.

FAQs about Towing

I was in an accident and my car isn't driveable, what should I do?
Call us! We are here to make sure that you and your family are not only safe but that your vehicle is taken to a location that it needs to be. We offer 24/7 towing, so don't hesitate to call us when you're involved in an accident. The faster you call a tow truck at the Lake of the Ozarks, the faster you and your family can get where you need to be.

Do Tow Truck Drivers Have Special Training?
Yes. Our drivers are all trained to know what types of cars have special requirements, and how to operate within those perimeters. We care about your car as much as you do, so we stay up to date on the equipment and techniques that are necessary to get your car out of a bind and back on the road in no time.

What Information Do You Need To Tow My Vehicle?
There are only a few pieces of information that we need to get your car towed.

• Vehicle location
• Type of vehicle
• Year, make, model, color, and license plate number
• Your location (Address would be helpful)
• What is wrong with your vehicle
• Your phone number
• How you will be paying

What Are Your Hours of Operation?
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you are in an accident or find that your car won't start, don't hesitate to call us and we'll get you taken care of.

What If My Vehicle Is Damaged And Needs Maintenance?
We are also an automotive shop. When you call for a tow at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can have your vehicle towed back to our shop where our skilled vehicle mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks can diagnose what's wrong with your vehicle and then fix it.

If My Keys Got Locked In My Car Too, What Can You Do?
We have skilled technicians who can also get into your car and get your keys out. When you call Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive, you get the whole package.

Best Towing Company at the Lake of the Ozarks

We know how stressful it can be when your car is either malfunctioning, or you've just gotten into an accident. We take caution and care when coming out to tow your vehicle, and we are able to help get you back where you need to be. Trust the company who has been providing the best automotive services at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1964. If you need a tow, give us a call today 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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What's Under My Car Hood?

Have you ever needed to get under the hood of your car and been completely confused as to what you were looking at? It's important to know the individual details that make up your car engine so you can correctly explain to one of our Lake of the Ozarks car mechanics where the sound or smoke was coming from. We know that there is a lot happening under the hood of your car, so here at Bledsoe's we aim to make it easier on you!

Here are a few of the key things you'll want to be able to recognize and point out under your hood so that you and your car can work together in harmony. Of course, if you don't know what something is, we always recommend coming into our shop and letting one of our experts take a look at it.

What's Under My Hood?

1. Engine

This is what runs your car, literally. Most of the time it's the largest thing under the hood, and everything revolves around it. Your engine is full of spark plugs, valves, rods and moving pieces. There's a camshaft, timing chain or belt, pistons and connecting rods. All of these pieces need to be cared for appropriately, but this is something you should leave up to the car experts at the Lake of the Ozarks.

2. Radiator

This is a large piece that is found at the front of your car right behind the grill. It has a large fan and is used to cool the engine. There is often a small hose that is attached to a plastic overflow container, you can refer to number three to locate this particular piece.

3. Engine Coolant 

This is where you coolant fluid goes. Though we do recommend that you refer to your owners manual, or your Lake of the Ozarks car mechanic before putting anything in here. When your car overheats, one cause can be because you are out of coolant, and you have to put a special mixture of fluids into this reservoir.

4. Battery

The plastic box with two knobs on top is your battery. Generally, one knob is black and one is red, and this shows you which cable goes on which knob when you have to jump your car, or someone else's. It's important to always use caution when working with your battery because it can cause sparks.

5. Wiper Fluid Reservoir

Do NOT confuse this with your radiator coolant container! Your windshield wiper fluid reservoir should have a logo on it that looks like your wiper blades. If you run out of wiper fluid, you can replace this yourself, but we recommend referring to your owner's manual. You can also ask us to take care of topping it off when you come in for your next oil change at the Lake of the Ozarks!

6. Oil Dipstick

This is not the same type of "dipstick" as the idiot at work...but this is in fact, where you check to see if your oil is low. Before you start your car and heat it up, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag, put the stick back in the pipe, and pull it back out again. You can now look at the film of oil on the end of the stick and if it's between the full and low lines, you should be good to go! Place the dipstick back in the pipe and be on your merry way.

The Best Car Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

Use this guide to help you know what and where things are under the hood of your car! Always remember that every car is different, though, and before messing with anything under your hood, you should ALWAYS refer to your owner's manual, or better yet, bring it into Bledsoe's! We have over fifty years of experience when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, and we want nothing more than to keep it on the road for years to come. If you notice weird sounds, smells or smoke coming from underneath your hood, give us a call and we can fix it!

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 Do Those Weird Car Noises Mean?

I'm sure we've all experienced that moment when you're driving down the HWY and then all of the sudden your car starts making the strangest noise. Some noises aren't a big deal, but others can be a critical sign that you need to have your car examined by an auto mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks immediately. At Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive, we take great pride in discovering what needs to be repaired on your vehicle, and then doing it quickly and thoroughly. Here is a quick guide to give you an idea of what some sounds can mean before you bring it in to be examined, and how to describe the sound to your mechanic!

Squealing & Screeching When Braking

This could be a sign that you need new brake pads, rotor resurfacing or replacement. If your hardware is worn or broken, this results in the pad not releasing properly, which causes more noise and even excessive heat. New brake pads and replacing your brake rotors if necessary can help you stop safely and quietly, without causing further damage to your vehicle.

Grinding and Braking

This could be a sign that you may need new brake pads, calipers or rotors. If you hear these noises, it could mean that your brake pads weren't replaced in time, and now something could be rubbing against the brake rotors. It could be even worse if the brake calipers or pistons are grinding against the rotor because they're not supposed to.

Sputtering, Rumbling or Rattling From Under the Car

Does your car sound louder than it used to? There could be a possibility that there is a hole somewhere in your exhaust system. Sometimes it's as simple as re-attaching a loose pipe, or replacing a section of corroded pipe. Bring it into the best car mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we'll find the source of that strange noise!

Humming, Growling or Roaring Noise When Driving

Do you need new tires or wheel bearings? This sound can, in many cases indicate something serious, like a bad wheel bearing. This is something you'll want to get checked out immediately, so swing into your favorite tire shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll get you back on the road!

Chirping or Squealing

This could be a sign that the drive belt needs to be replaced. This is also known as the serpentine belt, and it transfers power produced by the engine's revolutions to multiple sections of your car. It provides power to the air conditioning, power steering, and alternator, and over time this belt can wear down or slip, which causes the squealing.

Don't Ignore the Strange Sounds, Bring it to Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive!

Every odd sound your car makes can be a sign of something happening under the hood that shouldn't be. If you have any concerns with your vehicle, don't second guess yourself, and bring it in for us to take a look at it. We have been located at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1964, and we are proud to use our automotive experience to get you back on the faster and safer than ever before.

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!

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Google+