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

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Tips for Rainy Weather Driving

While summer is commonly known for the high heat indexes, and making sure that you don't lock your pets and kids in a hot car, it can also be known for random and severe thunderstorms. Rain always provides an element of surprise, as with any weather changes. As the best automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to make sure that you and your car stay safe on the road through every season, rain or shine. Here are a few things to remember when a sudden storm pops up.

Don't Use Cruise Control

While cruise control may seem harmless in the rain, it removes the control you have over driving, especially on roads that may be dangerous. Excess water on the road can a loss of traction, and when you aren't correcting for it as it happens by letting off the accelerator, you could find yourself somewhere you didn't want to be. Remember that if something unexpected does happen, be sure to call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

If there are large gusts of wind or chances of hydroplaning, you'll want to have both hands on the wheel and be entirely focused on what's happening. If you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer, this is especially important.

Treat Your Windshield

It's always a good idea to use a windshield protecting formula on a regular basis so when it does rain cats and dogs you are prepared and can easily see. There are many products on the market that are made for keeping your windshield waterproof, and they can make driving in the rain a lot safer. Here is a video to show you the difference between having a rain shield product and not.

Turn Your Headlights On

It is Missouri law to turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are required. While you may feel like you can see your surroundings and that your headlights aren't necessary, having your lights on does make it easier for other people to see you. When the weather is dark, dreary, cloudy or even foggy, this can make a huge difference in visibility for others seeing you.

Give Other Vehicles More Space

While it's important to give other vehicles plenty of space on a beautiful day, it's also incredibly important when the weather is somewhat dangerous. The Missouri Driving Guide from the Department of Revenue says that you should follow the Three Second Rule (and no...this is not the same rule you follow when you drop food on the floor!)

"THREE SECOND RULE
A good way to measure your safe following distance is to use the “three second rule.” Choose an object near the road ahead, like a sign or telephone pole. As the vehicle ahead of you passes it, count slowly, “One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are too close to the vehicle ahead."

When driving in rainy weather, add one or two more seconds to that to create a safe space between you and the car ahead.

The Best Car Maintenance at the Lake of The Ozarks

No matter what the weather conditions, accidents can happen, even if you are a safe driver. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to keep you on the road longer, and that starts with safe driving practices. If, however, you do find yourself in a position where you need a car mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be glad to help you fix the problems and get back on the road!

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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Protecting Your Car From Summer Heat

With temperatures rising higher and higher as we get into the summer season, your car needs just as much protection as you do from those hot rays. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to help you care for your car in every way possible, so from protecting it from the heat to providing the best vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, we care for it all. The harsh ultraviolet rays can be hard on the surface of your car because pain oxidizes in the sun, and interior surfaces can crack and deteriorate over time. If you take the right steps to care for your car, you can get better use out of it for longer periods of time, and maybe even keep from having to jump into a burning sauna every day after work!

Beware the Battery

Extreme heat and cold can both drain the life out of your battery. By testing your battery regularly and keeping the top clean you can help add more life to your battery and keep it running well.

Wash Your Wagon

As the summer gets hotter and rain becomes less common, you'll find that the dirt and dust become even heavier. When dirt and debris rest on the surface of your car if can scrape and scratch the top coat. When it does rain, that rain is often mixed with dust and can leave water spots on your car's paint. By washing it regularly you can potentially prevent damage to that protective top coat.

Wax On. Wax Off.

Adding a coat of wax to your vehicle can prevent the sun and other elements from damaging your paint. Wax can also help repel the dirt and debris, prevent water spots and keep the surface looking shiny.

Stay in the Shade

When at all possible, park in a shady spot. It obviously keeps the harsh rays from beating down on your car with can help protect the finish. It also keeps your leather or vinyl seats from heating up to extreme temperatures and keeps the general temperature of the interior from getting too hot.

Cover Your Car

If there is no option for parking in the shade at your home or work you can always invest in a fitted car cover. Think of it like SPF for your vehicle! This may not be as effective as a garage or carport, but it will help keep the sun from beating down too harshly, and protect the interior of your car from being burnt by the sun.

Pop Up Protection

You can pop up those convenient windshield sun shades to help protect your dashboard from overheating. This can also help the overall temperature of your car a little bit. While it's always better to find a shady spot, this does at least repel the sun from the front of your car where you sit.

Wind Down the Windows

Before leaving your car sit for too long, crack all of the windows just a bit so that there is some extra circulation. Venting the hot air out can keep the temperature down, which protects the interior surfaces and keeps them looking nicer longer.

Car Protection In Every Way

At Bledsoe's Towing, we know how important your vehicle is to you. It helps you get from point A to point B. Because of this, we don't want to see you kept off of the road because of minor car issues and repairs. If something does happen, though, we want to help you get it fixed fast and have you back on the road in no time. Call the best automotive company at the Lake of the Ozarks for all of your car needs, and don't forget that we offer Lake of the Ozarks towing as well! Stay cool through these hot summer days, and count on the company who keeps you on the road longer.

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 1

If you see lights popping up on your dashboard, that generally means one thing - your car needs to be serviced. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, our number one goal is to get you back on the road quickly when you have any type of car issue. From fender benders to low oil lights, we've got you covered! If a light shows up on your dashboard, do you actually know what it means? Here are a list of lights you'll probably see at some point in your driving career, and what they mean!

Anti-Lock Brake System Light

This light signifies that there could be an issue with your anti-lock brake system, also known as ABS. We can figure out what the problem is through diagnostic tools, so it's best to bring it in to us to take a look at it. It can mean anything from a dirty wheel sensor to loss of voltage, all of which need to be checked out. The ABS light signifies that your anti-lock brake system has disengaged, and it won't come back on until your vehicle has been serviced. Though, even if the light is on, you should have normal brake pedal and stopping abilities.

Brake Light

The easiest solution to this light could be that your parking brake is on. If so, you can disengage it, and if the light goes away, you're free to move on. If the light continues to remain lit, if could mean there is a more serious issue, such as leaking brake fluid. If there is brake fluid leaking this could contaminate other aspects of your brakes, and also be a hazard while you're on the road. Text your brakes to see if there is still power, and if you have no stopping capabilities, call the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks to come get you.

Check Engine Light

Sounds pretty straightforward, huh? Well, sometimes this light can be something as simple as your gas cap being loose, or as serious as a faulty catalytic converter. When this light turns on, it sends a code to your vehicle's diagnostic system, and we'll be able to see what the problem is. If this light is on, you need to get your vehicle to us as soon as possible, and if it's flashing you should not drive your vehicle at all.

Battery Light

You may have a loose wire, or you could have a battery that won't hold a charge. Either way, if you see this light, the best option is to bring your car over to the best auto mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks and ALWAYS leave your car running - otherwise, it may not start again. Then you'll have to call us anyway for a tow.

Temperature Warning Light

If you see this light while you're driving, it's important to pull over immediately. This light signifies that your engine is overheating and needs to cool down as soon as possible. You will not want to open the radiator to put coolant in it until it's had a chance to cool off, otherwise you could receive serious injuries from the heat.

Decoding Your Car One Light at a Time

There are hundreds of lights that may show up on your dashboard, and each one represents a different area of your vehicle. It's important to know what each light means, so you can react to your car effectively. Never ignore a light when it shows up on your dashboard, they can be the first sign that your vehicle needs to be looked at, and can also keep you from damaging it by driving it when it's not safe. Remember that whenever you need any type of vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive is the place to come! Stay tuned for more parts of the Decoding the Lights on My Dashboard in the future.

Did you miss the other blogs in the series? You can read them here:
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 2
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

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Caring for Your Tires

One of the most important parts of your vehicle, that in many cases can go unnoticed is your tires. They continually go for you without thought until something bad happens and then everything revolves around them. At Bledsoe's Towing, we can replace your tires easily, but we would much rather help you keep them in good condition so that you can get the most out of them before replacing is necessary. Here are a few ways you can help lengthen the lifespan of your tires and stay on the road longer.

Four Ways to Care for Your Tires

Caring for your tires goes a lot further than just making sure that the pressure is good whenever the light comes on. There are a few things you can do continually to make sure that they last longer, and provide better use for you while they're on your car. Here are four things you need to be aware of on every vehicle.

Rotation - regular rotation of your tires allows them to achieve more uniform wear. This means that your tires are less likely to go bad in one spot because they are worn all over instead of just in one spot. Generally, you want to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but your auto manual will be able to give you an exact number.

Pressure - when your tire is under inflated, it adds extra pressure to the tire where it's not necessary. Irregular wear can also be a cause when the pressure is too low, and this can cause loss of control and accidents. A tire can also lose up to half of its pressure and not even look flat, so it's a good rule of thumb to check the pressure while fueling your car.

Tread - when the tread is unusually worn or far advanced, it can make gripping the road extremely difficult if not impossible, especially in wet or slick conditions.

Alignment - a bad jolt from a pothole or hitting the curb can throw your alignment out of whack. Bring your car out to the best tire shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we can ensure that your car is properly aligned.

How to Check the Tread on your Tires

If your tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, your tires will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Your tires should have "wear bars," which will show you if your tires are worn out. They are small, raised rubber in the groove that indicates the point at which your tread is worn out.

You can also do the "penny trick." You take a penny and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread, if part of his head is covered by the tread, you're good to go! If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to get those tires replaced.

Tires at the Lake of the Ozarks

Since the tires on your car are what keep your car from eating the pavement, it's important to make sure that they are in good condition. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, we make it a point to help you care for your tires, and respond quickly when you have a tire issue with our 24 hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Trust the team who has been here for over fifty years.

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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