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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5 Vehicle Fluids You Won't Want To Forget To Fill

Just like you need water to survive, your car has a list of fluids that it needs in order to perform as it should. Each fluid has a specific purpose and has a unique ability to keep your car running for longer, and at it's best capacity. While you may not notice these fluids on a day to day basis, you will certainly notice them if they aren't there. At Bledsoe's Towing, we make it a point to check your fluids when you visit the best mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks, so you don't have to worry about them. Here are a few of the fluids that you will want to keep your eye on when operating your vehicle.

Engine Oil

Oil is like the blood of your car, without it, you aren't getting very far. Engine oil accomplishes three key functions in your engine. It will help keep your engine components working smoothly together because the oil is constantly lubricating all of the functioning parts. It also helps keep your engine cool. Your engine is made up of thousands of controlled detonations, and they happen consistently while running. The oil helps draw the heat away from the combustion chamber and cool off your engine. Finally, it also helps keep the carbon and varnishes from increasing in your engine. With all of these important tasks, I'm sure you can see why it's important to keep this fluid full and clean.

Coolant

Coolant is made up of a mixture of antifreeze and water. It's stored in your car's radiator and helps to keep your car from overheating and eventual breakdown. While you can mix your own coolant with 50/50 water and antifreeze, it's better to leave that to the pros. If the mix isn't right it could increase the boiling point and decrease the freezing point, which could cause problems down the line.

Power Steering Fluid

This fluid transmits power in power steering. If you don't know what power steering is, you'll certainly find out when this fluid runs out! It allows you to easily steer your car without a lot of effort. If your car has ever suddenly died, and you can't turn the wheel without a LOT of effort, that's what happens when you have no power steering.

Brake Fluid

The reason brake fluid is so important, is because  it plays an important role in your braking system as it transfers the force created when you press the brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub. Braking is considered an undeniably important feature in your driving, as we're sure you would agree. Brake fluid also provides a lubricant for all of the moving parts and prevents corrosion.

Windshield Washer Fluid

While it may seem obvious why the windshield washer fluid is important, there are actually other reasons as well. Aside from it being important so you can clear your windshield of debris, having fluid in the reservoir also performs another function. It keeps the pumps and hoses in the reservoir lubricated and from corroding and degrading.

Best Car Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

Our team of mechanics take their job seriously. We want to keep you out on the road longer, and with as few issues as possible. Of course, if you do happen to have a problem with your car, we would love to take a look at it and get it back up and running. If your car is not in a position to move - we even provide towing at the Lake of the Ozarks! Stop by our shop for your one-stop mechanic shop 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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Caring For Your Tires in Every Season

These four wheels keep you rolling down the road, and when you treat them right, they'll last you even longer. Every season provides a new element that your tires have to navigate, and Bledsoe's Towing would like to help you treat your tires well. From spring to summer and winter to fall, here are a few ways you can care for your tires!

Spring

Spring can bring a whole new element of water and wetness with the constant rain. The first most important thing you can do is check the tread on your tires to make sure that there will be plenty of grip as you drive down those wet roads. You can even do a penny test to learn if there is enough tread on your tires. Put the penny in with Abraham Lincoln's head down, and if you can see the top of his head, you need new tires. 

When you're driving in wet weather, be sure to always slow down before turning and don't make any sudden wheel movements. If you are hydroplaning, don't accelerate or brake suddenly. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and steer the car forward until your tires regain traction.

Summer

It's important to check your tire pressure in the summer and do it regularly. You'll want to keep it at the level that is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Did you know that the tire pressure listed on your sidewalls is the maximum pressure and is not intended to provide you the correct pressure? You can find correct inflation levels on your door post, fuel door, glove box, or in the owner's manual. Keep in mind that under inflation creates excessive stress and heat, and may lead to tire failure. You also want to keep over inflation from happening as well, it can cause uneven wear, and handling and stopping problems.

Fall

Much like spring, the tread on your tires is still very important. Sometimes fall can involve a lot of rain, and you're just coming out of summer where you may have taken long road trips for vacation. Check the tread on a regular basis to make sure that you're not causing a hazard on the road.

Winter

Finally, in the winter, you want to make sure that your tire pressure is accurate. You can generally guess that the pressure should be reduced by 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. You also want to remember that cold weather makes tire rubber less pliable, which can cause air leaks. Inspect your sidewalls for signs of damage or cracking, and if you have any problems, bring your car out to Bledsoe's Towing for the best tires at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Hire the Best Car Mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks

Are you looking for a company who can take care of your car and get it back on the road fast? At Bledsoe's Towing, we specialize in automotive repair at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would be happy to help you when your car is in a bind. If you have trouble while you're out on the road, and can't get into town, never fear! We provide 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks and can save the day. Visit our website to learn more about our company, or give us a call for assistance!

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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