Preparing Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

The Spring Break season is upon us, and before you know it, it will be time to pack up the car and get a little R&R at your vacation of choice. Here at Bledsoe’s Towing and Automotive, we love nothing more than a good road trip, but we also know how important it is to make sure your car is in good working order first. Before you and your friends or family hit the road, here are a few things you should do to keep your car in tip-top shape.

Get A Check-Up

Just like you keep yourself in good condition by a regular check-up with your doctor, your car needs the same thought and care. Bring your vehicle out to the best auto maintenance shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we’ll give everything a look to make sure it’s ready for the road. Here are a few things we’ll be paying attention to:

Engine Oil

Your vehicle needs engine oil to not only run efficiently but to run at all. If the oil is low, you’ll find your trip could be stopped before it ever got started. We can check your oil, and if the levels are low we can top them off. If you haven’t had an oil change recently, now is a great time to get one. Many vehicles need to have their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but you can refer to your owners manual, or your local auto shop at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Transmission & Differential Fluids

Your vehicles have other fluids besides oil. The transmission and drive axle have their own lubricant supply that needs to be checked on before your big trip. You can refer to you owner’s manual for their suggested change intervals since it’s normally longer than the engine oil.

Hoses

Rubber hoses are known to last around ten years if they just sit on a shelf - but when they are in your car they can be exposed to temperatures of over 200 degrees. Those high temps cause the rubber to become hard. When they become hard they can crack and then the fluids don’t stay where they’re supposed to.

Belts

There are many belts in your vehicles from the serpentine belt that runs the water pump to the timing belt. These belts also tend to have a habit of breaking at the most inopportune time, like when you’re stuck in the 2-mile traffic back-up.

Engine Coolant

Many vehicles come with engine coolant that is designed to go 100,000 to 150,000 miles. If your car is less than four years old, you’ll want to make sure that the under-hood coolant reservoir is topped up.

Road Trips to Remember

There are so many fun memories made on a road trip, but the one memory we don't’ want you to make it being stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck at the Lake of the Ozarks (though, if you need one, we provide a 24-hour towing service at the Lake of the Ozarks.) Prepare for your trip by having your vehicle looked at before you leave and save yourself some unfortunate downtime. Bring your car out to Bledsoe’s Towing and we’ll get you ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

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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Warning Smells From Your Car

There can be many warning signs that your car is in need of repair, from the sounds of something clanking to the sight of something not working. One of the most obvious signs, though, is when your car smells. There can be many different smells your car may experience, so today we want to talk about the some of the bad ones so you can know exactly what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Disclaimer: This is not a DIY post, we recommend if you notice anything wrong with your vehicle that you bring it to the best automotive center at the Lake of the Ozarks. If it isn't able to start, you can call the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks as well.

6 Warning Smells From Your Vehicle

1. Burnt Rubber

From slipping drive belts to misplaced loose hoses - this smell is something to be aware of. It could be something rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys. Sometimes it could even be a sign of an oil leak. If you notice this smell, it's important to get your vehicle to a service station and have them inspect.

2. Hot Oil

Do you notice the smell of hot oil coming from your vehicle? It could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. You can verify that there is a leak by looking for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine of your car. If you notice this happening, turn off the engine before checking for a leak.

3. Gasoline

If you smell gasoline, it could be as simple as having some on your hands from when you filled up. It could also be a sign of a gas leak. One common place you'll experiences this is possibly a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Take caution when you smell fuel. Any time you smell gasoline your car can be a possible fire hazard, so you should call someone immediately to come out and take a look.

4. Syrup

Have you ever smelled a sweet syrupy smell coming from your car? This could be a sin that your car is leaking engine coolant from a component related to the car's cooling system. If you notice this smell, do not open the radiator cap when it is hot.

5. Burning Carpet

This smell could be the sign of brake trouble. You'll want to have your brakes checked immediately, especially if you notice the smell during normal driving conditions. Brake trouble is a driving safety hazard, and you'll want to contact your automotive center in Camdenton, MO to have it checked out.

6. Rotten Eggs

This unmistakeable smell could mean the catalytic converter is not converting hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. A poorly running engine can cause the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail because of a meltdown. It's important to keep your vehicle in good working condition.

Caring For Your Vehicle

At Bledsoe's Towing, we know how important it is to have your car working properly. Whether you need to run errands or rely on it to get you to work - a car maintenance issue can cause some serious setbacks. Trust the best mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks to keep your car in great working condition - which will keep you out on the road longer.

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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About Your Lake of the Ozarks Auto Shop

Finding an automotive company you trust to work on your vehicle can be a huge process, especially if you are new to town. You want a company who can fix many different types of issues, large or small, as well as do preventative maintenance. All of this is what you can find at Bledsoe's Towing at Automotive. Our team of mechanics are trained and friendly - ready to help! Here are some things you may enjoy learning about Bledsoe's Towing, as well as some of our history!

About Bledsoe's Towing

Starting with the original grand opening of the Camden Shell Service station in 1964, Bledsoe's has been the center of activity and a long-standing community business. Folks of this small hometown lake community can tell you stories of spending their time after school working on their vehicles with the use of tools and the lifts at Bledsoe's. Their descriptions of fondly remembered activities are centered on this community hub and bring you to the belief that there are businesses that still truly care. Some residences will tell you stories of how Bledsoe's was there when they needed a tow in their time of need. Like the Cabin move below. Whatever the story, they all have described more than just a service station.

Please be sure and check out the photo gallery and tell us all about your fond memories. Just email us through our contact page.

Bledsoe's Timeline

• Original opening: Kenny Bledsoe and Charles Anderson, Founders in 1964

• In 1977, Jim Dulle and Kenny Bledsoe became partners in Super Muff Exhaust which shared the facilities at the present location.

• Around 1982, Kenny Bledsoe and Jim Dulle became partners in Bledsoe's and Super Muff.

• In 1990, Kenny Bledsoe sold his interest to his son John (Pug) Bledsoe. And now, Jim Dulle and Pug Bledsoe run the present day Bledsoe Automotive Service.

• Over the years, Bledsoe's has been affiliated with Shell and Conoco fuel companies but today they are an independent service station with strong roots in Camdenton, Missouri.

Services at Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive

• Complete automotive maintenance services

• Tires

• Tires balanced and rotated

• Oil changes

• Transmission fluid service

• Belts and hoses

• Brake rotors/drums and pads

• Front end alignments

• Fuel and air filters

• Muffler and exhaust systems

• Windshield replacement

• Towing/accident recovery

• Fuel Sales: Regular unleaded, premium unleaded, diesel, off-road diesel, kerosene

The Best Automotive

At Bledsoe's Towing, we are more than just your local automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks. We are your family. We have been at the Lake for over 50 years, and in that time we have built up great relationships with our new and loyal customers alike. From maintenance to 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. Visit our social media sites and website to learn more about our company and how we can serve you!

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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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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The Best Times to Travel During the Holiday Season

As you pack up your vehicle and head over the hills and through the woods, there are a few ways you can help keep your travel plans less stressful. While practicing safe driving habits is key, you can also plan your trip around the least traveled times! 91% of holiday travelers are making their trek by personal vehicle, making a predicted 103 million Americans on the road, so it only makes sense to try and travel the road less taken. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to help you have a safe holiday weekend, travel and all! Here are a few tips on keeping your travel safe and finding the best times to make the drive.

Driving To Your Holiday Destination

Try to pick times that most travelers wouldn't choose. Early morning and night travel are obviously the first choices, but be aware that night driving also has risks. You can expect to find the roads a bit more congested late in the day and late in the week. Try to choose travel times that are earlier in the day, as midday and evening traffic is normally heavier.

Also, remember that Hanukkah starts at sundown on Saturday, so traffic may be even busier than anticipated with the additional holiday.

Coming Home

Monday, December 26th is expected to be extremely busy with holiday traffic, as people start to make their way back home so they can be at work on Tuesday. While it may not be ideal, Christmas day is generally less busy. Otherwise, you can choose times that are later in the day to make your trek.

Friday, December 30th is also anticipated to be busy with the New Year's traffic. Choosing travel days that are midweek is a great way to help avoid the traffic.

Driving Safety Tips

As you're out on the road, be sure to remember safe driving practices. If you'll be traveling in snowy or icy conditions, prepare for them appropriately and don't go too fast. No matter the conditions, make sure that you allow plenty of room between you and the car in front of you to avoid incidents.

Keep Your Vehicle In Tip-Top Condition

Before you take your car out on the road, bring it out to Bledsoe's Towing! We can check your headlights, tires, oil, and other fluids as well as other automotive services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our goal is to keep you safe out on the road. However, if you do find yourself in a pickle over the weekend, we offer 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks and would love to come to the rescue.

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 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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7 Things You Should Know About Your Car

Your car may seem like a complicated piece of machinery - or even technology at this point, but just like any other piece of equipment, you need to know how it works. While you can hire the best auto maintenance company at the Lake of the Ozarks to make repairs or give you a tow when you're stranded, there are some situations where you may need to know how to find your way around your vehicle on your own. Here are a few things you'll want to know when you operate your vehicle.

Know the Mechanics

If your car overheats and needs some coolant added, but you don't know where the radiator is - this could make for a challenging situation. Take a few moments to put out your owner's manual and pop the hood of your vehicle. Whether you want to find the windshield wiper fluid or the oil dipstick - it's easier when you know where to look.

Inspect Your Parking Spot

Keeping an eye on your parking spot can give you a heads up for any issues before they become big problems. Leaking oil, radiator fluid and more can be seen when you are aware of what's being left on the concrete while your vehicle sits there.

Pay Attention to Detail

The problems are in the details. When you notice your vehicle making a strange noise, reacting differently to starting and stopping, or even smelling odd - Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive can help. Pay attention to the details so you can explain it to our mechanics, this can make the diagnosis faster.

Know the Levels

Do you know how to check the levels of water and oil in your vehicle? If you don't, you may want to pull out the manual of your car and learn. This won't seem necessary - until you need it.

Don't Tailgate

Tailgating not only puts you too close to a vehicle (especially if it brakes) but it doesn't allow you to see and react to things in the road. If there isn't enough distance between you and the car ahead and something happens to be in the middle of the road, you don't have time to react, and you're only option is to either hit it, or dodge around it - which is dangerous.

Learn Some Simple Maintenance

Learning how to change a tire is one of the most important. While we offer 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, and would love to come to your aid, sometimes you just need to know how to do a few things. Checking your oil, and being able to add new oil is also a good thing to know.

Keep it Clean

Finally, keep your vehicle clean. Not only will this help it last longer, but it can make it easier to perform certain maintenance tasks.

Automotive Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

From quick fixes to lengthy repairs, Bledsoe's Towing is here to help. We have been located at the Lake of the Ozarks for over 50 years, and when you're looking for a trusted mechanic - we're the place. Do you have questions about your vehicle? Give us a call! Even if it's as simple as the check engine light, we can offer some troubleshooting before you bring your car out.

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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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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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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