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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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

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