7 Steps to Detailing Your Own Car

If we looked at your car, would we tell that it's been a long fun summer of activities, road trips, vacations and sports games for the kids? Now that it's time to get back into the school spirit, maybe you will want to give your wagon a good washing. At Bledsoe's Towing, we believe in helping you take care of your car from the inside out, and while it could include getting a tire rotation at the Lake of the Ozarks, it also means grabbing the cleaning products and showing your car some love. Here are some great hacks to help you get your car squeaky clean.

Dusting

This will be the first step to getting your car clean, because as the dust falls to the ground, you can vacuum it up. You can use a cheap foam paintbrush to dust those hard to reach places on your AC vents, and you can follow the brush with the vacuum hose to catch all of the dust!

Toss the Trash

Make your way through your car either with two trash bags or baskets. One is for actual trash, while the other is for items that don't belong in your car anymore. Extra pens, business cards, cups, water bottles, Tupperware containers, sometimes even a whole wardrobe! You never know what can get lost in such a small area like your car, but they do, so start by clearing away all of these items, as well as the trash that accumulates as well. Don't forget to take the rugs out too, you wouldn't believe what could sneak its way under those!

Wipe the Spills

You can use soapy pail of water and a rag or a magic eraser to get in and clean those spills and messy things from your vinyl and leather seats. You can also use your rag to start wiping down the dash, doors, steering wheel, and more. If you find that dirt has embedded itself into the textures of your vinyl you can use an old toothbrush to get in those small spaces. Just be sure that whatever you use to clean, it's not too abrasive and you don't scrub too hard.

Rescue Those Rugs

If you have unsightly slushy stains and cracker crumbs ground into your rugs, we can help you rescue them and have them looking as good as new! You can spray your dirty floor mats with a stain remover and then throw them in the washing machine, or you can just scrub them really good with an upholstery cleaner. If you have something random ground into them like wax from a crayon that sat in the car on a 100° day and then melted into a puddle, you can fix that easily! Use a paper towel and an iron to remove melted wax, or you can wait for an equally hot day and just keep dabbing it with new paper towels to clean it.

Scrub the Seats

Do you have dog hair embedded in your seats? You can try a vacuum first to get it off, and if that doesn't work, you can spray the seat with water and then squeegee it to make piles of hair and then vacuum those off. If you have dirt and crumbs in the fine seams of the seat cushions, you can use a fine-bristled brush to get them out. If you want to give your leather seats extra special treatment, use olive oil to polish the leather and even your dashboard!

The Smell of Clean

Now that you've cleaned the inside of your car from top to bottom, get an air freshener in there and sit to enjoy the freshness. If you want to make a homemade freshener, you can make one from a dryer sheet and some scent beads from your favorite laundry soap company. Put the beads on the dryer sheet and tie it up with a twist tie! Throw these puppies under the seats of your car and you'll have it smelling fresh in no time. If your car still has a strange odor that you can't place, your cab's air filter may need to be replaced. Bring it out to the best car mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll get it taken care of!

Best Mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks

While you worry about the inside of your car, let us take care of the outside stuff, like your tires, engine and more. From flat tires to hearing strange sounds in your vehicle, we can help with all of those and more. Bring your car to the best auto care company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll help you keep your newly cleaned car on the road for 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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Services at Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive

When you're in an automotive bind, the last thing you want to have to do is try to track down the best mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks. We've made this easy for you! At Bledsoe's Towing, we perform many different services, from minor maintenance to 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks. All you have to do is program our number into your phone and you can have access to us at a minutes notice. If you need our professional automotive services at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are a few of the ways we can help you.

Our Automotive Maintenance Services

Tires

Do you need new tires on your vehicle before the winter sets in? We can get you a great price on tires that will keep you safe through the seasons. Give us a call to see what we have in stock, and if we don't carry your specific tire, we may be able to order it.

Tires Balanced and Rotated

Did you know that this is an important part of caring for your vehicle? When your tires aren't balanced and rotated, they tend to wear unevenly, which can cause your tires to not last as long.

Oil Changes

Oil changes may be one of the most common routine maintenance services that you'll need to be performed. Just make sure that you are getting them done regularly. If your oil gets dirty or low it can cause more issues than just getting it changed. 

Transmission Fluid Service

Your transmission makes sure that the right amount of power goes to your wheels so you can drive at any given speed. Without transmission fluid, you may find yourself in an unexpected bind. Let us replace the fluid in your transmission, and make sure everything is working properly.

Belts and Hoses

Your car has a large variety of belts and hoses, as they start to get older there will be wear and tear, and they will need to be replaced. We can help with this!

Brake Rotors/Drums and Pads

The pieces that all work together to make sure that you stop at a safe speed are a very valuable piece of your vehicle. If you notice any strange sounds when you are using your brakes, bring your car out to our mechanic shop at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Front End Alignments

This refers to the way your vehicle connects to your wheels - and this is very important. If you have doubts that the alignment is working properly, we can help.

Fuel and Air Filters

The filters on your car keep substances passing through and they catch debris that doesn't need to be there. Your filters need to be changed regularly, and you can give us a call or check your owner's manual to learn when is appropriate.

Muffler and Exhaust Systems

Your exhaust system will basically carry burnt gasses away from your engine and remove them from the vehicle's engine. It's important that this is all working smoothly to keep your vehicle running properly.

Vehicle Inspections

Every vehicle needs to have appropriate tags and licensing in the state of Missouri, and part of getting your tags includes getting an inspection. Bring your vehicle out to us to get it inspected, and if you need maintenance first, we can help with that too!

Windshield Replacement

Eventually, it happens to everyone - a rock hits your windshield and you have to get it replaced. Give us a call to learn about pricing.

Towing/Accident Recovery

If you find yourself in need of a tow, give us a call! We provide 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks and would love to come rescue you.

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

Full-Service Automotive at the Lake of the Ozarks

At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to keep you and your family on the road longer, and safer! From small upgrades to major mechanic needs, we can help you with it all. Give us a call to get your price quote, or visit our website to learn more.

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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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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Decoding the Lights on Your Dashboard - Part 3

If you've ever been driving down the road, only to realize there is a light on your dashboard that doesn't make sense, we know how you feel. Bledsoe's Towing has not only had the same thing happen, but we know how to fix it. Sometimes you'll get warnings that are hard to distinguish, but thankfully we have the technology to determine what the issue is. If it's an easy light on your dashboard, you can use this blog to help you determine the problem. Here is the third part in our series for decoding the lights on your dashboard!

Tire Rotation

If you have a newer vehicle you may see this light to remind you that it's time for a tire rotation. Rotating your tires provide even wear and helps to extend the life of your tires. Are you looking for a great place to get your tires rotated at the Lake of the Ozarks? Look no further, Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive can help!

Traction Control System

This system is also known as Anti-Slip Regulation. The main purpose is to engage during slippery conditions when your tires are out of synch. This will then alert your anti-lock braking system, and help to apply brake friction. This can help stabilize your vehicle and have you driving on the straight and narrow again. If you find this light on in your vehicle, and it won't go away, bring it out to our shop. We'll be able to take a look at it and see what's causing the traction control system to have an error.

Service Engine Soon

This light helps to signify that some abnormality has been triggered in your engine. It can be as simple as the gas cap being loose or the catalytic converter being faulty. If you notice that this light has appeared in your dash, the first thing you can do is check your gas cap. If it's loose, tighten it and see if the light will go away. If your gas cap is fine, bring your car out to the best automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll take a look at it.

Hazard Lights

This light is pretty self-explanatory. If you see this light on your dash, you've either purposefully turned on your hazards, or bumped the button accidentally. Hazard lights signify caution to the other motorists, and there are many reasons to use them.

Airbag Light

If you see this light on, there are a few explanations. One, it could just be that you have automatic airbags and too much weight in the passenger seat without the seatbelt. Some vehicles will turn off the airbags if there is weight on the seat and no belt buckled. If you can't find a good reason for this light to be on, you can check your vehicle's manual, or give us a call to schedule a check.

Door Ajar Light

The infamous, door ajar light. If you see this light on, you most likely have a door ajar - even if just slightly. This can also apply to your trunk. If the light illuminates, try re-closing all of your doors and your trunk. If the light still remains lit, you may need a reset to your computer system. Bring it out to Bledsoe's and we'll take a look!

The Best Auto Mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks

From simple fixes to complex maintenance, we have the experience to get you back on the road in no time. Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive has been operating since 1964, and we are proud to continue the tradition of getting our hand greasy and getting your car back to normal. Let our team service your car today!

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 2

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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Your Vehicle Timetable

Much like your home needs specific repairs periodically, your vehicle needs to be inspected and repaired on a routine basis as well. One of the worst things you can do for your car is to neglect vital service procedures because not only will it not operate at it's fullest potential, but you could be harming it for future use. Here at Bledsoe's we can take a look at your vehicle, and complete the necessary jobs, because we're the best auto service company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here is a list of tasks that need to be performed on your vehicle, and the time at which it needs to happen.

Check Every Month

To help make it easier to remember, pick a date that you'll remember, or a specific time of the month (like the third Saturday), and program your phone with the reminder. This will help you not only develop a routine, but also keep from forgetting it. These are the tasks you'll want to accomplish every month - even if you aren't replacing anything, just inspecting it and knowing what it's supposed to look like will go a long way in keeping your vehicle in good condition.

Oil Level 
If the oil is low, add more, and inspect for leaks.

Hoses
If your hoses are bulging, rotten or brittle they need to be replaced.

Belts
Are they worn, frayed or glazed? This is a sign that they need to be replaced.

Tire Pressure
Use a tire guage to see what level your tires are at, and then refer to your owner's manual to see where they should be. Some tires have different levels based on the weather.

Coolant or Antifreeze
Add the appropriate type depending on the weather, and check for leaks.

Air FilterIf this is dirty, it will need to be replaced.

Inspect TiresLook for damage, bulges or uneven wear.

Check Every Three Months

You can set a reminder on your phone to make these checks every three months, and then stick to it. If you picked the third weekend for your monthly checks, stick to this date and make plans to spend an extra couple minutes of your weekend inspecting your car. If you find problems in advance, you'll appreciate that they didn't get bad before having to replace them - or worse.

Oil and Oil Filter 
The oil and oil filter need to be replaced about every 3,000 miles. You can refer to your owners manual to verify. Bring your vehicle out to Bledsoe's Towing for your routine oil changes at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Windshield Washer Fluid
If it's low, add more. Also be sure to change it out depending on the season.

Power Steering Fluid
If this is low, you'll certainly want to add more - you'll notice if it's gone completely!

Transmission Fluid
If it's low, you'll want more to be added.

Battery Terminals & Cables
Are they corroded? This is a great time to clean them off and have them looking like new.

Lights
Checking yoru lights and signals on a routine basis will help keep you from having burnt out bulbs. Always remember to replace them in pairs.

Check Every Six Months

Finally, every six months you'll want to perform a few extra tests and checks to make sure a few neglected areas don't go unattended.

Wiper Blades
If these are brittle, worn, or smeary, you'll want to have new ones put on. While you're inspecting these, you can also take a rag and wipe them off. If there is any form of debris on your blades it can scratch your windshield.

Horn
If you haven't tried your horn out in a while, test it and make sure it's still working. You'd hate to not have that next time someone cuts you off!

Brakes
Have your brakes inspected, and make sure there is not unsual wear and tear on them. Of course, if your brakes aren't working at all, bring it out to Bledsoe's!

Spare Tire
If your spare tire isn't fully inflated, it's not going to do you much good when you're stranded. Check the air level and fill it if needed. If you do find yourself stranded, don't forget to call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks - we would love to come rescue you.

Exhaust System

Your exhaust system needs to be inspected ever six months for rust, damage, or loose parts. While you may not know what you're looking for on your own, you can bring it out to us and we'll take a look.

Shocks
Oil seepage or wear are two of the things you'll want to have looked at every so often. This can save you some trouble in the long run.

Vehicle Maintenance in Camdenton, MO

Are you looking for a trustworthy company to take a look at your vehicle and check all of the necessary details? Here at Bledsoe's, we've been working on vehicles since 1964, and we would be honored to take a look at your car. Give us a call, or bring it and out let us work our magic on it.

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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3 Tips For Caring For Your Windshield

This large piece of glass in your car plays a very vital role, and you probably only realize it when it's either dirty or broken. It's important to care for your windshield because if it's cracked or dirty, it can make it harder to see through, and then make you more dangerous on the road. At Bledsoe's Towing, we take care of windshield replacement at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we wanted to pass along a few tips to help you care for your windshield and keep it lasting longer.

Repair Chips and Cracks

Have you ever been driving down the highway, only to have a stone tossed back at your car to leave a nice little dent in your windshield? This happens to every driver at some point, but if you know how to take care of it, it really won't affect your ability to drive at all. You want to get this repaired immediately because small dents can become large cracks if left untreated. There are many insurance companies who even provide free chip and dent repair - and it's more cost effective to replace the chip than a whole windshield. If you do find that you need your windshield replaced, you can always call Bledsoe's Towing. We can replace windshields at the Lake of the Ozarks, and have you back on the road in no time!

Care For the Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades play more of a role in your windshield than just keeping them clean. In fact, if they are dirty or in bad condition, they can actually cause more harm than good. A dirty windshield wiper can actually leave scratches in your windshield that cause more harm than good. Occasionally, take a moment to wipe off your blades and make sure that they are in proper repair for your next drive.

Avoid Parking In Direct Sunlight

Aside from all of the other damage the sun can do to your car, did you know that direct sunlight can actually decrease the life of your windshield? When possible, try to park your car in the shade so it's not being beaten down by the sun, though sometimes, we realize it's inevitable. You can use a reflecting sun visor to help, but nothing is better for your glass than a nice shady spot.

Caring For More Than Just Your Windshield

From the front of your car to the back, Bledsoe's Towing wants to keep you on the road longer! There are many details that can go awry with your vehicle, from a flat tire, to s cracked windshield, but when you have Bledsoe's on your team you can know that you're in good hands. Trust the best mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks to get the job done!

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 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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