Stay informed and up-to-date with Sprinter Towing's informative towing blog. We cover a wide range of topics related to towing, including safety tips, common vehicle problems, technical information about the towing industry, and tow trucks. Whether you are a tow truck driver or a vehicle owner, our blog provides valuable insights to help you stay safe and prepared on the road. Check out our blog for the latest updates and expert advice.
Transmission issues can disrupt your driving experience and potentially lead to costly repairs. Being aware of common problems and their early signs can help you address them promptly and prevent further damage. Here are some common transmission problems and what you need to know:
Troubleshooting Common Transmission Problems: What You Need to Know
Winter driving in Manitoba can be challenging, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures making the roads dangerous. That's why many drivers in Winnipeg opt for winter tires to keep them safe during the colder months. However, now that spring has arrived, it's time to start thinking about switching to summer tires. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of making the switch and why it's important for your safety and the longevity of your tires.
Why it is important to switch from winter tires to summer tires
Winching a vehicle can be a useful technique for getting it out of a stuck or difficult situation, but it's important to use caution and follow the proper procedures. Here are some reasons why you should not winch your vehicle without taking proper precautions
why you should not winch your vehicle
Jump-starting a vehicle can be a helpful way to get it running again when the battery has died. However, there are several reasons why you should not jump-start your vehicle without proper precautions
Why you should not jump start your vehicle
We start a series of posts trying to describe the towing industry in Winnipeg from our perspective. What kind of towing companies did we find, how are the customers and the employees, how is to have to deal with the harsh weather of Manitoba, and what are the challenges we dealt with. Of course, it will be charged with subjectivity as it will be based on our experience, and the people who we have been dealing with.
Discovering towing companies in Winnipeg
Winter is known for being harsh on roads, and that in turn can be harsh on your vehicle. If you find yourself frequently traversing roads with huge potholes or rocks that have emerged from the asphalt, it could ruin your car’s alignment or damage suspension components. Our advice: If you’ve taken your car to a mechanic to check under the hood, ask for a quick suspension and alignment check to make sure nothing is too far outside the manufacturer’s specifications.
Spring Car Maintenance: Check Alignment and Suspension
Do a thorough check under your hood to make sure your car’s engine made it through the winter without problems. Specifically, check belts and hoses to ensure the cold temperatures haven’t rendered them brittle or heavily worn. Check your coolant to make sure it’s not too old — an important factor for avoiding overheating as temperatures gradually climb. If you aren’t comfortable performing these checks on your own, contact a local mechanic. While you may get billed for an hour of labor, it’s better than going into the spring with potential issues lurking under your hood.
Spring Car Maintenance: Check Under the Hood
As spring starts and temperatures warm up, check your wiper blades for any signs of cracking or wear. The wiper itself could wear dramatically over the winter due to ice buildup or other issues on your windshield. In most parts of the country, you’ll need those wipers for spring rains, so be sure they’re in good working order after winter comes and goes.
Spring Car Maintenance: Inspect Your Wiper Blades
Tire pressure is especially important in the spring. As air temperatures get cooler during the winter, tire pressures decrease, which probably caused you to fill up your tires during the winter months. But as air gets warmer again in the spring, tire pressures can increase. If the pressure increases past your manufacturer specification (because you added air during the winter), it can seriously affect your car’s drivability and fuel economy. This is an important part of car care, so if you don’t feel comfortable checking your car’s tire pressures by yourself.
Spring Car Maintenance: Check Tire Pressure
Nobody wants to spend time cleaning out their car during a cold winter day. That’s why spring is the perfect time to clean your car’s interior, so spend a day doing some spring cleaning. Remove and throw away all the interior papers, trash, and other items that have accrued over the winter. Not only will you have a clean car, but your spring cleaning can be done when it’s more temperate and comfortable outside — especially important if you have to vacuum your carpets and seats.
Spring Car Maintenance: Clean the Inside
A good, thorough wash and wax is the most important thing to do with your car once the winter is over. Winter driving can cause a huge amount of road grime, debris, and — worst of all — salt to build upon your car. You want to make sure those items are long gone before spring starts. Allowing debris and grime to build upon your car can affect its paint and finish while allowing the salt to build up can lead to rust and other serious problems.
Spring Car Maintenance: Wash and Wax
All across the country, winter is winding down. With more sun and rising temperatures comes an entirely different strategy for car care. Fortunately, Sprinter Towing is here to help. Here are seven simple tips to help you care for your vehicle as winter makes way for spring. Our first step of this series is: Switch out those winter tires
Spring Car Maintenance: Switch out those winter tires
Proper tire maintenance keeps you safe and your vehicle performing at its best. Checking tire pressure is one of the most important, yet commonly overlooked inspection procedures. Consider the fact that air pressure is responsible for supporting the weight of a car, not the tires themselves. Manufacturer’s tire pressure specifications are designed to ensure peak handling and traction while maximizing fuel efficiency and tire service life. Maintaining recommended tire pressure is more than simply “fill it and forget it.” Tire pressure fluctuates for a variety of reasons. Seasonal changes in temperature impact tire pressure significantly, whether increasing or decreasing. Hotter temperatures cause the air in tires to expand, which can result in tires being over-inflated. Cooler temperatures have the opposite effect, reducing air pressure.
How Changing Seasons Affects Your Tires
Some people might think that since winter tires have more tread, it can’t hurt to use them in the summer. However, it can actually be dangerous to use winter tires in the summer. It’s very important to swap tires at the right time. Winter tires are made with softer rubber than summer or all-season tires, which are designed to work best in cold weather temperatures. This rubber is more flexible so that it can grip onto bumpy, cold winter roads, and maintain proper handling in these conditions.
Should I Change My Winter Tires?
It’s a good rule of thumb to take winter tires off when the temperature is staying consistently over an average of 7 degrees Celsius, even at night. Take your winter tire off before that and you risk not having proper handling when driving but leave them on when the temperature begins to rise and you reduce their lifespan.
When Do You Change to All-Season Tires?
Spring is slowly coming, which means it’s time to say goodbye to your winter tires, right? Unfortunately, no. As much as we wish that the first day of spring meant the end of winter driving season, anyone in Winnipeg, Manitoba knows that this is rarely the case. In the next few weeks, you can bet that we see everything from sunny, above zero degrees days to full-on winter snowstorms.
When Should You Switch Back to All-Season Tires?
It's that time of year when it is so bitterly freezing that even a 30-degree day can feel like a balmy respite. Temperatures plummet into the single digits, wind chills are painful and dangerous, and talk of polar vortexes and bomb cyclones fills the media. It's cold outside. We talked with the Car Care Council to find out how the cold can affect cars and trucks and hear about any possible solutions. As the air in your tires gets colder, it contracts and has less pressure. Tires correspondingly become underinflated.
How Severe Cold Affects Your Car (Deflated Tires)
If you get locked out of your car, don't worry, it can happen to anyone. Some methods to fix the problem are more embarrassing than others, but regardless of how you got locked out, you need to keep your cool and follow these tips if you want to get back in.
Locked Out of Your Car? Here's What to Do
Don’t let the name confuse you, all-season tires are most suitable for spring, summer, and fall. That’s why some companies have changed the name to 3-season tires. And although all-season mud + snow tires are legal on highways with winter tire requirements so long as they have a tread depth of 3.5mm, it’s recommended to have winter tires or all-weather tires on your car before it starts getting really cold.Therefore, if you use all-season or summer/performance tires, you might want to invest in a good set of winter tires as well. Another option is to purchase all-weather tires, which can be kept on your wheels all year round. All-weather tires also feature the Transport Canada-authorized 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo.
Are all-season tires good for winter?
The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and your car feels like a refrigerator when you turn it on in the morning. Welcome to another winter in Canada. Now before you hit the road in that warmed-up vehicle, you need to think about road safety during this longest of seasons.Winter tires are four pieces of rubber that not only give you peace-of-mind but also much-needed grip and stability on those snowy, icy roads. These tires outperform all-weather and all-season tires when temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. But does that mean you change over to winter (or snow) tires the day that mercury hits 7 degrees? Knowing when to change over to winter tires depends on various factors including temperature and provincial regulations. We’ll help you get a grip on when to swap on (and out) your winter tires and if there are any provincial rules that you should know about.
When Should You Put on Winter Tires & Take Them Off?
For most of us, gasoline never seems to sit around for very long. But when you do store gas or go a long time without using it, the question arises: does gas go bad? Let’s take a closer look at the shelf life of gasoline and what can happen when you store it for too long.
Does gasoline go bad?
Flat tires are common, especially if you’re in a cold climate or if your tires are older and need replacing. But a flat tire can happen to anyone at any time, and you need to be prepared to handle the situation quickly and calmly. You might be wondering, “What happens if you drive on a flat tire?” The truth is, you should never drive more than a few hundred yards on a flat tire, or you risk damaging your tire beyond repair. The best thing you can do when you see that you have a flat tire is to pull off the road and out of oncoming traffic. Once you’re safely off the road, get out of your car, and assess the situation.
What happens if you drive on a flat tire
With a bit of patience, practice, and even more patience, getting your keys out of a locked vehicle is entirely possible. Here are a few tips to safely get inside your locked car (Get Your Spare Key, Unlock Manual Locks with String or Fishing Line, Unlock with a Wire Clothes Hanger, Unlock with an Inflatable Pump Wedge, Unlock with a Strip of Sturdy Plastic, Call Sprinter Towing or a Locksmith, Call the Police).
7 ways to get car keys out of a locked vehicle safely
You can store gasoline in approved canisters if you need to store gasoline for your lawnmower or other types of small engines. Gas cans purchased from a gasoline retailer are approved by state and local government regulations. Once you have bought the appropriate gas can and have filled it you can store it safely in your garage. Since many garages are directly connected to homes, it's important to take all precautions to prevent any spilling accidents from occurring or any other type of accident due to improper storage of the gasoline can.
How to store gas cans inside a garage
One of the biggest concerns that can happen on the road is getting a flat tire. It can go flat before you get behind the wheel or it can blow out when you’re driving along the road. Watch for signs to prevent the dangers of a blowout.
How do I know if I have a flat tire?
At any time of year — but particularly during the dark and potentially treacherous driving days of winter — it's essential to keep your car windows clear. So, build in extra time to remove snow and ice from your car before you drive out onto the wintry roads. Here is a list of suggested steps to consider to keep your car as clean as possible during Winter.
Ways to help keep your car clear of snow and ice
Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to factors such as snow and ice on the road. While it’s important that you are prepared for winter driving, it is also important that your car is up for the challenge. Follow the recommendations below before the winter season to make sure your car can handle winter road conditions.
Winterize your car
Picture this. You’re driving your car on a highway in Manitoba. It’s just before 8 am on a frosty winter morning. While the road appears bare, you do notice snow along the side of the highway as you drive. Should be clear sailing – right? Don’t be so sure. This is exactly when you should be on the lookout for black ice, so don’t let your winter driving guard down just yet.
Black Ice
A Gas Can provides many benefits such as store extra gas, transport fuel, Avoid noxious fumes, Fill up equipment among others. There are different types of gas cans, in this article, we are going to cover the key differences within them.
Types of Gas Cans
Today, with easy access to roadside assistance, being able to change a flat is a skill that’s gone by the wayside, but as long as vehicles have tires, this is something worth learning. Spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with at least some of the general steps of how to change a tire so you can help yourself in a pinch.
How To Change A Tire
A flat tire usually happens in one of two scenarios: You walk out to your car in the morning, open the door and spot it—your tire sagging on the ground. Or you’re driving and you notice the flap, flap sound of an airless tire. When you discover you have a flat tire, what you do next is critical to ensuring your safety.
What should you do if you have a flat tire?
we often get calls to assist people because they attempted to boost the battery of their cars without any luck in getting it running. For sure we have all had a dead battery at least once in our life as a car owner. Having a dead battery in the car means that you not getting any power whatsoever. When you place the key in the ignition and try to turn forward, there is no response, no lights, no sound. What might you do in this situation?
Battery Boost Failure
To avoid unforeseen accidents, it is always essential to be prepared for a roadside emergency and have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This way, you won’t panic if your car breaks down in the middle of the highway, and you will have all the necessary things to help you get back on the road or patiently wait till the help arrives.
Roadside Emergency Kit
We have shortlisted some of the essential things you can keep in your vehicle to help you survive in the off chance that you encounter a vehicle break-down in the snow this winter.
Winter Survival Items
Being an efficient tow truck driver takes a lot of dedication and hard work. Without tow truck drivers, many people would be stranded on the road looking for help. Towing experts help you under different circumstances, including vehicle breakdowns, roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, illegal parking, car accidents, vehicle lockouts, change a tire, car boosting and jump-start, and more.
Tow Truck Driver
The professional towing services are meant for taking you out of trouble. But if you are not judicial enough while hiring a professional towing service provider, you are likely to put up with unwanted hassles. Here are mentioned some common mistakes those you need to stay away from
Hiring Towing Service
If you need to have your car towed, you need to make sure that you prepare your car beforehand to prevent mishaps or carelessness from causing damage. Once your car is on its way, you will have no control over it to protect it from roadway hazards. Therefore, preparation is key.
Six Tips on Protecting Your Car from Damage While It is Being Towed
Towing a trailer or boat, your vehicle will be working harder due to the excess weight. While towing, fluids inside your vehicle’s engine and transmission become heated, which creates a pressure cooker-like effect. This can harden and seal up metal components.
Towing and Your Transmission
You may need to tow a vehicle for a number of reasons, including moving, taking your vehicle along on a trip, or transporting it to another location. Whatever your reason for towing a vehicle, you need to know how to properly tow it. This is our easy-to-follow guidelines.
How to Properly Tow a Vehicle
Though towing is not exactly rocket science, it does involve a learning curve and can, in certain scenarios, be quite a complex procedure. It is a good idea to be aware of the possible risks and know what measures you as a driver can take to prevent any negative scenarios.
Can Towing Damage Your Car?
You have probably insured your home against emergencies, but have you given it although what you would do if your car suddenly stopped functioning in the middle of nowhere? Roadside assistance services cover you when you require someone rescuing you and your vehicle after it just brokedown.
FAQs About Roadside Assistance Services
Different kinds and sizes of heavy vehicles enter and leave a city daily. When there is an increased movement of big trucks and large automobiles, there is also often a greater need for expert heavy-duty towing services.
What kinds of Vehicles require Heavy Duty Towing
Tire blowouts and flats are one of the main reasons for traffic-related collisions and fatalities each year. For most of the drivers, there is nothing more dangerous and frightening than a tire blowout at high speeds. These are our guidelines that will help you maintain control of your vehicle.
How to Handle A Vehicle During A Tire Blowout
When it finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator labeled “check engine,” “service engine soon,” or “check power train.” Or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, perhaps with the word “check.”
What does the check engine light really mean?
A vehicle’s air conditioning system doesn’t create cold air. It actually takes the heat and moisture out of the air that is already in your car, leaving behind cooler air. Having a good understanding of how the components work can help to explain the methods of repairs in the air conditioning system
How does your car’s air conditioning work?
That’s the million-dollar question. And yet, the answer is so simple. There are two types of rust protection: permanent and annual.
How to choose the right rust protection
Finding the best high-performance summer driving tires can be a challenge unless you happen to work in the business. There is quite a bit of confusion over which tires provide the best cornering power, or which ones have the best acceleration and braking capabilities.
What are the best summer tires?
Driving is an important day to day activity for many of us. Without a good vehicle to use, it can be difficult to go from one place to the other, but sometimes no matter how careful you are in maintaining your vehicle, there is always a time that you need to call a towing service
Safety tips when you are waiting for tow truck service
Do your research before deciding on an oil-change interval for your vehicle. The type of engine oil, the age and make of your vehicle and driving habits dictate when to change engine oil.
How often should you change your oil
Cooler temperatures may put a frown on your face. As a rider, you can start to see the motorcycling season winding down. Generally, though, for a majority of riders the riding season ends in late October or early November. Right now is a perfect time to think about winterizing your motorcycle.
How to winterize your motorcycle
On days that seem almost mild, as well as on summer days of searing heat, the passenger compartment of a car can turn into an oven, with potentially deadly consequences. In the confined space of a car, temperatures can climb so rapidly that becomes really dangerous for passengers' life.
Hot Car Warning - Child Safety
By the end of 2008, over 21 million wireless phones were used in motor vehicles in Canada. If you drive with a cell phone, avoid unnecessary calls, and always make the driving task your top priority.
Safe Driving – It’s Your Call
Did you accidentally leave your keys inside, get a flat tire or run out of gas? Luckily, Sprinter Towing will be there for you. Our roadside assistance service will provide you with the help you need if you lock yourself out of your car, need a tire changed, a jump start, requested fuel delivery or a towing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take a look to our tow truck services
Give us a call, sends us a SMS or WhatsApp to (204)500-2420 or use our tow truck request form