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Jump Starts: What You Need to Know

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:12:40 GMT

If your vehicle won't start, what should you do next? One common issue with autos that won't start is a dead battery. If a dead battery is the problem, jump-starting the car could get you back on the road quickly. Here is a basic guide to jump-starting an automobile.

Understanding Cables

To perform the jump start you will typically need a pair of jumper cables. One cable, which has a negative charge, is black, while the other cable, which carries a positive charge, is red. Each cable has an alligator clip on both ends. The clips are attached to the leads, or terminals, on both the dead battery and a good battery during the jump start procedure.

Understanding Donor Cars

When you have a dead battery on your hands and want to use a pair of jumper cables to start the car, you need a working battery to boost the bad battery. Generally, the working battery will come from the vehicle of a driver who volunteers to assist you. The other vehicle is called the donor car. The donor car might belong to anyone nearby who agrees to help or a friend or relative who comes to your location.

Establishing a Connection

The jump start process involves connecting the bad battery and the good battery of the donor car. You make the connection by attaching the alligator clips of the jumper cables to the positive and negative terminals on each battery. After the connection is made, starting the donor car often transfers enough power to the dead battery to start the stalled car.

A critical point regarding connecting the jumper cables to each battery is that the positive, or red, clip must go onto the positive terminal and the negative, or black, clip must go onto the negative terminal. Make certain that you do this correctly because attaching a clip to the wrong battery terminal can cause sparks, a short circuit, or even cause a battery to explode.

To make sure that the connections are safe, look for a positive sign next to the positive terminal and a negative sign by the negative terminal.

Checking for a Match

Another key point to remember is that the voltages of the two batteries need to match. So, if the dead battery is 12 volts, then the battery of the donor vehicle should be 12 volts as well. Attempting to jump-start a car when the two batteries do not have the same voltage could damage one or both of the vehicles.

Ensuring Safety

Certain safety precautions are necessary when attempting a jump-start.

Place each car in park or neutral and apply the parking brake. Do not let the two vehicles touch each other. Ensure that the lights and turn signals are off in each car. Avoid leaning over either battery. Don't attempt a jump start if a battery is cracked or leaking fluid.

Also, drivers should check their owner's manual before any jump start. Some manuals may advise owners not to engage in jump-starts.

Following the Procedure

The first step in jump-starting a car is to attach a positive clip to the positive terminal of the bad battery. Then connect the other positive alligator clip to the positive terminal of the good battery.

Next, connect one negative alligator clip to the negative terminal of the good battery and the other negative clip to an unpainted metal part of the vehicle with the dead battery. Do not attach a negative clip to a dead battery, as this is a safety hazard.

Finally, start the engine of the car with the good battery and allow it to idle for a few minutes. Then turn on the ignition in the other car and see it starts.

Jump starting a car is a good way to get a car back on the road, but it's also a bit tricky and not everyone will want to try it. If you want to make certain the job is done right, let the professionals at Rusko's Service Center perform this task. We will be glad to come to your location and perform a jump start. Contact us for your roadside assistance needs.

You're Locked Out of Your Car: Now What?

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:00:22 GMT

The moment you see your car keys sitting in your car and realize that the doors are locked, you may wonder what you need to do to gain access to your car and retrieve your keys. Here are the steps you should follow if you have locked your keys in your vehicle.

Attempt to Open All of the Car Doors

The first thing that you should do if you think you locked your keys in the car is to attempt to open all of your car doors. Many people see their keys sitting on the seat in their car and begin to panic. Not every door may be locked. Attempting to open all of the car doors allows you to see if you really locked your keys in the car or whether you can gain access and grab your keys.

Think About Whether Any Family or Friends Have a Spare Key to Your Car

Once you have established that your keys are indeed locked in your car, the next thing you should do is stop and think about whether you gave a spare key to anyone, or if you have a spare key at your home. Maybe your spouse, partner, sibling, parent or neighbor has a spare key. If someone has a key, reach out to them to see if they can bring you the key so you can get in the car.

If no one has a copy of your key, once you gain access to your vehicle again, you should consider having a spare made and giving it to someone who you trust and who lives near you. This can help you if you happen to lock your keys in the car again.

Try to Unlock the Car Yourself

If you are in a place where you feel safe, you can try your hand at unlocking your car yourself. Consider these two primary methods that you can use to attempt to unlock a car door yourself.

If you have an older car, the shoelace method may work. The shoelace method involves tying a slipknot into the middle of a shoelace or piece of rope. Slide the shoelace through a crack or open corner in the window. Maneuver the string around until you get the knot around the lock and then tighten the strings so the slipknot is firmly against the lock. Pull upward to lift the lock open.

If you have a new car, you will need to use a long, slim object to reach the automatic locks on the side of the door or in your center console. Carefully attempt to pry the item through the crack of your door toward the unlock button in your car. Keep wiggling and maneuvering the item until it hits the unlock button and you can open your car door.

Get in Touch With a Roadside Emergency Service or Tow Company

If you have locked your keys in the car and you do not feel safe standing outside of your car and attempting to unlock the door yourself, or you have not had any luck unlocking the door yourself, now is the time to reach out to a roadside emergency service or a tow company. Both can help you gain access to your car and get your keys.

Locking your keys in your car can disrupt your day and prevent you from getting to where you need to get on time. However, Rusko's Service Center, located in Dearborn, Michigan, can help you to get back in your car in a fast manner, allowing you to get on with your day. Contact us now to get the lockout services help you need.

3 Commercial Truck Tire Problems to Avoid

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 09:56:46 GMT

Whether you drive a semi-trailer or a commercial box truck, road safety is likely one of your top priorities. Tires are at particular risk on large vehicles that travel long distances. A blowout at highway speeds can lead to roll-overs, damage to your truck or nearby passenger vehicles, and injuries. You can avoid these problems if you know three common issues that affect your truck's tires.

1. Underinflation Blowouts

Tire problems result in approximately six percent of crashes involving a large truck. Of those, many could likely be avoided if the tire pressure is regularly checked. Blowouts typically occur because a tire suffers immediate damage on the road, such as by hitting an object or from air leakage over time that eventually leads to the tire failing. Although you may not be able to control the former, air leakage can be avoided.

Cause

Air loss occurs naturally. External air pressure changes, and driving down the road will cause slow leakages over time. Although tires that are slightly underinflated may not blow out, they will begin to reduce your fuel efficiency.

Blowouts on the road become more likely as even more air is lost, especially if the tires are all at different pressures, because then the stresses of the road can affect the tires unequally. Trailers are even more likely to have pressure problems, since these may not be taken back to their home base for major fleet maintenance for long periods of time.

Prevention

The only way to prevent underinflation is to check the air pressure in your tires regularly. Don't depend on "tire thumping," a commonly utilized method to try and gauge the pressure quickly by ear. Instead, always use a calibrated tire gauge to get an accurate reading of the pressure in all the tires.

2. Uneven Tread Wear

Irregular wear on the tire treads can indicate other mechanical issues with the truck that need to be addressed, but the most immediate concern is that uneven wear can increase the chances of a flat or blowout.

Cause

Common causes of uneven wear include problems with the alignment, underinflated or overinflated tires, mismatched tires, and failure to balance and rotate the tires. Caught early, many problems can be rectified before the wear patterns become irreversible.

Prevention

Pre-trip inspections are your best guard against uneven tire wear. Before you hit the road, visually inspect each tire to verify that the tread is wearing evenly on all tires. It only takes a few minutes to circle your rig and measure the tread with a tread gauge tool. Doing so allows you to catch any troubling wear patterns before they become a problem.

3. Mismatched Tires

The phrase mismatched can mean several different things. Tires from different manufacturers, different tire sizes, or tires at different stages of wear are all considered mismatched. Weight distribution tends to be uneven across all tires when mismatching is a problem, which increases the danger of a flat or blowout.

Cause

Failure to verify that the tires are of the same model and manufacturer is a common cause of mismatching. Tire replacements on the road due to flats and damage can also lead to mismatching, as can combining new tires with older tires that are beginning to show wear.

Prevention

Prevention is as simple as checking all tires prior to your trip to make sure they are of the same size and show similar levels of wear. At the minimum, tires need to match across the axle. If you have only a few tires replaced, make sure the new tires are on the same axle and that the tires on each duel assembly are also of the same size and relative wear.

Your safety and the safety of your equipment is of paramount importance, but even with diligence, tire issues can land you on the side of the road. Contact us at Rusko's Service Center to learn more about how the right roadside service can keep you and your truck on the road.

Roadside Tow Safety: When You Must Leave Your Vehicle Behind

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:51:10 GMT

An accident or vehicle malfunction can happen at any time, and it is never convenient for the owner. A tow may be the only option. No one wants to leave their vehicle behind, but sometimes it is necessary for safety reasons or because of other responsibilities.

Drivers must be cautious when a roadside tow means a vehicle is left without any occupants. The owner could experience legal problems or incur more expenses if they do not handle the situation appropriately. A few extra steps can help ensure a vehicle comes home safely or arrives at a repair facility without any additional damage.

Call the Police

Michigan law requires drivers to contact the police after a single-vehicle accident if any unattended property damage occurred or if the automobile has damages of $1,000 or more. If the owner does not make the call, the mechanic has a legal responsibility to contact the police to report the damage they believe resulted from an unreported accident.

Call the police even for tows needed because of mechanical issues rather than an accident. The police need to know a tow truck is on the way. A lack of communication could cause the authorities to believe the driver abandoned the vehicle. The police department may order a tow that could lead to added costs for the owner.

Contact a Tow Company

Call a towing service as soon as possible to ensure the vehicle does not stay on the side of the road any longer than necessary. In Michigan, vehicle owners have 18 hours to remove a vehicle from the side of the highway, and 48 hours from rural roads. The police can charge the owner with abandoning a vehicle if they wait too long.

Give Accurate Information

Be clear with the dispatch service about where the vehicle is, what it is, and where it needs to go. It may sound simple, but many people give inaccurate descriptions to towing companies. The owner of the vehicle could have a much higher tow bill than expected if the driver goes extra miles, and spends extra time, looking for the vehicle.

Use the exact road name, and any distinguishing landmarks when discussing the location with the dispatcher or driver. Be certain of the make and model of the vehicle. Write down the location and the license plate number for tow calls that take place after leaving the car. Leave the keys hidden in the vehicle and tell the dispatcher where to find them.

Make certain the repair facility and the towing company have accurate contact information for the driver and the owner (if different). Without good contact information, the tow driver cannot call with questions or inform the owner of a delay. Mechanics usually do not begin any repairs until they talk to the owner of the vehicle.

Make it Visible

Keep the hazard lights on while still with the vehicle to give other drivers as much notice as possible of the breakdown. Try to move the vehicle as far off the road as possible or into a lighted area, if it will move at all. Use reflectors from the car emergency kit, or any reflective material available if the vehicle remains near the roadway after sunset.

People often make mistakes or forget details when they are suddenly stranded on a roadside. Write down these tips along with the vehicle information and store the list in the glove box to avoid any mistakes. At Rusko's Service Center , we will do our part and safely retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. Call us to learn more about the services we offer.

3 Reasons Contractors Need Emergency Roadside Assistance

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 09:45:11 GMT

If you're a contractor who runs your own business, your goals are to make customers happy, grow your business, and increase your profits. And if you're like most contractors, you rely on one or more vehicles to reach your service customer. Your vehicle transports you, your employees, and important gear and tools to a job site.

Your business flow suffers if you're unable to reach that customer when vehicular emergency grounds you. So learn about three compelling reasons contractors need emergency roadside assistance.

1. Extend Your Business Hours

Does your business operate during set hours and days? If so, you might consider an expansion of your available hours and days.

Fortunately, you can rely on emergency roadside coverage to help you out late at night or on weekends. Flat tires from rough roads can occur anytime, and support like this allows you to extend your business hours.

Additionally, evening and weekend coverage means you and your employees don't have to worry it they are stuck at a complex job later than expected. Travel from a job site and back to vehicle pool or home is covered in case a tank runs dry, a driver is locked out, or a work truck rolls into a ditch at night.

2. Control Your Schedule

A sizeable fleet with multiple employees can be chaotic, especially when an emergency arises. A work truck that won't start right away or an overnight flat tire means trouble. Hasty vehicle reassignments or swaps might throw off the appointment schedule of the day. The result is often angry customers that must wait indefinitely for you to install their new HVAC or stop a leak.

Even a modest fleet of one work truck is not immune to the consequences of a roadside emergency. Often a last-minute mishap challenges your ability to reach a scheduled appointment on time. A longer delay might make a customer cancel altogether, which means a profit loss for you.

Emergency roadside assistance gives you tighter control over your schedule. Immediate help gets your truck or van back up and running so you can reach your job site. You won’t have to worry about being inconvenienced by vehicle problems.

3. Free Up Space Inside Your Work Vehicle

A start-up contractor business with an older vehicle might stash gear inside in the event of an emergency. You probably stash a can of gasoline if you often travel long distances, or a winch and chain for times you get stuck in a rural area. Unless your contractor trade requires the use of an extensive tool set, you simply don't need to carry tools to repair your truck in case it breaks down.

You can free up more space in your work truck when you omit the extra baggage, especially if space is at a premium. Certain trades necessitate large loads like bulky HVAC equipment and ductwork, which leaves little room for unnecessary items. Additionally, it's dangerous to haul gasoline along with certain chemicals and solvents many contractors haul around.

Roadside assistance lets you free up space inside your work vehicle because you know one phone call brings all the tools and equipment necessary for your emergency. More space means that you can be better prepared for your contract work.

Now might be a good time to invest in a reliable emergency roadside assistance service for your contractor business. Rusko's Service Center offers assistance for a range of roadside emergencies, and can accommodate any size work vehicle you drive.

Give us a call and find out how our service can help you make customers happy, grow your business, and increase profits.

Avoid These 3 Causes of Semi Rollovers

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 09:39:18 GMT

The trucking industry continues to steadily grow and generated over $700 billion in 2017. This type of growth combined with the nature of trucking only means an increased potential for accidents among truckers. Trucking accidents block or snarl traffic, cause damage to goods in transit, and cause injury and fatalities to passengers.

Rollover accidents account for a mere 3.3% of truck accidents, but this dramatic crash type causes more than half of fatalities. These staggering statistics highlight the need for increased trucker awareness of how to prevent a rollover scenario. Take a look at how to avoid these three surprising causes of semi-truck rollovers.

1. Your Load

One overlooked cause of semi rollovers is the condition of the load you haul behind you, which has a large influence on your ability to safely pilot your truck. For example, your company may tend to overload your truck to maximize profits. This practice only makes it difficult for a driver to gauge proper slow down speed to navigate curves safely.

Additionally, any load may shift suddenly if it is not properly secure. Weight shift increases the tendency for a trailer to rollover during abrupt lane changes or sharp curves.

You can follow a few simple practices to avoid a rollover accident. First, don't give your load the opportunity to become unbalanced. Make sure it is secure before you get behind the wheel, and check it again at each subsequent break. Think twice before taking on a load that is difficult to secure even with multiple tie-down methods.

Finally, aim for a better feel for how your truck performs when it is heavily loaded. Be aware that a heavier load affects turns and dramatically reduces your deceleration.

2. Uneven Pavement

Trucking is not always limited to wide, smooth freeway lanes. Sometimes your truck must access side roads or highways with imperfect pavement conditions. Your truck can suddenly drop one or more wheels off the roadway when it encounters differing pavement heights. First instincts urge you to quickly turn the wheel sharply to correct the position of the truck. Unfortunately, doing so may cause your truck to rollover.

Instead, immediately slow your truck speed and pull over completely. Decide to re-enter traffic only if you can do so at a safe speed until all your tires are on the road again. Only re-enter at a slight angle to prevent an accidental rollover.

3. Your Tire Pressure

The tires on your tractor and trailer perform an important job, but some drivers still fail to check the tire pressure regularly. Slightly under pressure tires do more than reduce your fuel efficiency and wear out irregularly. Tires with low pressure cannot safely carry your load and lead to sudden blowouts, which may force your truck onto its side.

Instead, always check all the wheels with a calibrated gauge instead of guessing with other methods. Your tire pressure gauge can more accurately give you spot-on readings in crucial situations.

Also, tire pressure is important when road conditions are less than desirable. You must be able to pinpoint your pressure if you drive frequently in snow or ice, or encounter sand or mud. You can boost your traction by lowering pressure slightly. Don't forget to re-inflate your tires when road conditions are normal.

Rollovers and downed trailers still happen despite a driver's best judgement. If your truck is involved in a rollover, always maintain a safe accident site with flares or cones. Stay away from your wreck while you wait for help. Rusko's Service Center specializes in heavy towing scenarios and can help you in the event of a truck rollover. Contact us to find out more about towing trucks and trailers.

Learn About Tire Conditions and Safety Concerns

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 09:32:25 GMT

One of the biggest reasons people get stranded is tire issues. Since you never really know when your tires may cause you to be stranded, problems can put you in a dangerous position. Therefore, you want to do your best to prevent tire problems to the best of your ability.

The information below will help guide you through checking for tire related problems, help you keep your tires in better shape, and educate you on what to do if you experience tire issues while you are driving.

Prevent Tire Problems

Check your tire's air pressure regularly. This can help you avoid finding yourself stranded due to tire issues. Driving your car when the tire pressure is low can cause your tire to blow out, which leads to a dangerous situation.

The proper tire pressure for your tires is provided on the sidewall of each tire. You can check the pressure with a small, handheld tool you can purchase at an auto parts store for a couple of dollars that's called a tire gauge.

Check your tire's tread when you routinely check the air pressure. Driving on tires without a proper amount of tread can lead to hydroplaning on a wet road, sliding on an icy road, lack of proper gripping on a normal road, and increased risk for things going wrong with the tires themselves, such as blowouts.

Check your tires for any signs of visible problems. When you bend down to check the right front from the outside, look under the car with a flashlight to also check the inside of the left front. Do this with each tire. You want to look for any signs of excessive wear, nails or screws embedded in a tire, splitting, or anything else that looks different.

Keep Tires in Good Condition

When you park your car for an extended period and the car will be exposed to a good deal of sunlight, you want to purchase tire protectors that go in front of the tires to protect them. You can make your own protectors out of plywood or even cardboard. If the tires are left in direct sunlight for long periods, the tires can end up with flat spots.

When you drive your car, you want to refrain from doing anything that's going to put more wear on your tires. Some people like to do burn outs when they feel they are in a safe area to do them. However, burn outs remove a lot of tread from the tires and lead to the need to replace the tires sooner.

Whether you are making a right-hand turn, or you are parking and want to get as close to the curb as possible, be careful not to rub your tire on the curb. Rubbing your tire on the curb can cause the sidewall to become thinner and this can cause a bubble. If your tire has a bubble, do not drive the car until you replace the tire.

React Appropriately to Tire Issues

If you are driving when something happens to your tire, keep a couple things in mind. One thing to remember is that stopping quickly is never a good idea unless you are avoiding hitting something.

Another thing to remember is that maintaining control of the direction your car goes is crucial. Therefore, should anything happen to the tire, maintain proper direction, bring speed down slowly, and pullover in a safe spot.

Anytime your tire gives you a problem or you have reason to believe you aren't safe driving any further on your tire, you should have your car towed. Contact us if you need a tow and we will be happy to tow your car for you.

HAVE YOUR CAR TOWED DURING A LONG-DISTANCE MOVE

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 09:24:57 GMT

When you're moving within the 48 contiguous United States, transporting your belongings by road is usually the best option regardless of the amount of distance between your current house and final destination. Moving certain items by ground for long distances, however, can be difficult.

For many homeowners, vehicles can present particularly tricky transportation challenges during a move, especially when the household has several personal vehicles and any additional recreational vehicles. In this situation, you have to determine how best to get your moving truck and your truck, car, SUV, boat, or RV to your new home.

Long-haul towing services can provide you with the perfect solution to this dilemma. In this blog, we provide you with the information you need to decide if towing is the right choice for moving with your vehicle.

Consider Having Your Car Towed

When you consider your options to get your car from one distant location to another, the most obvious solution is to simply drive the vehicle from point A to point B. However, long-distance drives are a massive investment.

This option puts wear and tear on the vehicle, can delay your move, incurs fuel costs, and could result in vehicle damage. Additionally, you may not have the option to spend that long in the car yourself, which may mean you need to hire a professional driver or entrust your personal vehicle to a friend or family member.

Many homeowners think that if driving the distance isn't practical, they should consider selling the car instead. While resale is an option, towing creates less hassle and is more cost-effective than you may assume since it doesn't come with the extra costs of physically driving the vehicle cross country.

Find the Right Towing Company

Once you decide that you want to ship your vehicle to your new home rather than driving it alongside the moving truck or leaving it behind, you must decide on the hauler who will handle transportation. Some moving companies offer this service, but many do not due to the additional liability involved.

Instead, partner with a reputable towing company that performs long hauls. As you consider prospective towing companies, ask about the services offered, estimated costs, and business reputation.

Prepare Your Car for Long-Haul Towing

Like your other possessions, your vehicle requires preparation before you can load it onto a trailer and ship it to your new home. Before you sign any contract, check that all of your ownership and insurance paperwork is in order. This time is also your opportunity to discuss how your auto policy applies to towing with an insurance professional.

Before your moving date, clean your car out completely, including deep cleaning tasks like vacuuming the carpet and seats. This step reduces the risk of personal items or potentially damaging substances staying in the car during your trip.

Schedule a routine inspection for your vehicle. This service visit should include all currently needed and past-due maintenance steps to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before towing. Let your mechanic know that the vehicle will be towed soon. Towing inspections may include additional steps like tire checks.

Research whether you will need to perform additional steps to get your car roadworthy in your destination state, such as completing an emissions test.

As you approach an upcoming move, consider whether long-haul towing services can simplify the moving process, protect your vehicle, and provide you with peace of mind on the road ahead. Work with your mechanic, mover, and towing company to ensure your vehicle or vehicles arrive ready for their next drive.

For comprehensive towing services, including long-distance hauls, trust the experts at Rusko's Service Center .

4 REASONS TRUCKS OVERHEAT AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 09:18:07 GMT

Although engines naturally produce a lot of heat, excessive heat underneath the hood of your commercial truck can increase the risk of engine damage. Due to long-distance travel, trailer trucks are especially prone to overheating.

Whether you are experiencing an overheating situation with your engine or you want to take precautions and avoid engine trouble, here is a quick guide to help you understand the reasons why your truck's engine could overheat and how you can deal with this problem.

1. Airlock

An airlock is a large bubble of air trapped inside the liquid coolant that helps to regulate temperatures in the engine. This bubble forms when a leak reduces the amount of coolant in the system and air rushes in to occupy the space left behind.

The air bubble sits atop the coolant and prevents the liquid antifreeze from flowing through the system to cool the engine. As such, the bubble creates an airlock and causes the engine to generate excessive heat that is not effectively dissipated.

Running your engine on idle can help to eliminate the airlock, but completely removing the air bubble from the engine's cooling system can take time and effort.

If the situation does not resolve, call a heavy-duty towing company to get your vehicle to the next repair shop to prevent further damage to your engine.

To avoid the inconvenience caused by airlocks, be sure to run your truck on adequate amounts of fuel. Additionally, service your truck regularly to identify and mitigate potential coolant leaks.

2. Blocked Thermostat

Engines feature a device known as a thermostat that works to keep the engine temperatures at a certain safe range. When working properly, the thermostat neither fully closes nor opens, and this allows optimal coolant flow.

A faulty thermostat will be stuck either in the open or closed position. Both excessive coolant flow and suboptimal coolant flow can cause the engine to overheat and can drastically diminish the engine's efficiency.

Thermostat problems develop over time, and your engine may overheat suddenly. If your engine stalls due to overheating, ask a towing provider to get you to the nearest auto shop to replace the thermostat.

3. Defective Cooling Fan

An electric cooling fan sits atop your truck's radiator. The fan turns on when the vehicle is stationary but the engine is too hot or when the coolant levels are too low to adequately regulate temperatures in the engine.

A malfunctioning cooling fan will fail to start, resulting in excessive heat generation under the hood that could significantly damage the engine. A defective cooling fan will also affect other components, such as the thermostat and radiator, which are critical to the engine's efficiency.

Have your truck's cooling fan replaced as soon as possible to mitigate costly damage to the engine system.

4. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the process by which electric currents decompose coolant to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

These gases, combined with condensed water and old coolant, can easily corrode critical components, such as the cooling fan, water pump, and radiator, which work to cool the engine.

DIY troubleshooting of engine problems caused by electrolysis can be difficult. Find a truck repair professional to diagnose and fix this problem.

Whether you own one truck or an entire fleet, engine problems can set you back, especially if not addressed immediately. In addition to having a proper truck maintenance plan, consider working with a reputable towing company that can offer reliable roadside assistance and get your vehicle to the closest auto shop for timely repairs.

At Rusko's Service Center , we have the tools and expertise to tow heavy-duty trailers. Whether you are in an emergency or you want to find out about our services, call us today and we will be happy to help.

4 WAYS PARENTS CAN KEEP TEEN DRIVERS SAFER

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:09:12 GMT

The fact that your child is now old enough to drive is a scary concept to embrace, but once your child has a taste of the open road, you can't do much to hold them back. However, you can do a lot when it comes to keeping your child safe on the road.

Whether you are planning to buy a car for your child or they will drive your vehicle, address these important safety tips before handing over the keys.

1. Limit Passengers

While an accident can occur at any moment, experienced drivers are typically less prone to crashes than inexperienced drivers. Teen drivers are not experienced drivers. In fact, drivers who are 16 to 19 years old face three times the risk of being killed in a car accident than drivers who are at least 20 years old.

A teen's risk of collision is even greater when they have a group of friends in the car. Limit the passengers that your child can have until they gain more experience.

Additionally, Michigan exercises a graduated license (GDL) structure, which sets guidelines for drivers based on their license class. If your teen has a Level 2 license, the law states that the child can't drive with more than one passenger who is under the age of 21.

2. Rely on Technology

Technology has both good and bad qualities, but it can be an excellent tool for promoting safety with your teen driver. First, ensure the car has some form of a hands-free solution, such as a Bluetooth feature.

While you want to discourage your child from talking while driving, in the event they must use their phone, it is much safer to use a hands-free system than to hold the phone. Holding a phone takes one hand off the wheel and reduces your control of the car.

Technology is also available that allows parents to monitor the vehicle's speed or block their child's ability to text when the vehicle is in motion.

3. Research Roadside Services

Now is the time to start investigating roadside services. Once your child starts driving, they could be on one side of town and you could be on the other when they run out of fuel, get a flat tire, or the car breaks down. When you can't get to your child immediately, confidence that help is on the way can ease your concerns.

Sit down and research local tow companies in the area, look for reviews, and even request rate information. Once you find a company best suited for your needs, program their information in your phone and your child's phone so that they can immediately call for help.

4. Discuss Emergency Plans

Among 16-year-old drivers, at least one in every five drivers in this group will be involved in a crash. Make sure your child knows exactly what to do when involved in an accident.

For example, assuming your child is uninsured, make sure they know to first move their vehicle to safety if possible and turn their hazard lights on. Tell your teen that their next steps should be to move safely away from the vehicle, contact the police and tow company, and then contact you.

Go over this plan multiple times to ensure it's ingrained in their mind, which may help keep them calmer in the event of an accident.

When you discuss these important tips with your child, you do your part to help keep your child safe. Whether the problem is a flat tire or an unfortunate collision, at Rusko's Service Center, we are here to help your family. Don't hesitate to contact us when in need.

7 TIPS TO PREVENT WILDLIFE COLLISIONS

Tue, 01 May 2018 08:57:16 GMT

Deer mating season is over in Michigan, but that does not mean that drivers can relax. Unfortunately, wildlife collisions are a threat any time of the year, and many accidents happen during the summer months when people spend more time in rural areas to take in the gorgeous views.

Whether you've lived around wildlife all your life or are hoping to catch your first view of a live deer in the wild, use these tips to prevent a dangerous collision with animals on the road.

1. Watch for Warning Signs

You should always drive in rural areas with the assumption that wild animals could suddenly try to cross the road. However, you need to be especially wary if you see deer or other wild animal crossing signs. These bright yellow signs are placed where animals are known to cross frequently.

2. Be Alert During Prime Feeding Time

The majority of animals tend to be the most active in the hours just around dusk and dawn. During these hours, deer, elk, and moose are actively feeding as they prepare to sleep or wake up for the day. Unfortunately, this is also the time of day when low natural light levels may make wild animals harder to detect. If you're driving during these feeding times, you need to be extra vigilant.

3. Scan the Road as You Drive

During the spring and summer months, deer tend to approach roads to get to green grass before they retreat back to their shaded resting spots. You are also more likely to see animals if you are driving alongside a river or stream that they use for water. Ideally, you should scan the road from side to side to look for animals as you drive.

In the evening hours, you can often glimpse a flash on the side of the road from your headlights illuminating the animal's eyes. If you spot this flash, immediately slow down and proceed with even more caution.

4. Expect More When You See One

Most wild animals travel in groups, especially during the dusk and dawn hours when predators are also wandering about. Never assume that the threat is over just because you passed a single deer or moose. Typically, other animals are nearby that are just as likely to run out into the road.

5. Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

Proper vehicle maintenance goes a long way toward the prevention of car collisions with animals. Make sure that you have working headlights that can help you see wild animals in the dark. If you plan to travel in low populated areas, then you should also make sure that the high beams work.

In addition to your headlights, your car should be outfitted with quality tires that are properly inflated and brakes that are in good condition so that you can stop quickly if an animal does get in your path.

6. Limit Distractions in Your Vehicle

The best way to avoid a collision of any type is to limit distractions when you are driving. Avoid eating while you drive, and place your cell phone where you won't be tempted to use it. You should also preview your route before driving in unfamiliar areas so that you can keep your eyes on the road and not the GPS.

7. Know How to Handle a Potential Collision

There is always the possibility of catching an animal in your path, despite your best efforts. If this happens, do not slam on the brakes or try to swerve, since you could accidentally turn your car in the path of the animal's escape. Instead, steer your car straight ahead and apply gentle pressure to the brakes.

If you do hit the animal, then call 9-1-1 to report the accident and seek help for any injuries. Keep in mind that you should never drive a car that is possibly compromised from a collision. Call for a tow if the vehicle has serious damage.

At Rusko Service Center, we'd rather you be safe on the road than need to call for a tow, but we are here 24-hours a day just in case you need us. Keep our contact information handy, and get out there to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

SAFETY FIRST: WHAT TO DO WHEN WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 08:41:36 GMT

An unexpected breakdown can catch anyone off guard. Fortunately, you can always call for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to the nearest shop. In the meantime, it'll take some time for your tow truck to arrive. To keep yourself and fellow passengers safe, here are a few things you should do while you wait.

MOVE OFF THE ROAD

Move your vehicle out of traffic's way if it's possible to do so. If your vehicle can safely move under its own power, then pull over onto the shoulder of the road or into a nearby parking lot. Be wary of soft shoulders or steep drop-offs when pulling over to the side of the road.

If you choose to pull into a parking lot, then make sure it's relatively busy and well-lit. Busy restaurants and shopping centers are prime candidates for a safe place to pull over. Don't forget to leave plenty of space for the tow truck driver to safely hook or load your vehicle.

If your vehicle can't move under its own power, then you may still be able to push it over to the side of the road. You'll need an extra set of hands to help, either to push the vehicle or steer it toward a safe spot. Be aware of traffic and pick a safe moment to move the vehicle.

MAKE YOUR VEHICLE VISIBLE

Turn on your car's hazard lights so other drivers will be able to see your vehicle. On most cars, you can find the hazard lights button on the top center half of the dashboard. Other cars may have this button on the top or side of the steering column.

If you have an emergency roadside kit, then there's a good chance that you'll have reflective triangles or road flares on hand. Placement of these warning devices will depend on the type of road you're on. For example, if you're on a two-lane road, then place one flare or triangle four paces away from the vehicle on the traffic side of the shoulder and place the remaining devices 40 paces ahead of and behind the vehicle.

REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE

As a general safety precaution, you should stay in your vehicle while waiting for a tow truck to arrive. Your vehicle is usually the safest place to be, especially if you're immobilized with no way to pull over. The only exception is if your vehicle is leaking fuel or smoldering.

If you need to leave your vehicle, exit through the passenger side when traffic is clear and walk a safe distance away from the side of the road. Some roadside kits come with a high-visibility jacket you can wear to make yourself easily seen while waiting outside of your vehicle.

REFRAIN FROM ACCEPTING RIDES

Not everyone is a Good Samaritan, and it's not uncommon for those with bad intentions to take advantage of motorists in need. If a complete stranger offers you a ride, politely turn them down and remain with your vehicle. Since you've already called for a tow truck, there's no need to hitch a ride with someone you don't know.

BE AWARE WHEN THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVES

For safety reasons, you'll need a way to verify who comes to your rescue. Ask for the dispatched driver's name as well as tow truck's license plate. Most tow trucks have easily identifiable markings and the drivers may also have nametags identifying themselves. Some tow truck companies send text messages when a driver comes in close proximity to your vehicle.

Keeping the above tips in mind can help you stay safe while waiting for a tow truck to arrive. Whenever you need a tow or roadside assistance, you can count on Rusko's Service Center to be there.

PREPARE FOR WINTER DRIVING EMERGENCIES WITH THESE 6 TIPS

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:26:16 GMT

Getting stranded on the side of the road, or even in a parking lot, is never less fun than in the middle of winter. Sadly, snowy weather and cold temperatures only make car trouble more likely. Though you cannot guarantee you won't run into an emergency situation on the road this winter, there are a few preventative steps you can take to decrease the risk - and to ensure you're prepared if such an emergency does arise.

1. Replace Your Tires If Needed

Old, bald tires make it harder to stop in snowy weather and may result in your car getting stuck in a ditch. Before winter hits with full force, check your tire tread. Put a penny into the grooves on your tire. Make sure that Lincoln's head is pointed down into the tire. If the tread does not cover the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is too low and you need new tires. You should also replace your tires if they are more than six years old or if you notice any cracks in the rubber.

2. Check Your Brakes

Brake failure could also leave you in a ditch, or worse. Signs that you need your brakes replaced include:

The brakes make squealing noises when you apply them
Your car pulls to one side when you brake
You feel vibration in the pedal when braking
You have to push the pedal to the floor in order to stop

Even if your car seems to stop soundly, have a mechanic look over the brakes if you've experienced any of the signs above. Brakes that work sufficiently in fair weather may not be safe in wintry conditions.

3. Put Jumper Cables in Your Trunk

Car battery failure is common when the temperature drops. If you have jumper cables in your trunk, a dead battery is downgraded from an emergency to a minor annoyance. Make sure you know how to use the jumper cables, too. Watch a few how-to videos or look for an instruction pamphlet at your local bookstore and stash it in your glove box in case you need it.

4. Assemble an Emergency Kit

In case you do get stranded on the side of the road, you need to ensure you have the right items to keep yourself warm and safe until help arrives. Here are some important items to include:

Blankets
A poncho or rain coat
Duct tape
A multitool or pocket knife
Cash for gas or other necessities
A basic first aid kit

Many people recommend keeping a few bottles of water in your emergency kit, too. This is a good idea, but water may freeze when it's cold outside. A better idea is to keep a bottle or two of Gatorade or another sports drink in your kit. These drinks contain electrolytes, which lower their freezing point. They will still freeze if it's really cold outside, but they're less likely to freeze than water.

5. Invest in a Car Charger

If you do not already have a cellphone charger for your car, purchase one now. They are only a few dollars, and they ensure you're able to call for help in an emergency, rather than sit on the side of the road stuck with a dead phone battery.

6. Look up Local Towing Companies

Take a few minutes to research towing companies in your area, and save a few phone numbers of good ones. This way, if you do become stranded on the side of the road this winter, you won't have to waste time searching for a towing company on your phone; you'll know just who to call.

With the tips above, you'll be more prepared for any winter driving emergency. If you ever need a tow in the Dearborn area, contact Rusko Service Center . We offer roadside assistance seven days a week.

DON'T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE: 5 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN YOU NEED A TOW

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 08:11:42 GMT

Most people don't plan when their car will need to be towed. Your car may not start one day and need to be towed to a mechanic, you may be involved in an accident and need your car towed to a collision center or you may have a tire blowout and need your car towed to a repair shop.

Because none of these events are things that you have planned for, you may search for a tow company using your smartphone and call the first company that you come across. However, even if you are in a hurry, you should vet towing companies before you hire and agree to do business with them. The wrong company could charge you more or damage your vehicle.

Here are five questions you should always ask before hiring a tow company.

What Types of Tow Trucks Do You Have?

There are four primary types of tow trucks that are in use by tow companies. This includes a flatbed tow truck, integrate tow truck, hook and chain tow truck and wheel lift tow truck. If the wrong type of truck is used on your car, your vehicle could be damaged.

As a general rule of thumb, hook and chain tow trucks should only be used on salvaged vehicles or cars that are severely damaged in an accident.

Wheel lift tow trucks are good for most small to full size cars.

Flatbed tow trucks need to be used on cars with all-wheel drive or 4X4 drive, as these types of vehicles can be damaged by wheel lift tow trucks. This is also the preferred tow truck for pick-up trucks and SUVs.

Integrate tow trucks are used for larger vehicles, such as buses, big rigs and large commercial vehicles.

What Training or Qualifications Does Your Staff Have?

As you look to hire a towing company, always ask what training or qualifications the individual doing the towing has. You want to look for a company that either trains their staff or hires properly trained individuals to ensure your vehicle is not damaged during the towing process.

How Long Will It Take You to Reach My Location?

If you are stranded on the side of the road or your car is blocking an intersection, be sure to ask the towing company how long it will take to reach your location. If they are busy that day, they may be take several hours to reach you. Ideally, you want to find a company that can reach you in 30 to 60 minutes.

Are There Safety Precautions in Place When You Approach My Car?

Unfortunately, criminals may take advantage of the fact that you are stranded and approach you under the guise of offering help. Because of this, many tow companies offer safety precautions to let you know that it is really them approaching your car and not someone else.

A tow company may text you when they are within a certain distance of your car, email or text over pictures of the technician who will be helping you or call you to let you know their tow company has just pulled up behind you. For your own safety, always look for a company that offers these or similar precautions.

What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

The last question to ask a tow company is what forms of payment they accept. Make sure they accept the form of payment that you have with you. If you don't have anything with you, ask if you can have a family member or spouse call in to make the payment on their card for you.

If you are in need of a tow in the greater Dearborn, MI, area, Rusko's Service Center is here to help. Our friendly crew can help you tow your car from one location to another safely and without doing damage to your vehicle