Buying a new car is a large expense and for most people, it may take months or even years to pay off this purchase. More important than the money factor though is the fact that your car must be usable, safe, and convenient to drive especially if you plan to use it daily. Let’s go through some car buying tips that you must know about before deciding to buy a car.
 
Although some would say that all that matters in a car is that it should be able to take you from point A to point B safely, many still consider other factors when choosing a car. From the car type and size to its brand and model, all these considerations are valid. After all, whether it’s new or used, a car is still an expensive purchase.
 
The first and foremost factor to consider is your budget as this can help determine what type of car you can afford to buy. Your credit score also falls under this factor and should be considered if you are buying a car through financing.  
 
Here are other things you need to know before buying a car:
 
Take the time to shop around: Even brand new cars of the same type and model can be priced differently depending on the dealer and financing option you get. So make sure you shop around, compare prices, and check on options first – whether you’re buying something new or used!
 
Trade-in value: Did you know that you can trade in your old car for a different car? Check your trade-in value with dealers near you to see where you can get a good offer.
 
Determine your car’s purpose: Is it a car you will use for your office or your family? Let’s say you find a cool 2-seater sports car at a good price. It’s your dream car, but you’re expecting a baby soon. Of course, a sports car wouldn’t be a good choice at all.
 
Check the car history and repair records: This is extremely important if you are buying a second-hand car. Many times, a used car can be tempting to buy especially if it sells for a really cheap price only to find out that you are stuck paying for a car that requires repairs all the time.
 
Bring a mechanic with you: When buying a used car, bring a mechanic or a friend who knows car engines very well. Aside from the physical appearance of your car, it is very important to check its engine and other parts for problems that might not have been disclosed to you by the dealer.
 
Test drive: Whether it’s a brand new or used car, take it out for a spin!

Hopefully, the car buying tips above were able to give you an idea of what to do before buying a new car. It would be best to have a go-to roadside assistance and tow service company to help you in case you have some trouble while on the road. This is especially helpful when you have a newly purchased car and you’re still in the process of getting used to it and its possible flaws. If you are located in Augusta or any of the surrounding communities in Georgia, contact Augusta Tow Truck for assistance. You may reach us at 706-705-5270 for a free quote.

Today, we are listing down some of the top safety tips for new drivers that must always be remembered. If you have been driving for a few years now, it would be good to check out the tips as well below and use them as a reminder. You most likely know most of them by now, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a short refresher course about safe driving.
 
Did you know that there were exactly 4,999 road accidents in Georgia with 450 killed in 2020 alone? In the past 10 years, there were over 6,600 fatalities caused by road accidents. So please, drive safely and keep the tips below in mind.

Always wear your seatbelt. If you have passengers, remind them that they have to wear their seatbelts at all times. It is never cool to not wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts aren’t merely car accessories you can choose not to use. Many lives have been saved by this car feature.
 
Respect traffic rules. If you do not know or understand traffic rules, traffic lights, and traffic signs, review them right now before you get behind the wheel again. Traffic rules are there to keep all motorist safe.
 
Never drink and drive. Do we even have to explain this part? If you are going on a night out with friends and you’re planning to have a drink, book an Uber instead.
 
Drive within speed limits. If you find yourself always in a hurry, then start leaving home early. Do not overspeed if you don’t want to get a ticket or worse, get in an accident.
 
Be a defensive driver. Always be in the side of caution. Other motorists are not as respectful of traffic rules and speed limits as you. Just be on the safe side at all times.
 
Check your car’s condition regularly. From fuel to engine oil to tires, you must always check all parts of your car regularly. Depending on how much you use your car, you can schedule yearly or bi-yearly maintenance checks too.
 
Do not use your mobile phone while driving. Whether you’re making a call or reading a message, wait until you are parked on the side of the road before touching your mobile phone. In fact, you should avoid all types of distracted driving.

Road mishaps, no matter how careful you are, are unavoidable because it is something beyond your control. Apart from common reasons like accident or collision, car engine failure, and anything that can greatly affect your safety when driving requires a tow.

If you have the basic knowledge of towing, doing it on your own may seem like a good idea. The internet is brimming with information on how you can tow your car and use simple tools like a rope in hooking it in the back of another car. It seems a lot cheaper too. But while online articles and videos make it appear that DIY towing is very easy, such is not the case in real life.

The truth is DIY towing involves a lot of risks and even seasoned drivers are aware of this. It is important not to put yourself in a situation that will compromise your safety and will damage your car. 

Below are some reasons why DIY towing is not a good idea. Read on. 

1. Risk of damages. A lot of people are not keen on the idea of hiring a professional towing service because they think that it is laborious and expensive. Some also believed that their vehicle might get damaged during the loading and the transporting process. However, it is worth stressing out that towing companies have professionals that are trained to use the right equipment to protect your vehicle from damages. The risk when you do it yourself is higher because of the lack of safety training and less access to proper equipment. 
2. Safety is compromised. Your safety is at risk when you attempt to do DIY towing. Without proper safety gears and equipment, a lot of accidents can happen even with the help of amateurs who think they have enough towing knowledge. In the process, you might get hurt yourself and others while lifting your vehicle and unloading it. When you rely on the service of professionals, you are saving yourself from major accidents that can cost you your safety. 
3. Little or no access to proper equipment. Professional towing companies have safety gears and a wide selection of equipment for towing small or large vehicles. They almost always know what to do and what tools and gears to use. DIY towing means you will only be using store-bought equipment that is not tested to guarantee safety. Doing this can not only damage the vehicle but can also cause accidents that can endanger life. 

Towing a vehicle is not something you can do because you have read somewhere that doing it yourself is possible. Towing is dangerous and always requires the service of a professional. There are many misconceptions about the towing process with people saying it is just a waste of money and can damage the vehicle, however, a professional and reputable towing company with good equipment would always know what to do to keep you and your vehicle safe.

Now that you know the many reasons why DIY towing service is not a good idea, then it’s time to look for a go-to tow service provider to ensure that you have someone to call when you need assistance. When driving in and around Augusta, GA, contact Augusta Tow Truck for assistance. You may reach us at 706-705-5270 for inquiries.

Car breakdowns are unfortunate accidents that can happen unexpectedly, that is why it is important to be wary of road safety precautions. When equipped with the right knowledge, you can ensure your safety but also the people with you.

During a roadside breakdown, regular people, as well as deliveries and other essential services on the road, are affected. This may lead to time and money loss and inconvenience that can only cause more problems. This is why it is important to know what to do in vehicle breakdowns to ensure it is handled quickly and safely

These are the different ways you can practice road safety precautions.

1. Try to move your car to the roadside – At the first sign of trouble, make sure to pull up on the side of the road to avoid incoming traffic. It can also help give you time to inspect your vehicle and figure out the problem.

2. Seek assistance immediately – Contact a towing company or roadside assistance service to come to your location. The faster you contact them, the less time you would have to wait for them to arrive and the sooner you can get on your way.

3. Make your presence known – When your vehicle stopped on the side of the road, you must make sure to turn on your hazard lights, place an early warning device behind your car, as well as raise your hood. These alert other drivers of your presence.

4. Carefully depart your vehicle – If ever your vehicle is stopped in the middle of the road, always make sure that you always exit your car carefully to avoid collisions.

5. Be patient – Emergency breakdowns can be stressful. The wait for help can seem to last longer. It is essential to keep calm. Do not do anything that can compromise your vehicle and safety.

These tips are only for when you are in the middle of a breakdown, but the best precaution is always prevention. Make sure to regularly inspect your vehicle before and after trips so that accidents can be avoided. If there are problems, make sure to get them fixed right away to prevent them from getting too severe later on.

Hopefully, the above tips for road safety precautions were able to help you out. If you are located in Augusta, Georgia, then we are the company to call for your roadside assistance needs. Our team is available 24/7 for car towing and truck towing services. Call Augusta Tow Truck at 706-705-5270 for assistance and to get a free quote.

What happens when a car runs out of gas? The fuel gauge is on your dashboard for a reason. It is to remind you when it’s time to gas up. And you should do this even before your car alerts you. So when you see that the fuel level is less than 1/4, it’s best to head to the nearest gasoline station to fill your car up. Waiting until your car runs out of fuel can eventually damage your car so this is something you should never take for granted.

However, running out of gas is a situation all too common for many car owners. It could be that the gauge is broken or the driver simply overestimated the capacity of the fuel that’s left behind versus the next nearest gasoline station. So what happens when the car runs out of gas?

Damaged Fuel Pump: This is one of the main problems you can get when you always wait until your gas tank is almost empty before filling it up. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend cars never going under 1/4 full.

Clogged Fuel Injectors: Debris and impurities will get to the bottom of the gas tank and can go directly to your engine. Although the fuel filter should stop this from happening, impurities can get through the filter when the tank is already almost empty.

Braking and Steering Become Difficult: It’s hard to drive a car that has very little fuel. While the brakes will still work, it will be harder to do so. The same goes for your car’s steering wheel.

Your Car Will Shut Down: The worst thing that can ever happen and will definitely happen when you run on an almost-empty tank is for your vehicle to stall. This is something that’s very difficult to deal with especially when there’s no nearby gas station.

Now that you know what happens when a car runs out of gas, you should always prioritize filling up the tank before it runs empty even if you’re going somewhere near. In the event your car stalls because of an empty tank while in Augusta and nearby communities in Georgia, call Chastain’s Towing | Augusta Tow Truck to get fuel service assistance. We are a trusted tow truck company with years of valuable experience in all towing services and roadside assistance. Call 706-705-5270 for a free quote.

Routine car maintenance is absolutely essential and every car owner should learn about these by heart. When you decide that you want or need to drive a car, safety should always be a priority. Aside from following road rules and improving your driving skills as much as you can, you must also know that you are responsible for your vehicle’s maintenance.  

Many car accidents these days may be caused by drivers’ errors; however, car problems also belong to the top reasons for road mishaps. These are things that can easily be prevented when drivers become more responsible not only while driving but also with the maintenance of their car.

Maintenance should be done as regularly as possible. This can start by simply paying attention to lights you will find on the dashboard – take that check engine light seriously. Check on tire pressure, oil levels, and other things you can check on your own – at least every week. These simple things will not only help make your vehicle safe on the road, but can also prolong your car's life.

Bridgestone shares this list of short term check-ups included in routine car maintenance:

1. Oil and coolant levels
   
2. Headlights and all other lights (brake, turn signals, parking)
3. Air filter
   
4. Tire pressure and tread depth
5. Rotate tires
6. Oil and filter

They have included transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, shocks and struts inspection, coolant fluid change, serpentine belt, spark plugs, and front or rear differential as those included in the long term check-up list.

Although not as frequent, these things should also be checked or maintained on a seasonal basis: windshield wipers, battery performance, and change of tires

Aside from consistent routine car maintenance, you can feel safe on the road when you have a company to call should you need any assistance. For your car towing and roadside assistance needs in Augusta and the surrounding areas, we are here to help. Call Chastain’s Towing | Augusta Tow Truck at 706-705-5270 for inquiries and a free quote!

If you’re on the road all the time, you might be looking for the best yet cheap tow truck services. Although none of us would ever want to be in the position of needing car towing services, it’s always better to be prepared just in case. You should have someone you can call for assistance.

Cheap is not always good service, that’s what a lot of people say. However, there are still companies that are honest and reasonable enough to offer fair rates to their customers. Yes, some towing companies are honest with their prices too!

The best tip we can share with you if you are looking for affordable tow truck services in your area is to search for a company you can call in advance. The need for towing is usually unexpected. You won’t really know when your car will get stuck in deep mud or if the engine will stop working. Truth is, at times, even with regular car maintenance, these things happen. So better be prepared at all times.

Keep a number on your phone that you can call for tow truck service in case you would need it. More often than not, there are towing companies in most towns and cities so look for the company you can call where you drive most often. You can also already ask them to give you a quote of how much towing services usually cost so you’d know already whether they offer cheap or expensive rates.

If you frequently drive around Augusta and the surrounding areas, we are happy to inform you that Chastain’s Towing | Augusta Tow Truck offers cheap tow truck services 24/7. We also offer jumpstart services, car locksmith, roadside assistance, and more. Just make sure you save our number on your phone - 706-705-5270 - so we can assist you whenever you need us. We’ll do our best to be at your location fast. And yes, we can give you a free quote!

If your car just won’t start and you’re in the middle of nowhere, consider yourself lucky if you have the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and fix the problem on your own. However, even when you know how to do it, you might need some help from others too. For instance, if the car’s battery died, you can try bringing it back to life through jumpstarting. But how can you get safe jumpstarting services while on the road?

Although few drivers would still stop to help out complete strangers, we’d like you to think twice about hailing a random car you’d see on a street or highway, especially if it’s after dark or when there are not a lot of people around. We’ve all heard of horrific incidents that happen when people find themselves in this situation.

To be sure that you will get help safely, then it is best to call a tow service company. If you are in Augusta, GA, then Augusta Tow Truck is the company to call.

We provide not only jumpstarting services, but also towing service - no matter what kind of car you have - large truck, sedan, SUV, and so on. With our 24-hour roadside assistance services, you can give us a call and one of our skilled, equipped, and knowledgeable crew will come to your location right away. The best part about calling a towing company like ours is that if the problem is not solved through jumpstarting, then we can tow your car to the nearest mechanic, gas station, or any other area where you can be safer.

So whenever you need jumpstart services in Augusta, remember to call Augusta Tow Truck. We highly recommend saving our number on your phone - 706-705-5270 - so you can call us anytime you need us. We also offer free quotes.

No one would ever want to get into an accident. But knowing what to do just in case would be a great knowledge to have. Here, we will be sharing with you some after car accident tips you should keep in mind. Although we’re hoping you would never have to use these tips ever, again, these are things that are good to know.

For major car accidents, most likely, help will come for you. Witnesses will call for the police and an ambulance will come when needed. So all you have to do is wait. As much as possible, do not get out of your car. If there are no witnesses around and you can reach for your phone, then you can go ahead and call for help.

For minor car accidents wherein you could still get out of the car, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Stop your car where the accident occurred. Do not move it to the side until you have taken a look at the situation. This will give investigators the chance to check out what really happened. It wouldn’t be your word against the other driver’s.
2. Take as many pictures from all angles possible. Again, this would be helpful in the investigation. You may also need this for insurance claims.
3. Check on yourself too. Make sure nothing hurts – no headaches, backpains, and so on. Sometimes, even if it’s just a minor accident, injuries may still happen so you have to see to it that you’re okay too. That’s the most important of all the after car accident tips you will ever get.
4. Also, don’t forget to get a copy of the police report. Call your insurance company right away and inform them about what happened.

Although many car owners can still drive their car away from the accident scene, others might find problems with their vehicle or are just too shaken up by the shock. To round off these after car accident tips, we recommend calling licensed tow services for assistance. When in Augusta and surrounding areas, we are here to help. Call Chastain’s Towing | Augusta Tow Truck for roadside assistance and tow truck service at 706-705-5270. Free quote available. 

Possibly one of the most inconvenient experiences while on the road would be when your car stops running while driving. If this has already happened to you, then you probably already know how much of a hassle it can be especially when you can’t start your car straight away or at all. It is even more worrisome when you have very little troubleshooting knowledge, you’re in an active street or highway, or the middle of nowhere.

So what do you have to do when the engine stops working and your car just won’t go anymore? If you have some troubleshooting knowledge, now would be the best time to put what you know into action. But if you already know that even if you lift the car’s hood and you wouldn’t know what to do, then it’s time to think of better ways to get yourself out of that situation. Here are some tips:

• If possible, pull over to the side of the road where it’s safe. Let go of the brakes and give your car a little push. This is easier when you have someone else with you who can help you push or take over the steering wheel.
• Stay inside your car. The only exception to this tip would be if you see smoke coming from anywhere in your car. If your car stops working with no obvious reason, the safest place to be would be inside your car where it’s safe.
• Turn on your hazard lights and place your early warning device (EWD) behind your car. An EWD is especially important if your hazard lights fail to work. Sometimes, especially if it’s an electrical malfunction, the lights of your car might not work. Perhaps, a jumpstart would help. You have to be extra careful when the lights won’t work and your car trouble happened at night.
• Call for roadside assistance right away. You can call a towing company so that they can take your car to a safe place as soon as possible.

When your car stops running while driving, it is important to stay calm. Do not panic. Panicking won’t help out at all. If you are in the Augusta area, call Chastain’s Towing | Augusta Tow Truck right away. You may reach us at 706-705-5270 for towing services and more. Free quotes available.