Happy New Year From A & T Towing
12/26/23
1948 Chevrolet 515 Holmes
This is a 1948 COE Chevrolet Truck with a Holmes 515 bed mounted on the back. Peter Aspesi purchased this truck in 1996 from Gannon Chevrolet in Westboro, Massachusetts. It was the first Holmes 515 in the area and Peter did a complete restoration and finished the truck in 2000. Warren Roosevelt purchased the truck from Peter in 2005 after displaying the unit at an ATHS Truck show in Syracuse, New York. Just another great addition to our museum family!
12/24/23
Merry Christmas from A & T Road Service and Towing!
Wishing You the Gift of Good Cheer this Holiday Season...
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
12/20/23
SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts
12/17/23
Crash tests show how much safer cars are after two decades of improved design.
Watching car crash tests is horrifying and mesmerizing in equal measure. These crash tests show how much safer cars are after two decades of improved design.
12/14/23
Auto insurance catch: Why they may deny your repair estimate
If you are in a car accident, your insurer is supposed to make sure the car is repaired, assuming you carry collision coverage. The law in most states says you can go to any repair shop you choose.
12/11/23
NRC Quickswap detachable tow unit - It's how we Tow HD Trucks, Motor Homes and Buses
A&T Road Service added Truck 32 in 2014. It was a brand new 2014 Kenworth with a 500 hp Cummins and 18-speed gearbox is outfitted with an NRC Quickswap detachable tow unit with a tag axle for extra capacity. This allows the truck to be a wrecker and also a transfer vehicle, so with the unit disconnected, it will tow mobile home units, trailers of all kinds and with the wrecker unit attached is capable of lifting up to 20,000 lb steer axles for heavy duty truck towing. This unit can easily to HD trucks, buses, mobile homes.
It is outfitted with tools and parts to make minor mechanical repairs, air line repair, fuel line repairs, add fuel, and can take care of any DEF needs. It is also equipped with extra high intensity lights for more effective and efficient night work, since A&T Road Service is available 24 hours a day.
North Bay Truck Center is centrally located in Fairfield CA to service all of Solano County along with much of the San Francisco/Oakland bay area and Sacramento. A&T Road Service is available by calling 800-434-1205.
Visit our website at http://www.NorthBayTruckCenter.com
12/05/23
5 Car Care Hacks: What Your Auto Body Shop Wants You to Know
While auto body shop professionals are happy to help with tiny and large problems alike, some car problems can be prevented or at least delayed. A great mechanic wants to empower car owners with knowledge of how to take great care of their vehicles. They should follow these five car care hacks to enjoy logging many miles to come in their automobile.
1. Tending to Tires
It's easy to trust that tires will keep spinning until the driver feels one go flat, but car owners can extend the longevity of their tires with a bit of extra care. They should wipe off brake dust on a regular basis, meaning at least once per week. If brake dust builds up, it's a little-known fact that it can bake into the wheels of an automobile if left on for too long. They should rely on a damp sponge and soapy water to clear off the dust.
That's not all it takes to keep tires in great shape. They should check the car's tire pressure regularly, or have a professional mechanic do so if they're not familiar with the ins and outs of tire pressure. Also, having their tread depth checked and tires rotated regularly is advisable.
2. Keeping Their Cool
Many people don't know that it's important to flush their motor vehicle's cooling system at least once per year, and they should change the coolant then as well as whenever it's needed throughout the year. Automobile owners need to trust a professional mechanic for this job, and they can ensure that grime, corrosion, and other deposits don't build up in the car's cooling system.
3. Letting Their Light Shine
Car owners should check their headlights and brake lights regularly to make sure these lights are in excellent working order. Not only can broken lights result in tickets, but they can also present a hazard on the road. Both the headlights and brake lights can be quickly tested at an auto body shop, and when there is a problem, it's usually easy to fix as long as vehicle owners catch it before it causes problems on the road.
4. Showing Pride in the Car's Appearance
One crucial aspect of taking the best care of a car is also keeping it clean. Whether they own a small car, a huge SUV, or anything in between, automobile owners should get a regular car wash and wax. They need to schedule a vehicle wash every week or at least every other week. Also, if they notice immediate issues, such as a bird relieving itself on the top of their car, it's important to wash the excrement away as soon as possible. Bird waste can actually damage a car's paint job, so cleaning up the mess right away is essential.
5. Paying Attention to Warnings
If drivers notice a warning light on their dashboard, they need to resist the temptation to look the other way. Whether it's a check engine light, a temperature light, an oil light, or something else, car owners should take their vehicle to an auto body shop to check on the problem right away. The earlier they catch an issue, the easier and less expensive it may be to fix.
Finally, automobile owners need to keep in mind that they can prevent some trips to the auto body shop for repairs by taking optimal care of their car. They need to take action today to keep their vehicle in pristine condition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anders_Abadie/1022510
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9461614
12/02/23
RV Towing at A & T BIG RIG TOWING SERVICES
North Bay Truck Center and A&T Road Service heavy-duty towing. We think this is the most flexible and useful rig to tow the biggest trucks on the road, along with big buses and large RV units.
Adding a heavy-duty truck and trailer towing service to our existing North Bay Truck Center full-service heavy and trailer truck service and repair shop and A&T Road Service’s onsite 24-hour minor repair service seemed like a perfect fit. It has proved to be true. We are adding to our fleet of tow trucks and outfitting them for maximum flexibility to handle almost any job. We also offer short and long-distance heavy-duty trucks, trailer towing, and trailer transport. Anywhere in Northern California or locally in Solano County, A&T Road Service has the towing capability and fleet strength to get you to your destination.
Call us 24/7 at 1-800-434-1205
11/29/23
When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports
11/26/23
What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?
What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.
Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.
The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.
These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.
11/22/23
11/21/23
Forces and Motion – Collisions
11/18/23
The world's first public two-car electric crash test by Mercedes-Benz
Demonstrating safety in an unprecedented crash test: Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first automaker to publicly conduct a frontal offset crash of two electric vehicles that simulates a real-life accident scenario common on rural roads.
Take a look behind the scenes of this extraordinary undertaking that not only confirms occupant protection in the EQA and EQS SUV but also illustrates the aspirations of our real-life safety philosophy: To build cars that can withstand not only crash test scenarios, but also real-life accidents.
After all, safety is not a question of drive system, but one of our core commitments to all road users we’ve taken on.
[Mercedes-Benz EQA 300 4MATIC | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 18,7‒17,4 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]*
[Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 24,3‒19,9 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]*
Subscribe to the channel so you get notified for new exciting videos here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...
► Experience the world of Mercedes-Benz: http://benz.me/international
11/15/23
Which Age Group Causes The Most Car Accidents?
Teen drivers
Driving represents a lot of things to teens. Freedom, empowerment for the first time in their lives and status as drivers makes putting teens behind the wheel a dangerous prospect. Teen drivers cause car accidents because they are full of youthful exuberance, and they lack the experience of more seasoned drivers, and they are prone to taking risks because they feel they are invincible.
Furthermore, teen drivers also drive cars that are not the safest on the road, such as smaller vehicles that have more blind spots, or do not have the safety and accident avoidance features that many other cars have. Also, teens engage in riskier behaviors, such as racing, drinking and driving, and overloading their cars with too many people, all of which can contribute to causing an accident.
Unfortunately, the combination of inexperience and propensity for risk taking means that teen drivers are among the most dangerous, and the statistics bear this out. That's why insurance companies generally charge more for the policies of teen drivers, because the companies understand the risks of teens on the road and adjust their premiums accordingly.
Elderly drivers
On the flip side of the accident-causing spectrum, elderly drivers are also an age group that causes the many car accidents. Though they may have decades of driving experience, safe cars and a risk-avoidance mentality, these very factors can actually contribute to causing accidents. Throw in diminished reaction times, failing vision and hearing, and a sense of entitlement and elderly drivers can be just as dangerous as the newly-minted 16 year old out on the road for the first time.
As the body ages, the mind and reflexes slow down. Hand-eye coordination decreases significantly, and it is a lot harder for older people to respond rapidly to conditions on the road or other drivers in dangerous situations. Then accidents occur.
Older drivers tend to think of themselves as perfectly safe drivers, obeying the rules of the road while the world around them takes dangerous risks. While this is partially true, elderly drivers make can make judgment errors about the flow of traffic and distances between vehicles much easier than younger drivers. If this happens and there is no way to fix this incorrect perception of reality, older drivers can make assumptions that cause accidents.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of everyone on the road to be as safe a driver as they possibly can. Young drivers need to learn that they are not invincible, and older drivers need to realize that their skills and perception have likely decreased over time, and need to make adjustments to accommodate.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4339406
11/12/23
CRASH TEST Pickup Trucks – Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, Nissan Titan
The majority of pickups recently put through the passenger-side small overlap front test struggled to maintain their structure, but two trucks — the 2019-2020 Ford F-150 and the 2019-2020 Nissan Titan — earn a good rating.
► These results are valid only for models sold in the USA
✅ Source: IIHS
11/09/23
New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News
Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.
Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.
11/06/23
WINTERIZING YOUR WORK TRUCK
Winter weather can wreak havoc on work trucks if they are not properly prepared to handle the conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, substantial snowfall, and icy roads are normal operating environments for many throughout the winter months. Regardless of the weather, the work must go on.
Use this checklist to help you prepare your work truck for the winter season.
ANTIFREEZE
A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is typically fine for three months out of the year (spring, summer, fall) for most. Come winter, many need to consider a higher concentrated mix of antifreeze to water. The lower the temperate, the more concentrated it should be. Always check temperature ratings on the container of the antifreeze and never exceed a 70/30 antifreeze to water concentration.
BATTERY
Batteries are put through the greatest operating strain during consistent cold temperatures. Due to this, batteries tend to fail more often in winter months potentially leaving you stranded. Regularly check battery cables to ensure they are securely connected and clean any corrosion from the terminals. To prevent battery failure during winter, perform a voltage test during the fall. If the battery reads at the lower end of acceptable voltage, be preventative and replace it.
TIRES
Snowy and icy roads can be difficult to safely navigate. Tires that are worn or improperly inflated can compound this safety issue and increase the risk of an accident. Ensure your tires have ample tread, 4/32″ or more. Cold temperatures can also lower tire pressure, so regularly read your tire pressure to avoid under-inflation. If your area receives heavy snowfall and ice, consider investing in tire chains to increase traction.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid is often overlooked during the winterizing process. Since you utilize your windshield washer fluid much more often in winter, you need to ensure the fluid is rated to withstand the temperatures in your area. Many times, the fluid freezes and the issue is not discovered until your windshield needs cleaned while you are driving down the road with drastically reduced visibility, an accident waiting to happen.
ENGINE OIL
Much like antifreeze, most common engine oils perform great during the spring, summer and fall. As cold temperature descend during winter, your standard 15W or 10W oil struggles to properly flow. As fall arrives, plan on switching out your normal engine oil with 5W (or even 0W oil for extremely cold conditions) to ensure your engine receives the proper lubrication throughout the winter.
ENGINE/OIL HEATERS
When you park your work truck overnight and the temperatures drop, your engine and oil temperature do too. Many work trucks operating in Northern climates have block or oil pan heaters installed, either as a factory option or add-on accessory. Be sure to plug in these components overnight during cold temperatures to ensure your engine has an easier time starting in the morning.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
Four wheel drive is a necessity in regions that receive heavy snowfall. Getting stuck on a jobsite can present a safety concern and decreases productivity. Before your next snow, test your four wheel drive system to ensure the differentials, hubs, bearings and other components are in top working condition.
PAINT & FINISH
Today’s work trucks receive top-notch corrosion protection with the paint and undercoating. During winter, harmful salt and chemicals are deployed to the roads in attempt to melt snow and ice. These road treatments eventually find their way to your work truck, expediting the corrosion and rust process if not addressed. Regularly wash your work truck during winter months, including the undercarriage to prevent build-up of salt and chemicals.
COLD WEATHER KIT
A cold weather kit can be a lifesaver in the event that you get your work truck stuck and help cannot come immediately. In your cold weather kit you should pack a thermal blanket, flashlight with additional batteries, matches, bottled water, jumper cables or a jump box, windshield scraper and brush, tow straps or chains, and roadside flares.
Source: https://www.knapheide.com/blog/winterizing-your-work-truck
11/03/23
SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts
10/31/23
We Tried Warning Them. Some Won't Listen.
10/28/23
Watch This Incredible Heavy Duty Rollover Recovery in Action!
Pepe's Towing Service
81.8K subscribers
10/25/23
Most watched IIHS crash tests in 2022
Enjoy unique angles of the five most watched crash test videos in 2022! Viewers watched more than 207,800 hours of video on IIHS' YouTube channel.
To learn how these vehicles rated, please visit our website: https://www.iihs.org/
More ratings and content coming in 2023.
10/22/23
Mega Tow Trucks - The World's Toughest Towing Vehicles | Full Documentary
1000 tons in tow - They tow busses down the highway and haul heavy military equipment through the forest. They move the world’s largest aircraft, recover tanks from war zones, and haul enormous launch vehicles. these heavy-duty transporters are among the most powerful towing and recovery vehicles in the world. These tow trucks often transport 30 times their own weight – and the loads they carry are huge. These specialty vehicles are called into action when exceptionally heavy loads need to be transported or recovered. Their missions are often dangerous ones – so safety is a top priority.
📺 Watch more documentaries 
• Full Documentaries
🔔 Subscribe our full documentary channel
/ @weltdocumentary
• Full Documentaries
🔔 Subscribe our full documentary channel
/ @weltdocumentary 
10/19/23
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires Will Minimize Roadside Service Calls
It is well documented that the No. 1 cause of roadside service calls is tires. No wonder, there are 18 tires on a typical line-haul service vehicle, more tires than any other vehicle component. You can have the best vehicle maintenance program on the planet, but once that truck leaves the terminal, a number of tire issues can occur that can lead to a roadside service call.
Tread area punctures are the top cause of air loss. A tire failure depends on the size of the puncturing object, in combination with the specific penetration location. If that nail penetrates through one of the tread grooves, chances are higher the nail will break through the tire casing, causing air loss. Tires do not normally have a sudden air loss when a vehicle picks up a puncturing object; they lose air slowly. It may take a few days to lose enough air pressure where the tire sidewalls begin excessive flexing, which generates additional heat build-up.
The tire footprint becomes longer as the tire pressure is reduced, meaning more rubber on the road—which also leads to increased heat. Heat is a tire’s worst nightmare. When a tire continues to generate excessive heat, the rubber actually begins to chemically break down, which will lead to a tire failure. The fact that someone just checked all 18 tires at the morning vehicle walk-around has no bearing on picking a up a nail five minutes down the road.
Sidewall damage/snags are another cause of tire failure. Right side or curb side trailer tires are especially prone to sidewall issues. Vehicles that turn frequently in city driving have the highest incidence of tire sidewall damage. Driver education can play a major role in reducing trailer tire sidewall damage. Drivers who have been on the road for many years will have fewer trailer tire sidewall damage issues than a new driver.
When a vehicle is pulled over for a roadside inspection, tires are high up on the inspector’s checklist. Inspectors are looking for tires with tread depth below the minimum 4/32-in. for steers and 2/32-in. for drives, trailers and dollies. They also are looking for exposed belts and/or fabric along with flat tires. By definition, a tire is flat when the measured air pressure is 50% or less of the maximum tire pressure molded onto the tire sidewall.
If any of these tire conditions are present, the vehicle is flagged as being “out-of-service.” A roadside service call is the only solution for getting the truck up and running again.
There is no excuse for a fleet to have an inspector flag its vehicle as being out-of-service because of a tire-related issue. These types of tire conditions should have been caught during the daily vehicle walk-around. Drivers must be trained to visually inspect tires, take tread depths and even measure tire pressure. It sounds like it is routine, but it’s not. Working with your tire professional on a tires 101 training class will go a long way to reduce roadside service calls.
Visual tire inspections should include running a hand over the tread and sidewall to look for signs of irregular wear and punctures. If a tire is getting close to the legal tread depth, a tread depth gauge measurement is strongly suggested. Make sure to check that the tread depth gauge measures 0 on a flat. Don’t take a measurement at a treadwear indicator location or on top of one of those stone ejectors located at the bottom of many grooves. If you do, you could be off 2/32-in. or 3/32-in.
Measuring tire pressure using a calibrated pressure gauge is very critical. Air carries the load, and tires with low air pressure will lead to excessive heat and premature tire removals. Tire gauges are simple devices, but will quickly lose accuracy. Even a new stick gauge is only accurate to +/-3 PSI brand new, out of the box.
A serious tire program, which includes comprehensive driver training regarding tires, will go a long way in reducing-tire related roadside service calls.
Learn more at: http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/reducing-tire-related-roadside-service-calls/
10/16/23
Garfield and AAA : Keep Your Children Safe in the Car
The short film, which lasts around two minutes, invites the viewer to see the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand in a new dimension.
10/13/23
How we Tow HD Trucks, Motor Homes and Buses - NRC Quickswap detachable tow unit
A&T Road Service added Truck 32 in 2014. It was a brand new 2014 Kenworth with a 500 hp Cummins and 18-speed gearbox is outfitted with an NRC Quickswap detachable tow unit with a tag axle for extra capacity. This allows the truck to be a wrecker and also a transfer vehicle, so with the unit disconnected, it will tow mobile home units, trailers of all kinds and with the wrecker unit attached is capable of lifting up to 20,000 lb steer axles for heavy duty truck towing. This unit can easily to HD trucks, buses, mobile homes.
It is outfitted with tools and parts to make minor mechanical repairs, air line repair, fuel line repairs, add fuel, and can take care of any DEF needs. It is also equipped with extra high intensity lights for more effective and efficient night work, since A&T Road Service is available 24 hours a day.
North Bay Truck Center is centrally located in Fairfield CA to service all of Solano County along with much of the San Francisco/Oakland bay area and Sacramento. A&T Road Service is available by calling 800-434-1205, You can also visit our website at http://www.NorthBayTruckCenter.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)