Key Takeaways 2WD/FWD vehicles now need chains or an ATD, period. Under Senate Bill 25-069, tires alone no longer bring a 2WD or FWD vehicle into compliance, regardless of rating. AWD/4WD vehicles need the right tires or chains/ATD. Mud-and-snow, winter, or manufacturer all-weather tires at 3/16" tread depth still qualify — worn all-seasons don't. [...]
Every summer, when the monsoon rains roll into the high country, longtime Eagle County drivers keep half an eye on Glenwood Canyon. That instinct goes back to one summer in particular. This year marks five years since a series of historic mudslides shut down I-70 through the canyon — and since local tow crews, [...]
Key Takeaways Before You Descend: Riding the pedal is a trap: Constant friction on steep Colorado grades generates massive heat, leading to "brake fade" and potential total failure. Let the engine do the heavy lifting: Dropping into a lower gear forces the drivetrain to restrict your speed, keeping your actual brakes cool. Towing changes the [...]
If your vehicle loses momentum on the Vail Pass grade or gets sidelined along I-70, do not let a recovery team drag it with two wheels on the asphalt. For modern All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), only a flatbed recovery will prevent irreversible driveline damage. Call West Vail Towing — the recovery [...]
Quick Takeaways for Your 4th of July Weekend: No Fireworks: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all of Eagle County. Personal and public fireworks are strictly prohibited. The Parties Continue: Despite the restrictions, daytime events, parades, and concerts in Vail, Avon, and Gypsum are still on! Traffic & Safety: Expect a busy [...]
Key Takeaways Before You Climb: Expect a Power Drop: Naturally aspirated engines lose about 3% of their horsepower for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. Check Tire Pressure Locally: Drastic elevation and temperature changes cause tire pressure to fluctuate wildly. Check your PSI after you arrive and the tires cool. Watch Your Heat: Thinner [...]
Key Takeaways: Don't ignore the noise: Scraping sounds often mean a loose plastic splash shield, exhaust pipe, or dangling chains. The hidden dangers: Dragging parts can snag and rip out expensive engine components, create fire-causing sparks, or break off and hit other drivers. Take action safely: Pull over immediately, inspect from a safe distance, [...]
Quick Takeaways: What it is: Hydroplaning happens when your tires surf on a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road, leaving you with zero steering or brakes. Why it happens: Downhill momentum, hidden highway ruts, and worn-out tires trap water under the rubber faster than it can escape. How to react: Never [...]
Quick Takeaways: Severe Safety Risks: Tow straps have slack, removing critical control and causing rear-end collisions or massive traffic bottlenecks. Devastating Vehicle Damage: Towing a dead car can destroy the transmission, warp the frame, or rip off the bumper. Legal & Financial Trouble: DIY towing on highways is often illegal, and insurance may deny [...]
The Quick Answer: Fixating on roadside incidents—commonly known as rubbernecking—drastically reduces your cognitive reaction time, creates dangerous secondary collision cascades, triggers miles-long "phantom" traffic waves, and directly endangers the lives of roadside management professionals and incident victims. Human nature dictates a high level of curiosity when we see flashing lights or a disrupted highway [...]
