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 [...]
As a towing and recovery operator in Eagle County, we see firsthand how shifting weather patterns fundamentally alter highway risks. Typically, April brings the saturated slush and heavy runoff we associate with our transition season. However, following an unusually dry winter, the pavement on I-70 and Highway 6 is exposing a completely different operational [...]
A dry, mild winter in the Colorado high country tricks drivers into a false sense of security. With bare valleys and mostly dry pavement, it is easy to assume winter driving hazards are gone. They aren't. Historically, March and April are Colorado’s snowiest months. A lack of early-season snow simply means drivers are less [...]
If you’ve driven through Eagle County lately, you’ve probably noticed something unusual for February: dry pavement. With the current "snow drought" hitting the Rockies, I-70 often looks more like it belongs in late April than the middle of winter. For many drivers, this feels like a relief. The roads are clear, the sun is out, [...]
Avon is the heart of the valley for shopping and transit, but breaking down here comes with its own unique set of challenges—specifically, the traffic and the roundabouts. At West Vail Towing, we know that when you are stuck in Avon, you don't want to wait. We are based out of the West Vail Shell [...]
It’s 2026. Cars are smarter than ever—they can brake for us, keep us in our lanes, and even park themselves. But here’s the truth every tow truck driver in Eagle County knows: technology can’t replace a skilled driver. This year, instead of just resolving to "drive safe," why not resolve to drive better? Whether you're [...]
