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 [...]
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 [...]
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 checked the local weather models, you know there isn't any precipitation expected soon. While this winter has yielded lower-than-usual snowfall, March in the Colorado high country remains highly variable. Weather patterns can shift abruptly later this spring, bringing sudden, severe conditions. As we move into the final weeks of the ski season, driving [...]
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, [...]
For a commercial driver, there are few feelings worse than losing power halfway up Vail Pass. The grade is steep, the shoulder is narrow, and the temperature gauge is likely dropping fast. But here is the good news: A breakdown doesn’t always mean a heavy-wrecker bill. For over 50 years, West Vail Towing has been [...]
