Part of safe driving involves knowing when to pull over and call for towing. While some issues, such as tire blowouts, are obvious, you might question whether to stop in other scenarios. Some situations may allow time to make it home before shutting off the engine, while others will only continue to grow worse the longer you drive. Determine the best course of action by familiarizing yourself with the most common vehicle problems that demand immediate attention.

5 Vehicle Issues That May Necessitate Towing

1. Check Engine Signal Flashes On

You should never overlook a check engine light. While a simple faulty wire could cause the signal to turn on at random, there may also be a serious engine problem that requires immediate attention. The best choice is to pull over and turn the vehicle off to prevent further damage.

2. Unexpected Shift in Handling

If you’re driving down the road and notice the car is handling differently, don’t attempt to reach your destination. This may indicate an issue with the axle or another important component of the steering mechanism, which makes driving unsafe and could potentially lead to an accident.

3. Oil Temperature Is Reading Hot

Oil should maintain a consistent temperature. Otherwise, you could face an overheated engine or costly damage due to loss of oil pressure. These issues are usually revealed when the oil temperature gauge lights up, so don’t wait too long after that to call for a tow truck.

4. Sudden Loud Noises

Ignoring a noise won’t make it go away. If you hear any sudden sounds that are either loud to begin with or are increasing with intensity, pull over immediately. Check for any debris that you may have run over. If none is visible and you believe the issue is with the car, call a towing professional to take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop.

5. Smoke Coming From the Engine

Smoke drifting out from under the hood is never good. This could reveal the engine is overheating or that something is wrong with various components in the engine. It also drastically depletes your visibility, which makes it unsafe to stay on the road.

If you need a tow, connect with the professionals at Ron’s Service & Towing in Fairbanks, AK. These experts specialize in roadside assistance and understand the importance of timely service. Their drivers are available 24/7 and will get you back on the road as soon as possible. Call (907) 456-4224 to request service, or visit their website for additional information.