What Vehicle Problems Need Towing Assistance?

In the midst of a roadside breakdown, it’s crucial to determine if you truly need towing or if a simple fix can get you back on the road. While some car problems can be resolved quickly or may only require further attention at a mechanic shop, others render your vehicle unsafe or unfit to drive. This article delves into common car issues and provides guidance on whether towing assistance is warranted.

Engine or Transmission Failure: Time to Call a Tow Truck

You’re cruising along, enjoying your commute when suddenly, smoke billows out from under your hood. If your engine or transmission starts rattling, overheating, smoking, or seizing, it’s time to call for a tow. Unfortunately, roadside assistance services can’t resolve engine or transmission issues—you’ll need a skilled mechanic to assess and repair the problem.

Flat Tire: To Tow or Not to Tow

A flat tire is one of the most common driving issues you’ll encounter. It’s essential to drive only as far as necessary to reach a safe location. If you experience a flat tire on the highway, move to the right side of the road, and if needed, onto the grass. Given the frequency of stranded vehicles being hit by passing traffic, consider exiting your car and moving away from the road.

In this situation, the best course of action is to pull over far enough from oncoming traffic or into a nearby parking lot before contacting a reputable towing service, such as Towing El Paso.

Dead Battery: Jump-start or Tow

The dead battery ranks as the second most frequent on-road problem. Batteries have a lifespan and will eventually die, but other issues can also cause their demise, such as a malfunctioning charging system or alternator. Carrying a portable charging pack in your vehicle can offer a quick solution.

If you can charge your car enough to reach a shop, a mechanic can replace the battery for you. However, it’s often safer to have the car towed or call a towing company that also provides battery-boosting services.

Brake Failure: Don’t Risk It, Tow It

Major issues with your car’s brakes put you and other drivers in danger. Brake failure typically occurs when there’s a leak in the brake fluid, which appears as a clear, oily liquid with a sometimes reddish hue. If you spot a stain resembling brake fluid on your driveway, don’t attempt to drive your car.

In this situation, promptly call a local towing company.

Smoke Signals: Proceed with Caution

Smoke emanating from your car likely results from an oil leak dripping onto the engine. If the smoke is blue and smells like burnt frying oil, check your vehicle’s oil levels and the rate of leakage. If the leak is severe, don’t risk driving to the repair shop—running out of oil can lead to engine failure.

To err on the side of caution, contact a towing service. If you notice white smoke or vapor that smells like fuel coming from your hood, don’t open it and wait for roadside assistance instead.

Handling Gone Haywire: Assess and Proceed

If your car suddenly becomes difficult to handle, unbalanced, or starts pulling in one direction, pull over and investigate the issue. The unpredictable behavior could result from a low or flat tire, a loose wheel, small truck-made ruts in the road, or snow and ice filling your tires. Address the problem before resuming your drive, and only continue if your vehicle is under control and the issue is minimal.

Towing El Paso: A Trustworthy Solution

For years, Towing El Paso has been dedicated to serving the residents of El Paso, earning their trust with reliable and affordable towing, recovery, and roadside assistance services. We take pride in our skilled tow truck drivers and top-quality equipment, which set us apart from the competition.

Car Troubles: Key Takeaways

When faced with car problems, it’s essential to assess the situation and determine if you need towing assistance or if a simple fix can get you back on the road. To recap, here are the common car issues and their recommended courses of action:

1. Engine or transmission failure: Call a tow truck immediately.
2. Flat tire: Safely pull over and contact a reputable towing service if needed.
3. Dead battery: Use a portable charging pack, jump-start, or call a towing company that offers battery-boosting services.
4. Brake failure: Do not drive your car; call a local towing company.
5. Smoke from the car: Check oil levels and leakage rate, and contact a towing service if necessary.
6. Handling issues: Pull over, assess the problem, and continue driving only if the vehicle is under control and the issue is minimal.

By following these guidelines, you can keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a reliable towing service like Towing El Paso to help you navigate car troubles with ease.

Also read: Finding a tow truck in Spring and Mistakes when Towing