When Should I Call a Tow Truck Instead of Driving to a Mechanic?

davidhazel
davidhazel Posts: 2 ✭
in Break Room
I've sometimes wondered how to tell when a car problem is serious enough that driving further isn't worth the risk. Brake problems, severe overheating, or unusual grinding noises would make me cautious. In those situations, I'd consider professional towing rather than risk further damage.
What warning signs would make you stop driving immediately, and what advice would you give?

Answers

  • G225 code IRSGE
    G225 code IRSGE Posts: 10,528 ✭✭

    A blinking engine light

  • Use_code_VGTIB
    Use_code_VGTIB Posts: 3,106 ✭✭

    If there's a tree or a post in the front hood it's a usually a good sign the vehicle is no longer drivable.

  • Kejinsan CODE VB5UM
    Kejinsan CODE VB5UM Posts: 10,310 ✭✭

    On a flat tire on the edge where tire is about to come off from the actual rim, pretty dangerous to drive on bare metal, happened to me a few years back! Advice is always call a tow and some of them has plugs and tools to fix flat but to put back the rim at place is actually hard on the spot and most of the time the tire would be extremely bad not even worth repairing.

  • Goldfinch
    Goldfinch Posts: 1,982 ✭✭

    I've used a tow truck for various reasons including flat tire, dead battery, stuck in snowbank, smoking engine, and loss of power. I have taken my car to a mechanic (driving it myself) for weird noises and a check engine light.

  • Etienne J. #15639
    Etienne J. #15639 Posts: 27 ✭✭

    better safe than sorry!

  • SHoewrecker
    SHoewrecker Posts: 41 ✭✭

    Call a tow truck

  • Trasim
    Trasim Posts: 81 ✭✭

    If the radiator begins to boil or the red engine warning light flashes, stop driving immediately. If the TPMS triggers an alert, check all four tires. If they are not completely flat, you may continue driving home.

  • junozero
    junozero Posts: 2,421 ✭✭

    Red engine light on

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