You ran out of gas, you locked your keys in the car, your battery died… these are all reasons to call for roadside assistance, but you know that. Mark’s Auto Service would like to discuss reasons you might not have thought of to call for a tow. We all have a tendency to want to avoid inconveniences and this tendency often gets people in trouble, especially with their cars, trucks, and SUVs. Even if your vehicle is still running, you should play it safe and call for roadside assistance for the following reasons.
Brake Trouble
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your automobile and if they’re acting strange, it’s safer to pull over and call for assistance than to keep driving. Problems that signal trouble and danger include your brake pedal sinking to the floor or giving way partially, a noticeable difference in your stopping distance, and the smell of hot chemicals. These things can precede brake failure.
Check Engine Light Came On
Your check engine light comes on for good reason. You’ve either got trouble brewing in your vehicle’s exhaust system, a problem with the transmission or ignition system, or an issue with the fuel or electrical system. Check to make sure your gas cap is on tight. If it isn’t, tighten it to see if this fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, call for assistance rather than drive your vehicle to avoid additional damage.
Car Is Overheating
Don’t drive your car, truck, or SUV if it’s overheating. If you can’t get the temperature gauge back to normal, even with the heater blasting, pull over and kill the ignition. The farther you drive with your engine too hot the more you damage it. Plus, if the engine is so hot it melts electrical wire casing, you may find yourself with a car fire. Call for roadside assistance to avoid this danger.
You Smell Something Burning
If you smell anything burning at all, whether from the brakes, engine, or inside the vehicle, pull over, turn off the motor, turn on the hazard lights, and inspect your vehicle for fire. Call 9-1-1 if you see smoke coming from anywhere on your car, truck, or SUV. If you have a fire extinguisher in the vehicle, use it. Call for a tow even if you don’t see any smoke. You should never smell something burning in your car.
Mark’s Auto Service offers towing services for Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL, and Loves Park, IL, drivers. Call the respective number and we’ll come and get you and your car. Rockford: 815-491-8142. Loves Park: 815-318-0200.
