3 Roadsides Problems That Require A Tow Truck
Posted on: 11 February 2022
If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, you're probably trying to think of all the ways you can get out of your predicament without calling in a tow truck. Unfortunately, trying to save a few dollars by avoiding a tow usually ends up costing more in the long run. In a worst-case scenario, you may even put yourself in a dangerous situation or endanger other drivers on the road.
While plenty of roadside emergencies might not require a tow to the nearest service shop, there are others you should never attempt to solve on the side of the road. Instead of risking your car or your safety, consider calling in a tow truck if you find yourself in any of these three roadside predicaments.
1. Low Tire Pressure
If you drive a car with a tire pressure monitoring system, your car's dash should alert you when your tires fall below 25% of the manufacturer-recommended pressure. This reduction isn't an emergency, but it does require immediate attention. However, you should never drive on tires that appear visibly low or feel unsafe while in motion.
Not only will low tire pressure potentially make your car difficult to control, but it will also ruin your tires. Driving for even a short distance on a low tire can destroy the sidewall, making the tire ineligible for repair and potentially even ruining your wheels. If your tire pressure drops to critical levels, you can save yourself some serious cash by calling for a tow instead of limping to the nearest air pump.
2. Burning Oil
Can you smell oil burning with your engine running? There are relatively few problems that can create a noticeable odor of burning oil, and this typically occurs due to valve gasket failures. When valve gaskets fail, they can drip small amounts of oil onto the hot exhaust manifold, which in turn burns the oil and produces a strong, acrid scent. You may even spot some smoke rising near your windshield.
While valve cover gasket leaks aren't usually critical problems, the burning oil can potentially cause a fire. If you notice this problem after turning your car on, it's best to have it towed to a service shop instead of risking the far more severe damage that may result from an oil fire under your hood.
3. Coolant Leaks
It may be tempting to deal with low fluid levels by topping them up and going on your way, but you should never ignore your low coolant water. Low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat, potentially destroying your head gasket or even warping the head. If you're suddenly losing coolant or notice a puddle, it can be challenging to determine the severity of the leak.
Instead of risking substantial damage to your engine, it's usually best to call in a tow truck. Although you'll spend a little more on the tow, you'll avoid the high costs that can come with driving an overheating car. If you are in need of towing services, contact a professional service near you.
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