Sometimes, even the most reliable vehicles break down unexpectedly, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. While many car problems can be resolved with a quick fix, there are certain situations where towing is your only option. If your vehicle is no longer safe to drive or has completely stopped functioning, towing is the best solution to get you—and your car—back on track. So, when exactly should you consider towing?
Complete Engine Failure
It’s the scenario most drivers dread: you’re driving along, and suddenly, your engine stops working. Whether it’s due to an overheating issue, oil leak, or a major mechanical failure, engine problems are serious and can leave you stranded without any warning. If your engine completely shuts down, it’s not safe to try and restart the vehicle or attempt to drive it to a nearby repair shop.
In this situation, calling a towing service is the smartest move. Not only can they safely transport your vehicle, but they can also prevent further damage to the engine or other critical components. Trying to drive with a failing engine can lead to expensive repairs, so when the engine goes, towing is the way to go.
Transmission Problems
Transmission issues are another major reason to call for a tow. Your car’s transmission is responsible for shifting gears and transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When your transmission fails, you may experience difficulty accelerating, hear strange noises, or notice a burning smell. In some cases, the car might not move at all.
Driving with a damaged transmission can make the problem worse and potentially lead to a total breakdown. If you notice signs of transmission trouble—such as slipping gears or delayed shifting—it’s best to pull over and contact a tow service. Continuing to drive could cause irreversible damage to your vehicle.
Brake System Failure
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in any vehicle, and when they fail, it’s a problem you cannot ignore. Whether it’s due to worn-out brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or a malfunctioning master cylinder, brake failure puts both you and other drivers at serious risk.
If your brake pedal feels spongy, takes longer to stop the vehicle, or you hear grinding noises when applying the brakes, you should immediately stop driving and call for a tow. Driving without fully functional brakes is not only dangerous but could lead to a major accident. Towing your car to a repair shop for a brake inspection is essential to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
Accidents and Collisions
Unfortunately, accidents happen. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, you may need to have your vehicle towed. Even if your car appears to be drivable after an accident, internal damage could make it unsafe to continue. For example, damage to the suspension, steering system, or radiator might not be immediately visible but can cause major problems down the line.
In some cases, the car may not even start after a crash, which leaves towing as the only option. It’s always better to err on the side of caution after an accident and have your car checked by professionals to ensure it’s safe to drive again.
Overheating
If you notice your car’s temperature gauge climbing into the red zone or steam coming from under the hood, it’s a clear sign that your engine is overheating. Overheating can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a failing radiator, a leak in the cooling system, or low coolant levels.
Continuing to drive an overheating car can cause severe engine damage, so it’s best to pull over immediately and call for a tow. Towing your vehicle to a nearby shop will help prevent costly repairs and ensure the issue is diagnosed and fixed properly.
Don’t wait until your car is beyond repair! At
Destin Auto Center, we’re just a call away to get your vehicle towed and repaired before things get worse. Contact us for fast, reliable service!
