Signs Your Car Needs a Tow – When to Call for Help
If your car is acting strangely – or not starting – and you’re asking yourself, “Is my car safe to drive, or should I call a tow truck?” this guide is for you.
Being in the middle of a breakdown can be scary and if your car is acting up when you’re not at home, you don’t know if it’s safer to get a tow or try and make it somewhere you know. However, driving your car when it’s breaking down is not only dangerous and risks an accident, it can also lead to higher repair costs.
Check out the telltale signs that it’s time to tow your vehicle rather than risk driving it – for both your safety and lower repair bills. Need emergency repairs? Call Lisbon Auto Repair Center in Maryland to see if we can accept your tow and get you back on the road.
Signs Your Car Needs a Tow
1. Your Car Won’t Start
This might seem obvious, but sometimes a car that doesn’t start can have a quick fix. So, how do you know when it’s time to call for a tow truck versus trying to fix it at home (or wherever you are?)
The most common reason a car won’t start is the battery. If you’ve tried to jump the car and that doesn’t work, you may need a tow. Other quick fixes may be checking that the car is in park or that the battery on the push button start isn’t dead.
If you turn the key (or press the start button) and nothing happens, that’s a clear sign something is wrong. When jump-starting doesn’t work, you may have a bigger problem, such as a faulty alternator or a starter issue and it’s time to call for a tow truck.
For more resources, see 6 common reasons your engine won’t start.
When to Tow:
- No response when trying to start the car (engine, lights, etc.)
- Clicking sound but no engine turnover
- Jump-start doesn’t work
2. Dashboard Warning Lights Are Flashing
Drivers like to ignore dashboard warning lights, but these are important to know what is going on with your car. While a steady light can be seen as a warning, a flashing dashboard light means it is time to get repairs now.
If the check engine light, oil pressure warning, or battery light turns on, it’s time to take action. Ignoring these lights could lead to serious engine damage. If your vehicle is acting odd and the lights are on, you need to seek car repairs ASAP – especially if multiple lights came on or if the lights are flashing.
For more resources, see common reasons your engine light is on (and how to fix it).
When to Tow:
- The check engine light is flashing (not just on)
- Multiple warning lights appear at once
- A red or blinking light stays on
3. Strange Noises While Driving
Knocking, grinding, or screeching sounds when driving are not normal. These could be signs something more is going on under the hood – like engine problems, bad brakes, or parts that are becoming dislodged.
Never ignore warning sounds and pull off immediately to prevent the engine, brakes, or even the suspension from getting worse.
When to Tow:
- Loud grinding when braking
- A knocking sound from the engine
- High-pitched squealing under the hood
4. Smoke or Steam Coming from the Engine
Seeing smoke under the hood is never a good sign. This is when you need to pull off immediately and get out of the car. An overheating vehicle will quickly have a lot of problems, the worst of being the engine or any other part catching on fire. The moment you see any smoke or steam, get out of the vehicle in a safe location.
White steam means your car is overheating, while black smoke can indicate burning oil or an engine fire risk. Neither of these is normal.
When to Tow:
- Steam or smoke is visible from the hood
- A burning smell accompanies the smoke
- The temperature gauge is maxed out (overheating)
5. Overheating Issues
Just as with steam or smoke, an overheating engine is dangerous for both you and your vehicle. If your car overheats once, it might be a minor issue. However, repeated overheating can lead to blown gaskets, warped engine parts, or total engine failure.
If your car keeps overheating, won’t cool down, or starts steaming, you need to call for a tow. Do not try to “limp” your vehicle to an auto shop (driving until it overheats and then stopping) – this can put you in dangerous stopping locations or risk more damage.
When to Tow:
- Temperature gauge consistently in the red.
- Overheating even after adding coolant.
- Steam coming from the hood.
6. Leaking Fluids Under Your Car
Many drivers do not realize this is a warning sign of possible more damage. A few drops of water from the A/C are normal, but if you notice puddles of oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, you may have a serious issue.
When your car is acting odd, or you notice large puddles, you need to inspect what fluids are leaking. Do not ignore leaks when the car is acting strange or making noises – coolant leaks, oil leaks, or transmission leaks can all cause the vehicle to suddenly stop operating safely, putting you in a dangerous accident situation.
When to Tow:
- Bright green, red, or dark brown liquid under the car.
- Strong fuel or burning smell.
- Rapid loss of fluid.
- Leaks keep happening even with a refill.
7. Flat Tire with No Spare
A flat tire is an inconvenience, but if you don’t have a spare or the tools to fix it, you’ll need a tow. Never try to drive your vehicle on a flat, as this can cause more damage to the frame, suspension, and other parts. A flat tire can also make your car go out of control or prevent stopping in an emergency.
When to Tow:
- No spare tire or tools.
- Flat tire on a dangerous road.
- Severe tire damage, such as a sidewall blowout.
8. Steering or Brake Failure
Steering and brakes are critical parts of your vehicle and need to not be ignored. If your steering feels stiff or the brakes feel spongy, do not keep driving. These issues can lead to total loss of control.
Always get to a safe location when you feel your brakes slipping or being soft, the steering is stiff or hard to control, or you notice any changes in how the car responds when you driving.
When to Tow:
- Steering wheel is unresponsive.
- Brakes feel weak or make grinding noises.
- Sudden loss of power steering.
9. Car Shaking or Vibrating Excessively
If your car shakes at high speeds or vibrates while idling, it could be a sign of suspension, alignment, or tire issues. Drivers often try to wait to get this checked, as it seems “safe” when driving on backroads with lower speed limits.
However, a car that shakes or vibrates has something going on with the suspension, tires, or alignment. If these break, at any speed, it can cause an accident. A shaking or vibrating car can be unpredictable and should get auto repairs as soon as possible to find the problem.
When to Tow:
- The car feels unstable at any speed.
- Strong vibrations when accelerating.
- Unusual bouncing after hitting bumps.
10. You’ve Been in an Accident
An accident is scary, nerve-racking, and unsettling. Sometimes, it is tempting to get back in the car and keep driving after you notice you’re okay – most commonly with fender benders. But even a small bump can have major issues under the car, out of sight.
Even if your car seems drivable after an accident, unseen structural damage can make it unsafe. You want to really examine your car or get in touch with your insurance to get a tow, just to be sure.
When to Tow:
- The airbags deployed.
- Fluid is leaking from the car.
- The car won’t move or has severe body damage.
Get Towed to an Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust
Knowing when your car needs a tow is essential for your safety and to prevent costly repairs to your vehicle. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t take risks—call for a tow. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Call Lisbon Auto if you’re worried about your car and want to schedule vehicle repairs in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car if the check engine light is blinking?
If the check engine light is solid, you might be okay to drive to a repair shop. However, a flashing check engine light means you should stop driving immediately and call for a tow.
What should I do if my car overheats while driving?
Turn off the A/C, turn on the heater, and pull over as soon as it’s safe. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot! If the problem persists, call for a tow. Do not drive or stay in the car if you see smoke under the hood.
How can I tell if my car has transmission problems?
Signs of transmission problems include delayed shifting, slipping gears, burning smells, and unusual noises when changing gears. If you experience these, stop driving and get your car towed.
Is it safe to drive with a small fluid leak?
No. Even a small leak can cause major engine or transmission damage over time. If you’re unsure what’s leaking, it’s best to get your car checked and towed if necessary. A leak can quickly drain your vehicle of necessary fluids, at any time.
What do I do if my car breaks down in the middle of traffic?
Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside your car (if safe), and call for help. If your car is undrivable, request a tow truck immediately.
