To Tow or Not to Tow? Knowing When to Contact a Car Service in Longmont for Towing

If a driver is heading in for minor non-essential repairs or standard maintenance like an oil change in Longmont, CO, it is usually perfectly fine, if not just plain advisable, to simply drive that vehicle right up to the shop. 

That said, there are a lot of times when driving a car can actually make an issue or problem a whole lot worse, and if this is the case, it is always better to call in a towing service rather than risk making the situation worse than it already is, especially if driving the vehicle could pose a safety hazard of any kind. 

Ideally, of course, the car service in Longmont who tows the vehicle is able a qualified specialist in auto repair in Longmont. This way, anybody who is already going through the pain of experiencing car trouble can save themselves headaches by streamlining the repair process by hitting two birds with one stone. 

Keeping all that in mind though, it can often still be difficult for those people who aren’t professional mechanics to know when to tow and when not to tow. Obviously, nobody wants to cause more damage than what has already been done, but a lot of people tend not to realize how serious the signs are until it is too late. 

With that in mind, this article is hopefully going to clear up some confusion, and maybe even save some drivers some major regret later down the line, by laying down some of the signs that it is better to call up a company that specializes in auto repair in Longmont for a two rather than risk making the situation worse by continuing to drive. 

Smoke

Whether coming from the tailpipe or under the hood, smoke is never a good sign. Continuing to drive the car in this condition will not only pose a safety hazard but could end up causing some serious issues with essential and vital components like the engine and exhaust system. 

Burning smells are also a tipoff that something is overheated, and it’s best to park the car immediately and call for a tow rather than wait for the smoke to appear. 

Unusual Smells

Aside from red flag burning smells, vehicles might also produce a full range of unusual or pungent smells when not performing their best. 

Another major warning that a vehicle will need to be towed in the smell of fuel. A fuel leak can pose a major safety hazard, so anybody who thinks they might smell fuel should pull over and inspect the vehicle immediately. 

Speaking of leaks, any type of loss of fluid generally warrants a tow, so if there is anything accumulating under the vehicle, it’s time to call up that local specialist in auto repair in Longmont for assistance. A lot of these fluids have strong smells, and the nose can often be a helpful indicator that something is off even if a driver isn’t able to see under their vehicle at the time. 

Strange Noises

There is no such thing as a completely soundless vehicle, but drivers should always be alert for sounds that fall outside of the spectrum of what they normally hear when driving. 

Two very essential components, the brakes and the engines tend to make strange noises when they are not functioning properly, so out-of-the-ordinary sounds should always be a cause for concern. If a driver notices a grinding noise when they put their foot on the brake or notice that any strange screeching, whirring, or knocking noises are coming from under the hood or under the vehicle, it’s time to pull over the vehicle immediately and call for a tow. 

Warning Light Indicators

Drivers also need to be sure to mind their instruments. Aside from the essential warning lights like the oil level light, check engine light or tire pressure indicator light, all of which tend to indicate the type of serious underlying issues that often warrant a tow, drivers should also be sure to always keep an eye on their temperature gauge. Should it ever start wandering toward the red zone, they need to pull over safely as soon as possible. 

Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can cause serious damage to the engine, so if this is the case, it’s time to pick up that phone and call for a tow truck. 

Handling Issues

Is the vehicle not responding as it normally would? Maybe the brakes feel too easy or too difficult to depress, or the brake pedal is vibrating underfoot. Maybe the steering wheel is shaking, is pulling in one direction or other or feels more difficult to turn than it usually does. Maybe the engine seems to be surging, the clears are clunking loudly or it seems to be taking a long time to get the vehicle to full speed, especially on an incline or hill. 

Basically, handling issues are always serious. If the vehicle is not performing as the driver expects it to, this is a safety hazard, and unless the issue can be remedied on the spot, as is sometimes the case with a flat tire, it almost always warrants a tow. Keep in mind that handling issues also tend to indicate problems with vital vehicle components, and continuing to drive can end up causing a lot more damage than has already been done. 

So listen to the senses and don’t ignore these crucial signs. Play it safe and play it smart. 

The Takeaway: Safety First 

No matter what warning signs a vehicle in need of a fix is or is not exhibiting, the first question that a driver should always ask themselves is whether or not a vehicle is safe to drive. 

In most cases, if the vehicle is just in need of standard tweaks, like say, wheel alignment in Longmont or an oil change in Longmont, it should be perfectly fine to drive it to the shop as long as there are no strange smells, sights or sounds involved and the vehicle is still handling and responding normally. The same goes for problems with most non-essential components like windows, air conditioning or some minor electronic issues. 

The point here is that it is important to tune into the senses and trust those instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it is better to call a company who specializes in auto repair in Longmont for a tow rather than risk making the situation worse. 

If unsure, simply give your local car service in Longmont a call. They have the knowledge and expertise to help a driver identify the signs, and might be able to spot a potential problem that might have otherwise gone overlooked.