Most drivers won’t call a tow truck when something’s wrong with their car, and instead, keep driving, hoping the problem will fix itself or that they can make it home or to a mechanic without help. But driving a faulty car can worsen the problem, put you and other people in danger, and cost you more in repairs than if you had stopped and called for help.
There are several situations where driving simply isn’t safe, such as when the engine overheats, the brakes feel weak, the steering becomes hard to control, or strange smells, smoke, or dashboard warning lights appear. In such situations, calling a car towing service is the safest and smartest option.
We’ll explore the clear signs telling you it’s time to stop driving and call a tow truck instead.
Driving Might Be Risky If You Notice These Signs
Your car can sometimes signal trouble that seems small or easy to ignore, but it usually means the vehicle is no longer safe to drive and needs professional attention right away.
Ignoring the following four signs can cause serious damage, full breakdowns, or dangerous accidents.
1. Your steering feels loose or hard to control
When the steering wheel doesn’t respond as it should, turning or keeping the car straight becomes difficult, making it risky to stay on the road, especially in traffic or at high speeds.
2. Your brakes feel soft, respond slowly, or make loud noises
If you notice your car takes longer to stop or hear grinding or squeaking sounds when braking, it could mean the brakes are worn out or leaking, which can stop them from working when you need them most.
3. You see smoke or smell something burning under the hood
If there’s smoke or a burning smell, your engine might be overheating, fluid could be leaking, or some wires may be melting, and these issues could quickly lead to a fire if you keep driving.
4. Dashboard lights for engine, battery, or oil come on
These lights mean your car’s systems are in trouble, and if you keep going without checking the problem, you could damage the engine, lose power, or cause the car to shut down completely.
Driving with any of these signs present not only makes your car worse but also puts your safety and the safety of others at risk, which is why you should stop right away and call a towing service.
Serious Mechanical Issues That Need Towing
Some mechanical problems are so serious that you should stop driving right away and call for a tow truck. If you keep driving, you can damage the car and make the repairs more expensive or impossible.
Here are some clear signs that your vehicle needs to be towed immediately:
Transmission failure
If your car doesn’t shift gears properly, makes loud grinding noises, or refuses to move even when the engine is running, you could be dealing with a failing transmission, and driving like this can destroy the gearbox completely.
A flat tire without a spare
If your tire blows out or goes completely flat and you don’t have a spare or the tools to change it, trying to drive even a short distance on the rim will damage the wheel, suspension, and other parts connected to it.
Broken suspension or misaligned wheels
If your car pulls sharply to one side, sits unevenly, or you hear loud clunking sounds when driving over bumps, your suspension or wheel alignment may be damaged, and pushing the car further can make the steering worse and create unsafe driving conditions.
Overheating engine
When your temperature gauge spikes into the red zone or steam starts coming from the hood, your engine may be overheating, and driving like this can crack the engine block, warp internal parts, or lead to total engine failure.
Dead battery in an electric or hybrid vehicle
If the battery in your EV or hybrid dies, the car won’t start or respond, and trying to force it into gear or push it could damage the electrical systems or regenerative braking parts.
Driving with mechanical can cause serious internal damage, longer repair times, or even make the car unsafe. That’s why it’s always better to stop immediately and call for help.
What to Do After a Collision
After a car accident, even if the damage looks small, it’s often unsafe to drive because hidden problems could make your car dangerous on the road.
Small crashes can bend important parts, damage internal systems, or affect how the car handles, and if you drive without knowing this, you could make things worse or risk another accident.
Here are signs you should call for towing instead of driving:
- Fluids leaking under the car: This could mean damage to the radiator, engine, or brakes, which are all dangerous to drive with.
- Wheels that don’t roll straight: If the car pulls to one side or feels shaky, your alignment or suspension could be damaged.
- Hood won’t close or airbags deployed: These are signs of serious impact, and driving like this can be illegal or unsafe.
- Unusual sounds or smells: Strange noises, smoke, or burning smells may indicate hidden engine or electrical damage.
If you drive after a crash without checking for hidden damage, your insurance may not cover new problems, so it’s always smarter to call a professional towing service.
Bad Weather Can Also Turn Small Issues Into Big Risks
When the weather turns bad, such as during heavy rain, strong storms, or sudden flooding, mall car problems can quickly become unsafe. Roads get slippery, visibility drops and car systems have to work harder, which means a minor issue that you might ignore on a sunny day could put you in real danger during rough weather.
You should call for a tow instead of driving if:
- Your car stalls in a flooded street: Water can get into the engine, electrical systems, or brakes, and trying to restart or move the car can cause major damage.
- Your tires lose grip or traction: If your tires slip on wet or icy roads, driving could lead to skidding or accidents, especially if your brakes or steering are already weak.
- Your wipers or lights stop working in poor visibility: When you can’t see clearly or other drivers can’t see you, it’s not safe to continue driving.
- Your battery fails in cold weather: Cold can weaken or kill a battery, especially in older cars or electric vehicles, and trying to start the engine repeatedly could drain it further.
Benny’s Towing Service is ready 24/7 to help in any weather and offers fast, professional car towing in Sutherland Shire, so you don’t have to risk driving in dangerous conditions.
Tow With Confidence
Knowing when to stop driving and call a tow truck can protect your safety, your car’s condition, and everyone else on the road. When you ignore warning signs, like strange noises, dashboard alerts, or problems during bad weather, you risk causing more damage and turning a small issue into a big, expensive repair.
Instead of guessing whether it’s safe to keep going, make the smart choice and call a professional who knows how to handle the situation. Benny’s Towing Service is always ready to help with fast, safe, and expert car towing, no matter the problem or time of day.
