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Understanding Automotive Concerns

I have never been someone who loves to deal with car problems, which is why I was really stressed when I came across car trouble. I was left wondering what to do about the situation, so I started working with different places to get to the bottom of the issue. I turned to a professional mechanic for help, and it was really nice to find out that my car didn't have any serious problems. I wanted to start a little website all about understanding and resolving automotive issues, since you never know when they will pop up and cause trouble.

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Understanding Automotive Concerns

When (And Why) You Should Call A Tow Truck

by Sophia Banks

There are situations where you unequivocally need a helping hand. If your car is stuck on the side of the road and stubbornly refuses to turn on, then it's pretty clear you aren't getting home without a tow. Unfortunately, not everything is so clear-cut. There are plenty of situations where the cost of a tow makes it seem like going that extra mile without one might make sense. While it can be tempting to save a few dollars, these edge cases can often result in more expensive repairs to your or, even worse, putting yourself in danger.

You should always evaluate your situation carefully and use your judgment, but here are three scenarios where calling a tow truck is probably the right move to make.

Freeway Flats

Getting out of your vehicle while stuck on the side of a freeway is never safe. Accidents involving motorists standing on the side of the road are frighteningly common and your likelihood of being hit is much higher on a busy freeway. If a tire blows out while driving on the highway, pull as far off of the road as you can and immediately call for assistance while remaining inside of your car. Even if your vehicle has a spare tire, it makes more sense to tow your vehicle to a safe parking lot before attempting to change it. The few dollars that you will save by avoiding a tow are not worth the risk to your life.

Alternator Troubles

Are the electronics in your car suddenly going haywire? Does it seem like most of your headlights are dimming with engine speed, and accessories like your radio are randomly cutting out? If so, your alternator may be failing. When this happens, you may notice that you can keep your car running by keeping the RPMs up, but trying to limp home this way is almost always a bad idea. A failing alternator can cause your vehicle to stall anytime you allow it to idle. Stalls in highway traffic or busy intersections can be exceptionally dangerous, so it is always better to find a safe parking lot and call for a tow to a nearby mechanic.

Engine Overheating

Sadly, life isn't like the movies. If you see steam billowing out from underneath your hood, then it's likely that your engine has already suffered some damage. Occasionally checking the temperature gauge in your dash as you drive is a good idea since temperature spikes can cause costly internal engine damage. Overheating is often caused by relatively cheap and straightforward problems, such as coolant leaks or water pump failures, but allowing an overheated engine to run can quickly lead to catastrophe. If your temperature needle is racing skyward, then do the smart thing: pull over, shut off your car, and wait for a tow.

Remember that tow trucks aren't just for disabled vehicles. If fixing a problem would be dangerous or if driving your car might cause additional damage, always call for a tow. The price of a lift is small compared to the alternatives.

For more information about towing services, visit a website like http://www.marvsqualitytowing.com.

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