If you drive on a daily basis, you’ll know that car issues happen when you least expect it. You also know how frustrating these situations can get, seeing as not everyone is blessed with mechanical skills. For the most part, your car will give trouble while on the road. And when it does, the wisest thing you can do is pull over. Get to a safe spot. Then assess the problem as best you can. If necessary or in doubt, call a towing service. But what are the warning signs to pull over? Here are some of the common automotive problems that tell you something is wrong.
Noises You Do Not Usually Hear
It is recommended to get used to what your car should sound like. If the vehicle is in good condition, take note of this sound when you are on the open road. Because the moment you start hearing strange or loud sounds, it’s the moment you should practice caution. If you are lucky, it is just some debris caught underneath the vehicle. But there is no point in taking risks. There could be something seriously wrong with the engine.
You Notice A Change In Control
It can be unnerving to notice you don’t have full control of the car. Or, it feels like the wheel is buckling, and you can’t keep steering straight. This is a scenario that definitely calls for gradually slowing down, and safely stopping at the side of the road. Chances are a tire can be damaged and needs replacement. However, anything is possible.
Smoke Or Steam
The last thing you want to see is smoke or steam exuding from the underneath the hood. If steam escapes the hood, it could mean the car is running hot. As for smoke coming out of the engine, it could be a fire. Either way, you need to stop the car as quickly as possible and assess the problem.
Pay Attention To Emergency Lights
It is with good reason that cars have warning lights. For example, when the oil or temperature light comes on, it means something needs to be checked. Of course, it could be a small issue like you need to top up the oil. Or it could point to a much bigger problem. Just do not make the mistake of ignoring these lights. If you do, you risk damaging the engine more than it already might be.
The same goes for the engine warning light. In fact, there shouldn’t be any warning lights flashing while you drive. Otherwise, you take a risk that simply isn’t necessary. Because all you need to do is pull over and call a towing service when you can’t handle the problem by yourself.
