Surefire Signs You Should Turn Off Your Car and Have it Towed to a Mechanic

Understanding the basics of auto repair can save you significant amounts of time and money in the long run. For example, if you know the signs of serious car problems, you will be better equipped to make the right decision when it comes to consulting a mechanic. Here is a list of surefire signs you should turn off your car and have it towed to a mechanic.

When the check engine light turns on, it will either be solid or flashing. When solid, the light usually indicates a relatively minor problem. For example, a sold check engine light could indicate a problem that is causing a higher-than-normal level of emissions. While not an emergency, this problem still requires a trip to the mechanic. A flashing check engine light is a different story altogether. When flashing, the light indicates an emergency situation. Usually a flashing check engine light indicates a serious engine malfunction that could result in a damaged catalytic converter.

If you are driving and you see smoke or steam coming out from under your hood, you should turn of your car as soon as possible and call a towing service. The most common cause of the steam or smoke is an overheated engine . If you catch an overheating engine early and replace the coolant, you can avoid serious damage. However, if you see smoke and steam coming out from under your hood, this is an indication that it may be too late. When your engine overheats, a number of things can go wrong. For example, you can get a blown head gasket, a cracked block, or a cracked gasket. All three are serious problems that can be quite expensive to repair.