Can Those Car Problems Wait or Should You Call a Towing Service?
The prospect of calling a towing service when you're on the road can be very bothersome, as of course no driver likes to wait for a tow truck and then face the towing bill on top of that. However, there are some problems with cars that are very dangerous; you may lose control, or the car may simply shut down when you least expect it. Note a few considerations as to whether or not your car problems can wait or if you should call a towing service.
Squealing
When certain belts under the hood of your car become brittle or cracked, they often squeal. This can include the fan belt and the belt to the alternator. These belts connect wheels to each other and allow those parts to keep running. If you hear a squeal when you first start your car, you should get to a repair shop as soon as possible so they can note which belt needs replacing.
However, if you notice this squeal and then a distinct snap, and then no more squealing, this usually means the belt has broken. If it was the fan belt, your engine might overheat very quickly. The engine could then suffer severe damage before simply shutting down. If it was the alternator belt, your battery is not being recharged. In this case, the car will only run as long as the battery has "juice," and then the car will shut down. Pull over and have your car towed to a shop if you hear this sudden snap.
Brakes
If you need to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to get the brakes to 'catch,' you want to get to a repair shop and have the brake lines and pads checked right away. You may have lost pressure in the brake lines and they need replacing, or the pads may be worn down. If you need to virtually stand on the pedal or push it all the way to your car's floor to get the brakes to grip, you want to have your car towed. The brake lines are probably drained of all fluid or the pads are completely worn away, and the brakes may simply fail.
If the brakes grind slightly when you apply them, the pads probably need changing as soon as possible. If brakes continue to grind even after you release the brake pedal, the pads may have slipped out of place and could easily lock up and cause your car to slam to a stop. In this case, have the car towed.
