On your drive to work in the morning, your car suddenly makes a clunking sound. You might notice it in the way your car drives. Maybe it’s sluggish, not acting the way it does on usual mornings. Something’s wrong. 

But is it an emergency? Is it something you can drive on until you make an appointment with a mechanic? Or do you need auto repair now? 

It’s a challenging decision. There isn’t a rulebook to tell you what’s the best thing to do. 

Yet there are general rules you can follow to make a good decision. 

Noises are indicators, but in most cases, they are there to alert you to a potential problem. They’re a signal to make an appointment as soon as possible. Of course, other problems require even quicker action.  

Brake Problems

Few drivers would argue with putting brakes at the top of an essential list – brakes are vitally important no matter how far you drive. 

Brake failure can happen suddenly. You might notice that pressing the brake pedal doesn’t slow down the car like it should. It might feel soft or sink to the floor. Or maybe you hear strange noises when you brake, like grinding or squealing. Feel vibrations or shaking when you brake? That could be a sign of trouble too. If you see any warning lights on your dashboard, especially the brake or ABS lights, it’s a clear sign something’s wrong.

If you find yourself in a situation where your brakes fail, it’s important to stay calm. If you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, try downshifting to slow down. You can also gently use the emergency brake to help stop the car. Sometimes, rapidly pumping the brake pedal can build up enough pressure to slow the car down. As you’re trying to stop, steer your car to a safe place away from traffic, like a breakdown lane or wide shoulder.

Once you’ve safely stopped your car, turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you’re in trouble. If possible, use reflective triangles or flares to make your car more visible. Don’t try to drive your car any further if the brakes aren’t working properly. Call for roadside assistance or a tow truck to take your car to a trusted auto repair shop. Even if you manage to stop without any problems, it’s crucial to have your brakes checked by a professional to prevent future issues.

Engine Overheating

It’s a hot day outside – even your vehicle thinks so. While you can duck into an air conditioned building and be instantly refreshed, your car doesn’t work in the same manner. 

You’ll know when your car’s engine gets too hot. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If it starts climbing into the red zone or above normal, that’s a warning sign. You might also notice steam or smoke coming from under the hood, along with a strange burning smell. Sometimes, your car might lose power or struggle to accelerate, especially uphill. If any warning lights come on, like the temperature or check engine light, it’s time to take action.

If you notice any of these signs, pull over to a safe spot as soon as you can. Turn off the engine immediately to let it cool down. Wait for at least 30 minutes before you try anything else. Then, carefully open the hood to check the coolant level. If it’s low, slowly add coolant to the reservoir. But be cautious, as the engine and coolant can be very hot. Don’t try to open the radiator cap until everything has cooled down completely. If you can’t find the problem or fix it yourself, call for help or get your car towed to a mechanic.

To prevent engine overheating in the future, keep up with regular maintenance. Check your coolant levels and the condition of your radiator and hoses regularly. Pay attention to your temperature gauge while driving, especially on hot days or when carrying heavy loads. If you notice any signs of overheating, like steam or a rising temperature gauge, pull over and deal with it right away. 

Fluid Leaks

Have you ever watched a pilot walk around the plane before he climbs into the cockpit before a flight? We’re not saying you should do this every time you jump into your car, but it is a good idea from time to time. It can alert you to potential problems. 

Fluid leaks can be spotted by looking under your parked car for puddles. Different fluids have different colors, like dark brown for engine oil, bright green for coolant, or reddish for transmission fluid. Keep an eye out for any stains or wetness around the engine, radiator, or brakes. You might also notice dashboard warning lights or unusual smells, like burnt oil or sweet coolant.

If you find a leak, here’s where to start:

• Engine Oil Leak: Check your oil level with the dipstick and add more if it’s low. But if you’re unsure or the leak seems serious, get help from a mechanic.
• Coolant Leak: Look at the coolant level in the reservoir and add more if necessary. But don’t open the radiator cap if the engine is hot. If the leak continues, get professional help.
• Transmission Fluid Leak: This is crucial for your transmission’s health. If you suspect a leak, don’t drive and get it checked out right away.
• Brake Fluid Leak: If you see brake fluid leaking, avoid driving and have your car towed to a mechanic. Low brake fluid can be dangerous.

Fluid leaks are common as a car ages. The best way to avoid it is through regular maintenance visits and inspections. But even if you do everything right, leaks can sometimes form quickly. This is why it’s in your best interest to pay attention. 

The Best Way To Find Auto Repair Now

When you’re looking for common maintenance items like an oil change or a new set of tires, you have time to do your research and make an informed decision. 

Not so with emergencies. If you’re stranded by the side of the road, fast action is your top concern. And that’s where finding auto repair you can trust can be a frustrating experience. You probably won’t want to do a Google search or call three friends for recommendations. 

That’s also a time when you’ll most likely end up at a repair shop you might not fully trust. 

We suggest you shop for a trusted auto repair shop with a more routine task. That way, you can get to know them before you’re faced with emergency repairs. And have someone to call in the event of an emergency.

What questions can we answer for you about emergency repair?