If your car has broken down or won't start, you may find yourself in need of towing services. However, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problems. Getting your car started again, even temporarily, can help you get to a safe place where you can wait for the tow truck to take your vehicle to a repair shop. Here are a few troubleshooting tips you can use if you find yourself stranded.
Check The Battery
If your engine won't turn over, or if it sounds like it's not even attempting to turn over, you may have battery issues. However, this doesn't always mean that you need a jump start. In some cases, you may have a loose connection. Locate the clamps that attach to the battery and ensure they are securely in place. Connection issues can sometimes arise if the clamps and the battery have some corrosion damage. Remove the clamps and wipe away the debris before putting them back in place. This is not always a long-term solution, so if you seem to have frequent battery issues, you'll want to consider having the car inspected by a mechanic.
Check The Gear Shift
In some cases, your car may be unable to shift from park into drive or reverse. This means that your vehicle won't be able to move. While the help of a tow truck and mechanic will be necessary in most cases, there are a few things you can try on your own. Cars parked on an incline may have trouble shifting, but this can be remedied by pushing the vehicle forward slightly to release pressure on the gear shifting mechanisms.
Check Your Gas Gauge
A simple but frustrating problem is running out of gas. It may seem obvious, but if you are driving for a great distance, it can be easy to forget to fill up. Check your vehicle's gas gauge to see if this is the root of your problems. In some cases, you may have faulty wiring that shows a full tank even when it's empty. If the gauge shows full but it's been some time since you last filled up, you may be out of gas. You can walk to the nearest filling station to get more, but the safest option is to wait for your towing company to bring an emergency supply.
A towing company, like Valley Express Auto Repair , can provide assistance with all of these troubleshooting tasks, and the driver can even make a few types of repairs while you are on the road. If you don't feel comfortable diagnosing your vehicle issues, rest assured that your towing company can take care many different types of roadside emergencies.
Share20 February 2018
When was the last time your car died unexpectedly? Although car trouble can sometimes sneak up on you, you can be ready whenever your car dies by knowing how to call for help when you need it. I started thinking more seriously about getting ready for a tow truck driver when my vehicle began having a lot of electrical problems, and I am really glad I made those initial steps in the right direction. This website is all about getting ready for your next tow, and understanding how to eliminate problems along the way. Read more about towing on this blog.