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Your safety while driving depends not only on your skills and habits but also on the road-worthiness of the vehicle. However, mechanical troubles often crop up when you least expect them. If you’re out and notice something wrong with your car, it’s best to assess the situation by pulling over. Flat On The Spot Mobile Tire Service, a leading tire shop in Anchorage, AK, shares some symptoms of auto trouble to address right away.

A Tire Shop’s Guide to Serious Car Issues

1. Unusual Noises

If you hear loud, sudden noises when you drive, this could signify underlying issues with your car, such as broken parts or loose connections. Continuous knocking, meanwhile, may indicate an engine problem. Pull over immediately and call for towing or roadside assistance.

2. Smell

If you smell anything unusual, such as rotten eggs, burning oil or rubber, fuel, or something unusually sweet, do not ignore it. These odors can be caused by overheated brakes, the clutch, or a faulty catalytic converter. It can also be from a gas leak or burning wire insulation, which can potentially catch fire.

3. Steam

When you notice steam coming from under the hood of your car, it’s an indication that the coolant is leaking from the radiator. If you continue driving, your engine may overheat, leading to severe damage to the internal parts. Stop the vehicle, let the engine cool down, and check the fluid level to see if it needs refilling.

4. Smoke or Fire

If you see smoke ctire shopoming from the engine, pull over and turn off the vehicle right away. Several issues can cause smoke, and most of them are serious. In fact, fire often follows shortly after, so it’s best to stay away from your car while waiting for help.

5. Change in Handling

If your steering wheel begins to wobble or pull in one direction, it could mean the part is about to fall off, or a tire may blow out. Control is critical while driving, so it’s best to stop the vehicle before you get into an accident.  

6. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal

If your brake feels spongy and needs to be pressed down lower than usual to stop, then pull over to have the system checked. Impaired braking ability is dangerous and puts you and others at risk of an accident.

7. Temperature or Oil Light

If the temperature or oil warning lights on your dashboard come on, this indicates a serious car problem. Driving without oil pressure will cause the engine to stall while overheating can crack head gaskets and warp cylinders. Both are costly to repair, so pull over when you see either of these light up.

If you notice any of these warning signs, pull over and get in touch with Flat On The Spot Mobile Tire Service for immediate mobile repair. Whether your vehicle needs a jumpstart or brake service, the experienced technicians at this trusted tire shop can get you back on the road immediately. Give them a call at (907) 242-0086 to request affordable roadside assistance, or visit the tire shop online for more information about what they offer and how they can assist.

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