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No one ever plans for car trouble. But when vehicle problems strike, they often do so at the most inconvenient times—on the way to work, during a weekend trip, or late at night in the middle of nowhere. In moments like these, knowing when to call a towing service can make all the difference between a quick fix and a costly disaster.

At Moore’s Motor Service, we’ve spent nearly a century helping Coventry drivers get back on the road safely. From stubborn breakdowns to silent battery failures, we’ve seen it all. Here’s what every car owner should know: recognizing the signs that you need towing is just as important as recognizing a flat tire. Let’s break it down.

Your Car Won’t Start

Let’s begin with one of the most obvious red flags. If you turn the key (or press the start button), and your car won’t crank or even light up the dashboard, you’ve got a problem. While the cause could be as simple as a dead battery or something more serious like a failed starter, if you’re stuck in your driveway or worse, in a parking lot far from home, this is the moment to call for towing.

Jump-starting might solve a battery issue, but if that doesn’t work—or if the problem recurs shortly after—you’ll need a trusted technician to take a closer look.

Steam or Smoke Is Coming From Under the Hood

Seeing white steam or smoke billowing from the front of your car is more than just alarming—it’s dangerous. This usually means your engine is overheating, often due to coolant loss or a failed radiator. Driving with an overheated engine can quickly lead to severe damage and high repair bills.

If your temperature gauge is rising and you spot steam or smell burning, pull over safely, shut off the engine, and call a towing service. Don’t take chances with your engine.

You Hear Strange Noises

Your car speaks to you—just not in words. Grinding, banging, whining, or screeching sounds coming from under the hood or from the wheels can signal serious mechanical issues. These might include transmission failure, brake problems, or suspension damage.

If your vehicle suddenly sounds like a marching band gone rogue, it’s better to call for towing than to risk breaking down completely or causing an accident.

Your Check Engine Light is Flashing

There’s a big difference between a steady check engine light and one that flashes. A blinking light usually signals a severe issue—often related to engine misfires, which can overheat the catalytic converter or damage the engine over time.

Driving with a flashing check engine light isn’t just risky—it could mean turning a manageable fix into a multi-thousand-dollar repair. If the light won’t stop blinking, that’s your cue to stop driving and call for help.

You Were Just in an Accident

Even if your car looks drivable after a collision, it may not be safe. Structural damage, leaking fluids, and compromised braking systems often aren’t visible right away. If airbags deployed, there’s body damage, or you notice strange performance afterward, have your vehicle towed to a reputable auto shop for a professional inspection.

At Moore’s Motor Service, we offer full-service towing and repairs, so we can safely recover your car and get started on repairs right away.

Flat Tire with No Spare or Tools

A flat tire is one of the most common roadside problems—but not everyone is equipped to deal with it. If you don’t have a spare tire, jack, or know-how, trying to change it yourself could be unsafe—especially on a busy road.

Instead, let a towing service step in. We’ll either change the tire on the spot or tow your car to our shop to get it fixed properly. There’s no shame in asking for help—in fact, it’s often the safer choice.

You Ran Out of Gas

Yes, it happens. Maybe the fuel gauge malfunctioned. Maybe you pushed your luck. Either way, running out of gas can leave you stranded in some inconvenient places.

If you’re too far from the nearest gas station to walk—or it’s late, cold, or unsafe to leave your vehicle—towing or roadside assistance is your best bet. At Moore’s, we’ve helped plenty of folks out of this exact situation with fast, friendly service.

Transmission Trouble

When your vehicle refuses to shift gears or suddenly slips out of drive, it’s not just annoying—it could leave you stuck. Transmission failure is nothing to mess with. If you’re experiencing grinding gears, delayed acceleration, or total gear failure, get off the road as soon as possible and call a tow truck.

Driving a car with a failing transmission can make a bad situation worse, especially if you end up stranded on a highway shoulder or in traffic.

Fluid Leaks

Seeing a few drops of water under your vehicle from the A/C on a hot day? That’s normal. But puddles of oil, coolant, or transmission fluid? That’s not. If you see bright green, red, or dark brown puddles forming under your car, you’re dealing with a fluid leak—and possibly a major one.

Driving a car that’s leaking vital fluids can lead to overheating, seized engines, or sudden braking failure. If the leak is heavy or ongoing, don’t try to limp the vehicle home—call for towing.

Sudden Loss of Power or Acceleration

If your car suddenly loses power or struggles to accelerate even when you press the gas, something’s wrong. It could be a fuel system problem, a sensor failure, or even a clogged catalytic converter. Regardless, you don’t want to be the car limping along at 10 MPH on the highway.

A sudden performance drop is a clear warning sign that your vehicle shouldn’t be on the road. Pull over safely and get in touch with a towing service to bring your car in for diagnostics.

The Car Feels Unsafe to Drive

Sometimes, it’s not about a specific noise, light, or symptom. You just know something’s off. The steering might feel loose, the brakes might not respond well, or the suspension might be giving you a bumpy, unpredictable ride. If you ever feel like your vehicle is unsafe to drive, trust your gut and stop driving.

There’s no shame in calling for help. It’s better to be cautious than to risk an accident.

Towing Services Aren’t Just for Emergencies

Here’s something many people don’t consider: towing can also be used for convenience. Maybe you’re buying or selling a car that doesn’t run. Maybe you need to get a vehicle from one location to another without adding miles to the odometer. Or maybe you’re managing a fleet and want to move vehicles between job sites or service appointments.

Moore’s Motor Service offers reliable towing for all situations—emergency or not. Whether your car broke down or you just need a vehicle safely transported, we’re here to help.

At the end of the day, knowing when to call for towing services is all about understanding the warning signs and protecting your investment—and your safety. Cars are complex machines, and when they start to show symptoms of trouble, ignoring them often leads to bigger, more expensive problems.

That’s where we come in.

If your car shows any of the signs above, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Moore’s Motor Service in Coventry, RI, at 401-821-4050. Whether you need fast, affordable towing or expert auto repairs, we’ve been proudly serving our community since 1927—and we’re ready to help you too.

Let our family-owned, veteran-operated team take the stress out of your car troubles. Book your appointment today or keep our number handy—just in case your next drive doesn’t go as planned.