Should I Call a Tow Truck if My Check Engine Light Comes On?

It’s happened to almost all of us before; we get into our cars, turn the ignition, and there it is, blinking vigorously or blaring with a constant glow. We are talking about check engine lights! What should you do when you notice your check engine light is on? Should you call a tow truck to have it transported to your local mechanic? Or is your car still safe to drive for a while? These are all common questions asked by car owners and drivers when their check engine lights illuminate. So, what are the answers to these questions?

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about check engine light causes and recommended courses of action.

Indianapolis Towing
Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Check Engine Light Basics

Check engine lights are also known as malfunctioning indicator lamps (MIL). When ones lights up, it could mean several different things, from very small and self-fixable, to very serious and costly to repair. For these reasons, it is quite necessary to have your vehicle inspected by a professional automotive repair company as soon as your check engine light comes on. After all, that is the message it is sending to you! It’s telling you to have your engine checked!

A professional auto shop will use modern technologies and diagnostic equipment to read the code for a check engine light. But if you ignore a check engine light, you could be setting yourself up for future complications and costly repairs. Not only can an ignored check engine light lead to expensive car repairs, it can put your safety, your passenger’s safety, and the safety of other drivers in jeopardy.

Here are some of the most common reasons why check engine lights turn on:

➣ Flooded or Wet Engine
➣ Pinched or Worn-Out Fuel Injection Rings
➣ Deteriorated Spark Plugs
➣ Defective Oxygen (O2) Censors
➣ A Blown Gasket Head
➣ Cracked Manifold
➣ Loose Hose
➣ Residue Buildup on Exhaust Valves
➣ Electrical Problems

Should You Drive or Should You Get a Tow?

So, should you drive it to your auto shop, or have it towed? The answer is not so clear cut. If your check engine light comes on in the middle of a road trip, and you are far away from a town, it is wise to contact a towing company so that you do not over-drive your vehicle when there is a mechanical problem. On the other hand, if your check engine light comes on, and you are close to an auto shop, you can likely drive it there without doing any further damage. Overall, the choice is yours. It is recommended to never drive when a check engine light is on, but as mentioned, in some cases, you can make it to a nearby location.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Towing in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery, as well as roadside assistance, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more.

Actual Tips You Can Use to Save Cash on Fuel

Every week, as gas prices continue increase, drivers everywhere continue to stress over saving fuel and money. The best way to combat these imminent exponential fuel prices is by getting the most from every mile you get per gallon. We’re talking about improving gas mileage. But how can you do this with the driving schedule you are obligated to comply with every week? Considering work, daycare drop offs, taking the kids to school, going to the gym, and more, it can be difficult finding ways to change your driving mileage. The answer is simple, and it only requires a little comprehension and preparation.

Continue reading to learn easy methods to improving gas mileage and saving on fuel costs.

24 Hour Indianapolis Tow Truck Assistance
24 Hour Indianapolis Tow Truck Assistance 317-247-8484

Tips for Increasing Gas Mileage

The first thing to know about increasing your gas mileage is to not trust the additives and products sold on the market that claim to give you better gas mileage.  They just do not work. Their claims are unsubstantiated, and their studies are inconclusive, making them a huge waste of money. If you want effective fuel saving strategies, then start by trying out some new methods to increasing gas mileage. The first step to improving fuel mileage has to do with you, while the ensuing steps involve making changes to your vehicle.

Empty the Trunk

Keeping heavy items or cargo in the trunk of a vehicle can drastically reduce gas mileage. The heavier a car is, the more fuel it needs to operate. By getting rid of golf clubs, luggage, toolboxes, trash, clothes, and more, you can instantly reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses to run.

Change Your Driving Habits

This is the best way to get immediate results for saving on fuel costs and increasing gas mileage is to change the way you drive. BY simply driving smoother and slowing down, you can drastically reduce the amount of fuel your car uses each day. Avoid extended idling as much as possible. Try not to rush; avoid coming to abrupt stops and don’t take off real fast. Avoiding fast full-throttle accelerations stops your vehicle from using up a bunch of fuel on each drive. This includes highway and interstate driving. Many people believe taking the highway is more fuel-efficient, but this isn’t always true. It mostly depends on the type of vehicle, but in almost all cases, faster driving equals more fuel consumption.

Car Pool

Try carpooling or even taking the bus a few times a week. Bus transportation is not what it used to be, and is a much more pleasant experience than it was a few years back. Buses are cleaner and their routes are expanding to the suburbs and outer-city areas. It is a cheap and convenient method to daily transportation. Taking the bus, even one time a week, can save a driver hundreds of dollars of gas in a year’s time! For those who do not have access to a bus route or station, there is also carpooling. You can start a carpool club at work with a few co-workers, or use a carpooling app on your smart phone to locate local participating programs and schedules. There are also several online resources to find reputable and safe carpooling programs.

24 Hour Towing Assistance Near You

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more.