When Should I Tow My Car Instead of Driving It?

By Karen Johnston October 26, 2021

Quick facts

A tow typically costs $75 to $100, far less than the additional damage from driving a troubled vehicle.
A flashing Check Engine light indicates an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.
An overheating engine can warp the cylinder head in minutes if driven through the warning.
Brake grinding loud enough to feel through the pedal indicates metal-to-metal contact.

There are times when a vehicle should be towed rather than driven, even if it still operates. Many drivers try to save money by driving to a repair facility instead of paying for a tow, but "spending $75.00 to $100.00 on a tow bill much less expensive, than the possible damage that could cost several hundred dollars" by driving a troubled vehicle.

Understanding your vehicle's normal behavior is essential. Pay attention to unusual smells, sounds, smoke, fluid leaks, and performance changes as warning signs.

Warning Signs That Indicate Towing is Necessary

Vehicle overheating or temperature gauge dropping suddenly
Flashing Check Engine Light
Oil Level or Oil Pressure warning lights illuminated
Smoke from under the hood or tailpipe
Burning smell from the vehicle
Fuel odor while running or parked
Loud grinding noises from brakes
Rotational noise increasing with speed or engine RPMs
Engine knocking, whirring, or screeching sounds
Poor engine performance: misfiring, backfiring, stalling, or weak acceleration
Sudden fluid loss (coolant, oil, power steering, or brake fluid)

Driving during these conditions risks safety and additional damage. Choosing to tow "is a wise decision that could save you money and keep you safe."

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

What is the difference between a steady and a flashing Check Engine light?

A steady Check Engine light indicates a stored fault that the computer has detected but is not actively occurring at that moment. It should be diagnosed and repaired but is not necessarily urgent enough to prevent driving to a shop. A flashing or blinking Check Engine light indicates an active misfire. The engine is misfiring badly enough that raw fuel is entering the exhaust and overheating the catalytic converter. Driving with a flashing Check Engine light can destroy the catalytic converter within minutes and turn a manageable repair into a much larger bill.

How far can I safely drive if my temperature gauge starts climbing toward hot?

When the temperature gauge climbs into the red or the high-temperature warning light illuminates, the engine should be shut off as quickly as safely possible. Driving even a short distance with an overheating engine can cause a warped or cracked cylinder head, which turns a cooling system repair into an engine rebuild. If the gauge begins climbing but has not yet reached the red zone, pulling over, shutting the engine off, and letting it cool before calling for a tow is the correct response. Never remove the radiator cap on a hot engine.

If my car makes a strange noise but still drives, should I keep driving to the shop?

It depends on the nature of the noise. A rotational noise that increases with vehicle speed and changes when you swerve can indicate a wheel bearing failure, which can seize and lock a wheel suddenly at highway speed. Grinding from the brakes suggests metal-to-metal contact where pads are gone and continued driving damages rotors. Knocking from the engine often indicates bearing failure where driving further causes rapid internal damage. When in doubt, calling your shop and describing the noise before deciding to drive is the safer choice.

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