When you are involved in a collision or accidents many of them can be very minor. After an accident many vehicles can safely drive away, only needing some body repair. However, some accidents can be much more severe and the vehicle is completely totaled. Then there are accidents that fall in between minor and severe. As many people may think their vehicle is safe to drive away from the accident, they may actually not be safe at all. Calderon Tow & Auto would like to share some of the signs when a vehicle should not be driven after an accident and when to call for towing services.
Avoid Driving Without Working Headlights
When you are in an accident you may want to save a few dollars and try to drive away with your vehicle and then later have it repaired. Before you decide if your vehicle is safe or not, you will want to inspect your vehicle. Start by checking all of the lights. Make sure headlights, blinkers and rear lights all work and function properly. If it is late at night, you do not want to be on the road without any lights or you will most likely end up in another accident. If the lights do not work, do not risk driving the vehicle. Instead, have it towed.
It is Bad to Drive a Leaking Car
After checking your lights, you will then want to look for leaks. A fluid leak can be a major problem, especially if you are leaking the coolant that keeps the engine from overheating. If it is the fuel line, oil, battery acid or the braking fluid, you have problems as well. The only fluid that isn’t essential to safely operate your vehicle is window washer fluid. If there is a leak, open the hood to determine what is causing the leak. It may be a loose hose or something you can easily fix. However, if it appears to be a major leak do risk driving your vehicle and instead, have it towed.
You Should Not Drive on a Damaged Tire or Wheel
After checking for leaks, you should next check your tires and wheels. Depending on the collision, your wheels may have been bent or the tires severely damaged. Make sure the wheels are not bent. If a single tire is damaged put your spare tire on. However, if your wheels and tires appear damaged, you should not drive your vehicle as you will have little control and cause more damage to your vehicle.
Do Not Drive with Loose Auto Body Parts
When in an accident at times the vehicle’s outer body can be loose due to the impact. Often you will see many people continue to drive the vehicle on the road with the outer body of the vehicle moving and giggling around. This is very dangerous as the body parts can become very loose and even come off the vehicle. This can lead to additional accidents which endangers other drivers on the road. If you have been in an accident, and you have a body part that is loose, do not endanger other drivers.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in San Mateo, San Francisco, Daly City & Colma, CA | Greater Bay Area of California
If your vehicle doesn’t pass this basic checklist, do not drive you vehicle after an accident. To ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road, seek a towing service. For towing and roadside assistance services contact Calderon Tow & Auto today.
