Is It Safe to Drive My Car?

When you are aware that there are mechanical issues with your vehicle, you may worry if it’s safe to drive. Many people cannot get to a mechanic right away due to pre-scheduled priorities, like work, school, and daycare. So this question is a common one among today’s drivers with a busy schedule. Although some automotive problems can be put to the side for a few days, like oil changes and windshield wiper fluid refills, there are others that can’t be ignored for even a minute; that is, if you still want to drive.

Automotive Repair

Every component on a vehicle serves a purpose, whether aesthetically or functionally. Internally, the components in your car or truck play a vital role in the “safeness” and reliability of its operation. For this reason, most mechanical issues should be dealt with immediately, either on the spot or the morning after.

With that being said, there are certain mechanical issues that should allow you to transport your vehicle to a local automotive repair shop, safely. But there are others that will require a tow truck service to avoid putting yourself and others in harm’s way. For instance, if your vehicle requires tire rotation and balancing service or windshield wiper replacement, you are safe to drive to the mechanic for professional assistance. However, if you have an overheating car engine, or damaged exhaust, a call to the towing company is necessary.

Here are some more examples of when it is safe to drive to the mechanic, and when it is not:

Safe to Drive…

• Oil Changes
• Tire Rotation and Balancing
• Air Conditioning Repair
• Automatic Window Repair
• Door Lock Repair
• Alarms
• Cruise Control
• Lights
• Strange Sounds
• Alignment Work
• And More

Not Safe to Drive…

• Brake Repair
• Major Engine Work
• Radiator Repair
• Exhaust/Muffler Repairs
• Transmission Repair
• Fuel Injector Repair
• Fuel System Repairs
• Fuel Tank Repairs
• Blown Tires
• And More

Always Consult Your Mechanic

The extent of your vehicle’s mechanical problems can range in severity, so there may be special circumstances that will allow you to safely drive to your mechanic even if your problem is listed under “not safe” above. Ultimately, in order to know if your vehicle is safe to drive, contact your local automotive repair shop and speak with an ASE licensed mechanic that can assess your vehicle’s potential damage and offer professional advice on whether or not you can drive it to them.

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for answers to your car repair questions. We are ASE licensed and experienced car mechanics that offer a wide range of repair and maintenance for all make and model vehicles in Indianapolis, IN. If you are unsure if your car is safe to drive, just give us a call and we’ll give you a professional opinion you can trust! Our rates are the most competitive in town, but we also offer auto repair coupons for additional savings! Call 317-475-1846 for auto repair
and service in Indianapolis
, today.

When to Replace Car Brakes

It can be tough reading all the signals your car gives you when it’s in distress. Mysterious ticks, clicks, and whistling can have your mind going in circles trying to figure out the problem. The best thing to do in this case is have your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic. A professional can diagnose your issue accurately, and draw up an estimate for repair in no time.

There is more than one component that inhibits a car’s brakes to work, and all of them can contribute to vehicular brake failure. Brake pads, rotors, hydraulic clamps, and brake fluid lines are all areas that are vulnerable to wear and tear. This is why car brakes need serviced and replaced regularly. If this does not take place, then the car will start to give off warning signs.

Car Brake Replacement Signs

If you notice that it takes longer to come to a complete stop than it did before, or if you have to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to get the car to stop, then your vehicle needs attention. This often happens when the pads against your brakes wear thin, reducing the amount of pressure applied to the rotor. In this case, you may also hear squeaking noises caused by the rotor and bare brake pad rubbing against each other. This is a highly dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately. Brake failure can result in fatal and serious car accidents.

Another way to tell if your car brakes need repaired, replaced, or serviced is if your steering wheel is shaky. If it wobbles and vibrates back and forth while you drive, it is an indication that the rotors are damaged. These are usually changed or replaced along with the pads because they have similar life-expectancy. If you are experiencing any of these signs, then you will need to have your car inspected right away.

There are few inspections you can do on your own that are easy and helpful. It can give you a better idea of what needs attention at your next factory scheduled maintenance appointment. For example, you can look on the inside of your wheel caps to get a glimpse of the brake pads. They are usually gray or light colored and look like padding. If you cannot see them well enough, stick your fingers in there to get a feel for their thickness. Be careful with hot cars; the wheel can be hot and burn your hand. If the pad is thin, then you know you’ll need them replaced. You will also know that your rotors may need serviced as well. Low brake fluid is another sign that is easily detectable. You can check this anytime. It is a clear indication that your brakes need work.

North East Auto Service

Auto Repair Coupons Indianapolis IN 317-475-1846

Auto Repair Indianapolis 317-475-1846

Call North East Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE certified car brake repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly trained and licensed car mechanics with over 20 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. We retain the latest advancements in technology and use the best quality products and parts to perform any auto repair service needed. Call 317-475-1846 for a free estimate or information about our competitively-priced automotive brake repair services in Indianapolis, IN.