When your car malfunctions, it can be tempting to continue driving it—especially if you're just a short distance from home. However, towing services exist for a reason. Here are 5 warning signs that indicate you shouldn't drive your vehicle:

1. Your engine is making strange noises

If your car's engine is making strange noises, it's a sign that something is wrong. It could be a minor problem, but it could also be a major one. Either way, it's best to get your car towed to a mechanic to have it looked at.

Strange noises may include :

• A knocking sound
• A hissing sound
• A grinding sound

These are all clues that something is amiss with your vehicle, so reaching out to an auto towing provider may be your best option.

2. Your check engine light is on

If your check engine light is on, it means there's a problem with your car's engine. As with engine noises, a glowing check engine light could indicate a minor issue or a major one. Either way, you shouldn't take the risk of driving your car and causing further damage.

Here are a few common issues that may trigger a check engine light:

• Faulty spark plugs or wires
• Loose fuel cap
• Malfunctioning catalytic converter

To avoid the stress and expense of car repairs, it's best to have your vehicle towed to a nearby service station.

3. Your vehicle is leaking fluid

If you notice fluid leaking from your car, it could be oil, coolant, or brake fluid. Regardless of what type of fluid it is, towing your car to a mechanic is the safest way to address the problem.

Fluid leaks may occur while your car is parked or in motion. They can stem from a minor issue, such as a loose cap, or something serious, like a bad transmission.

4. Your brakes are making strange noises or not functioning properly

If you notice that your brakes are acting strangely or emitting weird noises, get off the road ASAP. In this situation, towing services are definitely the best option for getting to safety and resolving the problem. Otherwise, you might end up causing serious damage when your vehicle doesn't stop as expected.

5. You're experiencing major engine issues while driving

If your engine suddenly starts to stall out while you're driving, pulling over to the side of the road and calling a tow truck should be your top priority. Continuing to drive with faulty engine issues could put yourself and others in danger on the road.

Whether you experience one of these warning signs or all of them, consider calling a towing service for help. After all, it's always better to be safe than sorry!