why is your check engine light on?

If you have a pickup truck that you use exclusively for traveling to and from work, then you may find yourself in need of a repair at some point in time. And breakdowns are usually less than convenient. This means that you may need some roadside assistance, even if you are good at making your own repairs. If you want to know when and why a roadside repair is your best option, keep reading.

In Dangerous Situations

While it may be fairly simple for you to change a flat tire, it is not a good option to do so on a busy highway. This is extremely dangerous. In fact, hundreds of people are injured every year while changing tires on the highway. So, it is best to remain in your car and wait for the roadside professionals to arrive. These individuals can assess the situation and use appropriate judgment to ensure safety. This may include positioning the repair truck in a way that a barrier is created or calling a police officer for help. In extremely dangerous situations, a tow truck may be dispatched to move your vehicle to a safer location where the repair can be made.

Keep in mind that tire changes are not the only dangerous situations. Nighttime repairs on the side of the road are always hazardous. Repair professionals do have emergency light bars on the tops of their vehicles to let others know where they are. Spotlights, flares, neon safety reflectors, and other items are also part of the roadside repair professional's gear. 

When Advanced Mechanical Repairs Are An Issue

If your vehicle repair knowledge is limited, then you may simply be unable to make a repair on the side of the road. For example, you may be able to change a battery, but what do you do if the alternator is actually causing your electrical issue? And what happens if an overheating engine cannot be cooled with the use of water or radiator coolant? These are things that a professional mechanic can address.

Not only can a roadside truck repair specialist diagnose more complex mechanical issues, but they will have some of the tools and even basic parts to make repairs on the spot.

Keep in mind that the roadside repairs may not be made to fix your truck completely but to get your vehicle moving safely to a location where an issue can be fixed correctly and more permanently. This can prevent your need for a tow truck, which can be a bit pricey in some areas. For more information, contact a roadside truck repair service.