Just about everyone experiences a vehicular breakdown sooner or later. When the vehicle won't start or otherwise can't move, a tow service often is needed to get the vehicle to a location where it can be fixed. According to IBISWorld, the U.S. towing industry generated about $9.5 billion in revenues in 2023. That's a lot of towing that often is due to a vehicle that won't run like it should. Here are three of the most common causes of vehicular breakdowns that could require a tow.

1. Flat Tire or Damaged Wheel

A spare tire used to be standard for all production vehicles, but many no longer have room for a spare tire or even a donut. If a road hazard has flattened or damaged one or more tires, then you might be stranded. A road hazard also might damage the rim or another part of the wheel upon which a tire is mounted. It's important to have a local towing shop on speed dial in case anything happens to your vehicle.

2. Dead Battery or Alternator

It's really easy to leave a door ajar, the radio running, or the dome lights on while you are shopping or after returning home from a long day of work. When that happens, the battery could lose enough power to make it impossible to start your vehicle. The battery also stops taking a full charge after a couple of years and discharges its stored energy even faster when it's very hot or very cold outside. A defective alternator also might make it impossible to charge the battery or power your vehicle while driving, which almost certainly will trigger the need for a tow service.

3. Overheated Engine

Heat is the greatest danger for any motor. A car's engine has thousands of moving parts that produce friction and heat, which the engine oil helps to control by lubricating the parts to reduce the heat-causing friction. The engine's cooling system also helps maintain a suitable operating temperature that enables the motor to run for hours without overheating. An oil leak or coolant leak will cause the engine to run hotter than intended, which could cause a catastrophic failure.

Are you experiencing any of these? You can call to get a tow service at any time of the day or night if your vehicle can't move. Give us a call at Duke Boys Auto Sales for dependable service.