8 Signs You Should Pull Over Immediately

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As a population fixated on speed and efficiency, Americans would rarely consider stopping in the middle of any trip unless it's for delicious treats like pizza. But in order to stay safe, and prevent lasting damage to your car, it's important not to ignore signs of major vehicle problems. So if you experience any of the follow, pull over on the side of the road immediately.

1) Smoke - There's an old expression "where there's smoke, there's fire." I can't think of any time to actually use that phrase except when talking about actual smoke, but it's quite literally true. If there's smoke coming from anything in your vehicle at all except perhaps your cigar, immediately pull over and make sure you're safe.

2) Issues with steering/handling - Never mess with steering issues, especially if your car is on the move. Any changes with the way your car responds to your commands via the steering wheel, brake, and gas pedals is cause for pulling over. The repercussions of losing control can mean you and your passenger's lives.

3) Fire - Yes, it's incredibly obvious, but it's no less important. Vehicle fires aren't as infrequent as one may think, and not only threaten your car, but your life as well. A vehicle fire can engulf your car in minutes, and the flammable fluids and materials in your car can cause explosions. Any hint whatsoever or fire, and you need to make sure you're on the side of the road and safely away from your vehicle.

4) Loud noise - We're not referring to your passenger's voice, although arguments are not safe to conduct while at a high rate of speed either. If you hear any unusual sound that isn't coming from the car, you need to safely pull over and make sure everything is working properly. A loud noise can mean a tire blowout, engine problems, or a myriad of other issues. Scraping sounds, loud rattles, all require you to inspect the vehicle for damage.

5) Serious decreased visibility - If an event occurs that obscures your vision; very carefully slow down and stop the vehicle in a safe location. Avoid slamming on the brakes if at all possible, and check your surroundings as much as you are able before making any sudden vehicle manuvers. Decreased visibility can come from anything ranging from windshield damage or headlight outages, to sudden torrential rainfall, which is no less dangerous than anything else.

6) Unnatural smell - While this may sound amusing (and it sort of is), a strange smell coming from your car can be indicative of some serious problems. You should never be able to smell gasoline in the cabin of your car unless you accidentally spilled some on your khakis at the gas station. A burning smell could mean a fluid leak, or electrical wire burning. Smoldering electrical wires can quickly turn into a dangerous fire, so be vigilant of what your nose is observing.

7) Steam - Similar to smoke, steam is usually not a good sign. If you're driving and see more steam coming out from under the hood than a Russian bath-house, get your vehicle to safety ASAP. Steam typically indicates that coolant is escaping from the vehicle's cooling systems, and your vehicle is overheating. Once you're pulled over, be mindful of letting the steam subside before sticking your head under the hood to investigate, as the steam is under high pressure and can cause serious burns.

9) Lights/Sirens - There is still a large contingent of drivers out there that doesn't seem to understand why emergency vehicles come equipped with bright lights and loud sirens. Laws require you to pull over onto the side of the road and allow emergency vehicles to pass, so make sure you follow the law and show police, ambulances, and firefighters the proper respect they deserve as they rush to an emergency. And, if a police officer is attempting to pull you over, ignore them at your own peril.

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