A car is often a necessity. It can be difficult if the car breaks down and you are not prepared to handle it. You will find five simple things, which will help you to be prevent and prepare for a roadside emergency.
1) Change your oil on a regular basis. In most cars you should change the oil every three months or three thousand miles. You can save money by doing this yourself, but be sure to check the other fluids in your car when you change the oil and the filter. If you have your oil changed professionally they should check these fluids automatically.
2) You should take your car in for regular maintenance. This can prevent problems from occurring. You should have your spark plugs cleaned and changed as needed. If you can do this yourself you can save money. In the newer cars several of the maintenance tests are done by computer, so it is still a good idea to take your car in. You should follow the recommendations made by your manufacturer.
3) You should have money set aside for car repairs. This way if your alternator suddenly goes out, you will be covered. This is especially true if you drive an older car, because you are more likely to have problems.
4) Make sure that you have jumper cables, your spare tire and a car jack in your car at all times. It will save you time and a lot of money to be able take care of a dead battery or a flat tire by yourself.
5) Do not be afraid to call an expert if you do not know what you are doing. I’ve known people who think that they can fix the car themselves, but end making it worse and have to pay even more money to have it repaired.
If you have a cell phone it is nice to have if there is an emergency. You should also have an emergency kit in your car.