Unfortunately, sometimes your car breaks down at the most inopportune time. While it is never a good thing when your car breaks down, where you break down can certainly add to the stress. Following a few tips can help you to be prepared in every situation.

It is estimated that about 78% of all cars are either behind in maintenance or in need of repairs. In light of that information, it is not surprising that there are so many cars stuck on the side of the road.

Avoid The Breakdowns

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is never truer than when it comes to your vehicle. Your auto repair shop is not just there for when you need repairs, they are there to help you service your vehicle.

Getting the maintenance and the car care that you need can help to prevent breakdowns and it can help to extend the life of your vehicle. Professional car care services.

Being Prepared for When Your Car Breaks Down

There are a few things that every vehicle should have in the trunk to ensure that you are prepared for on the road breakdowns including:

• • A spare tire and a functional jack.
  • Jumper cables.
  • A flashlight, blanket, ice scraper, and a first aid kit.

One of the most common sides of the road breakdown problem is flat tires. Many people find themselves on the side of the road with a flat without a spare tire. In some cases, they have the spare tire but do not have a functional jack.

Another common break down is finding your vehicle has a dead battery. Having jumper cables in your vehicle can get your vehicle started in an emergency.

It is also important that you have emergency supplies in the trunk to keep you safe in case your time on the side of the road is extended while you wait for help. A blanket can keep you warm, a first aid kit can help to patch up any minor injuries while you wait for help.

Getting Your Vehicle To the Auto Repair Shop

Simple problems like a flat tire, or a dead battery, usually requires that you take some simple steps to get your vehicle to the auto repair shop. For example, if it is a battery problem, jump your battery than drive right to the shop to check things out. Do make sure you do not wait to get your battery checked out, or you will break down again.

Other problems like a broken belt, or a malfunctioning hose are not as easy to deal with. If your car breaks down due to engine problems, the best bet is to have it towed to the auto repair shop. Trying to drive it can cause further damage, and really ramp up the repair costs.

Be safe out there, and get the auto care your vehicle deserves to avoid breakdowns.