Even if you aren’t mechanically inclined, you still need to keep a basic set of tools with you on the road. Of course, for major repairs, you may need to seek out an auto mechanic’s shop, but for quick fixes, it pays to have the bare necessities on hand.

Wrenches – Wrenches come in different sizes to fit different-sized nuts and bolts. Various car manufacturers use standard sizes, but sadly, these sizes can differ, meaning there is no universal wrench. Having a set of wrenches in your vehicle means you can change headlights and taillights, tighten loose engine bolts and more, all without paying the prices of a mechanic. You may also want to consider getting a ratchet and ratchet fittings instead of stationary wrenches, as this will allow you easier access and greater turning ratios.

Screwdrivers – Whether flat-head of Phillips-head, screwdrivers are important tools to have when traveling. While most screws are standardized, others are smaller or larger than standard, meaning you should always have a supply of screwdrivers on hand which can accommodate different sizes. If you’re concerned about tough jobs or tight places, you may want to consider getting an electric screwdriver. This device will allow you to quickly and easily remove and insert screws, even in tight places, without ruining your hands.

Flashlight – A flashlight can be used for illuminating dark areas of a vehicle, as well as for flagging down passing motorists. Along with a flashlight, you should always keep fresh flashlight batteries on hand to make sure that your flashlight doesn’t die at a crucial moment.

Voltage Meter and Battery Tester – Voltage meters and battery testers are both excellent tools to keep with you while traveling, as each will be able to provide you with essential power and electrical information regarding your vehicle’s health. A battery meter can show you how powerful your battery is, along with whether or not you need to replace it, and a voltage meter can show you what areas of your vehicle’s electrical system are not performing properly.

Specialty Tools – In addition to standard tools, you may also want to keep a variety of specialty tools on hand, including timing belt testers and adjusters and gear wrenches. These tools are meant to help those who have a better idea of the mechanics of their vehicles, so if you aren’t sure of how to use these tools, you may want to consult your owner’s manual.

Everyone runs into vehicle problems from time to time, but unfortunately, most people aren’t prepared for them. Thankfully, there are a number of companies which offer roadside assistance programs to help. Roadside assistance can often be the difference between sitting on the side of the road and driving down it, and in rural and remote areas, roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. While there are a number of independent companies which offer roadside assistance, many auto insurance and cell phone companies are now offering roadside assistance for a small fee. If you don’t already have a roadside assistance provider, check out this list of benefits, and then get roadside assistance today.

Tire Changing Services – Most roadside assistance programs offer a tire changing service. Even if you can change a tire yourself, this service allows an insured professional to do the work for you, all while you relax. This service can also keep you from getting dirty in muddy environments and wet when it’s raining.

Towing Services – If your vehicle has a problem that simply can’t be fixed on the side of the road, towing services can allow you to get it to a mechanic’s shop or to your own home to be fixed. Most roadside assistance programs allow for towing up to a certain number of miles, so make sure to check with your provider before traveling long distances from home.

Battery Services – If your car won’t start and you can’t find someone who can give you a jump, your roadside assistance provider should be able to help. In the event that they are unable to use jumper cables on your vehicle, they may also be able to use a portable jumper box to get the job done. Some roadside assistance providers can even change out a dead battery for a new one on the spot.

Unlocking Services – While many vehicles today come with remote locking and unlocking services, there are many vehicles on the road that do not include such technology. Furthermore, even if you have this technology, but you cannot contact the provider, you won’t be able to unlock your vehicle if you’ve locked your keys inside. Thankfully, many roadside assistance professionals can come to your location and unlock your vehicle for you.

Fuel Services – If you run out of fuel, many roadside assistance programs can deliver it to you, even in remote locations. Typically, you will be given a predetermined amount, so make sure to check with your provider before traveling far.

Headlights are an essential part of any vehicle. Headlights allow you to drive safely at night, and they also allow other drivers to see you on the road. Thankfully, most automobiles come with two headlights, so if one goes out, you can still drive, but it’s important to change out a non-functioning headlight as soon as possible. In a worst case scenario, if both headlights go out, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road with no way to safely drive.

Before you begin the process of changing out a headlight, you will need to find the proper replacement. This can be done by checking with an auto parts store, with your vehicle’s manufacturer or with your owner’s manual. Most replacement headlights come in standard sizes, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding the right one. It should be noted that you typically will only need to replace the bulb inside of the headlight assembly, not the entire assembly itself. If you do need to replace the assembly, for instance, in the event of a crack in the plastic, it may be a bit more difficult to find a suitable replacement quickly.

Once you have your replacement bulb, make sure your vehicle is turned off and then open the hood. For extra safety, it’s also a good idea to disconnect your vehicle’s battery to avoid an electric shock. From there, look at the back of the headlight assembly. Some vehicles are designed to allow you to simply pull or unscrew a wire harness from the back of the assembly, and then change out the bulb from there. If your vehicle is not designed that way, you may need some tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact specifications of your headlight assembly if these tools are needed.

If you can’t simply unplug a wire harness with the bulb, you will need to remove the headlight assembly itself. Many assemblies are secured to a vehicle with bolts, screws and plastic fasteners. You will need to remove these items, and then slowly pull the headlight assembly out of the front of the vehicle. Once you’ve gotten the assembly out, you should see a wire harness that leads to the bulb. You may have to unscrew this harness to pull the actual bulb out. Once this is done, simply replace the bulb, re-attach the wire harness and then place the assembly back in your vehicle. Make sure to reconnect the battery and test your headlight before putting any screws, bolts or fasteners back in to avoid having to remove them again if the headlight doesn’t work.

It happens to virtually everyone at some point: you’re driving down the road, your vehicle is running smoothly, and suddenly, your “check engine” light comes on. As vehicles have become more technically advanced, computerized components have taken over more and more of your vehicle’s day-to-day operations. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for everyday people to diagnose a “check engine” problem without advanced tools, such as code scanners.

If you’ve found yourself with a check engine light error, it’s important to get your vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Often times, a check engine light signifies that there is a potential problem with your vehicle’s powertrain and supporting systems. A check engine light may also signify that there is a problem with your vehicle’s exhaust, meaning you could be spewing dangerous pollutants into the air. Then again, it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap.

The problem with the check engine light is that it really doesn’t give you any real indication as to what the exact problem is. Your vehicle’s electronic control systems are so complex and so varied that it would be nearly impossible for there to be a warning light for every potential problem. With that said, as vehicle manufacturers have continued to integrate computer screens and controls into vehicle consoles, the ability to display detailed information has become easier.

If your check engine light comes on, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to immediately pull off the road. You should, however, get to a mechanic soon. Some vehicles use a graded system of lights to signify dangerous problems over innocuous ones. These systems may use a solid yellow or orange check engine light to show that there is a potential problem that you need to address. As the problem becomes worse, the light may then begin to blink. Finally, if the problem is serious, you may receive a solid or blinking red light. This light may also be accompanied by a chime or beeping sound. If this happens, you should probably pull over, as continuing to drive under this condition could cause serious damage to expensive components.

Fortunately, drivers that experience a check engine light have inexpensive options to have it checked. Many auto parts stores will perform a system scan for free, which will then generate a trouble code. This trouble code will allow you to know exactly what’s wrong, allowing you to decide whether it’s something you need to fix right now, or if it’s something that can wait.