Media post: Purchasing Your First Car? Here Are 3 Top Tips

Purchasing your very first car is incredibly exciting. Your head is probably filled with the excitement of choosing a make and model, the type of insurance you need to drive it for the first time, and what kind of gadgets you want to install. However, in the midst of all these thrills are several other easily overlooked elements you need to factor in when buying your shiny new vehicle.

1.   Buy a Reliable Car

Obviously, it goes without saying that you’ll need to get yourself a reliable car in full working order. However, this does not mean to say that your vehicle will always be reliable as every car; from time to time, cars can suffer a breakdown – and usually in the most inconvenient location or when you are furthest away from your destination and your home.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to purchase some sort of breakdown cover with a reputable company so that you know, regardless of where you are or what time of the day or night it is, that you have help only a phone call away if your car goes kaput.

2.    Always Carry Emergency Numbers

Of course, your list of emergency numbers should contain your breakdown insurance provider, but it should also include family members and friends, in addition to any local emergency numbers of the place you are driving through.

Having emergency numbers programmed into your cell phone will mean that should you require them, you don’t have to think or search for them in a panic; you can simply push a button to be connected.

It is highly probable that the term ‘emergency numbers’ makes you think of the usual emergency services, such as the police, fire brigade, or ambulances; however, there are other important numbers you should also have, such as that of a reputable car accident lawyer.

Accidents happen all the time on the roads, and having the number of an experienced lawyer specializing in road accidents close to hand can make the difference between you getting the settlement quickly or having to wait and maybe being offered far less remuneration.

3.   Keep Essentials in the Trunk

Regardless of what kind of car you have, it’s advisable to keep certain essentials in your trunk at all times. These essentials are items that you may very well need if you find yourself waiting at the side of the road for breakdown services to get to you.

For example, having a warm blanket could help if you find yourself waiting for a while out in the cold. Plus, it’s also a good idea to have snacks packed in your car – ones with a long shelf life, like packaged cookies, potato chips, bottled water or soft drinks, and other energy-replenishing goodies you can consume if you end up stranded by the roadside and waiting for several hours.

Conclusion

Investing in breakdown cover is a must; even the most reliable and maintained cars can get caught out and break down. With this in mind, having essentials in your trunk so that you have food, fluid, and warmth is also crucial since you never know how long you may have to wait for assistance to arrive following a breakdown or accident.

Lastly, it is important to carry emergency contact details with you at all times, and these should include family members and friends, emergency services, and a reliable car accident lawyer.