Getting the car stocked up for a breakdown

However fast or expensive a used or new car, they are all essentially machines and, as such, they are unlikely to ever be 100 per cent reliable - after all even multi-million pound Formula 1 racing cars often end up stuck in the pits as a result of some minor problem.

And while F1 drivers can turn to a team of crack professionals to get back on track, in most instances, normal drivers have to rely on their own wits and their own tools to get back on their way.

Fortunately, just as a little mechanical know-how can go a long way under the bonnet, so too can a simple in-car inventory be enough to get out of most tight spots, or at least offer drivers peace of mind and allow them to stay safe until professional help arrives.

Tools

While many drivers opt to splash the cash on an in-car entertainment system, a decent tool kit is by far the most valuable accessory.

Again, whatever the age or condition of the car, motorists should always ensure that they set off with everything they would need to change a spare tyre. So a working jack, a lug nut wrench, a range of spanners and, of course, a tyre itself should be present in the trunk.

At the same time, experts routinely highlight the potential benefits of driving with a set of screwdrivers and a standard pair of pliers, with these basic tools able to perform a range of simple-yet-effective tasks.

Safety Equipment

Though getting on the go again may be the most pressing matter for most stranded motorists, safety should always be paramount and, as such, it pays to carry a few basic health and safety precautions in the trunk.

Particularly in the winter months when the odds of breaking down in the dark are heightened, reflective clothing and a reflective triangle to warn other road users of a stranded vehicle are essentials.

At the same time, drivers, and particularly female drivers, should always ensure that they have a fully-charged mobile phone in the car with them before they set off, with such devices meaning that lonely walks along the hard shoulder to find a public phone box are happily becoming a thing of the past.

In-car Accessories

Aside from a range of basic tools, it can also pay to have some of the more common car maintenance accessories as this will not only speed up the time it takes to get moving again, but can also remove the need to call out a professional - and expensive - roadside mechanic.

For instance, investing in a spare battery, jump leads and spark plugs, and stocking up on power steering fluid, oil, water and antifreeze before departure, can turn out to be a smart move.

However, with safety as the prime concern, if in doubt over undertaking DIY repairs, it's often best-advised to let the wallet take the hit and wait in the car for expert assistance, having learned a lesson for the next breakdown.