April is Car Care Month, and now is the perfect time to take a closer look at some ways to keep your car on the road and running for the long haul. One way is to always tend to your car, which will help avoid unexpected and costly repairs later. According to a recent survey by OnePoll for Toco Warranty, almost 75% of Americans have experienced some inconvenience from a breakdown, but a third of Americans do not have any money set aside in case of a car emergency. So here’s what you can do!

First, you don’t have to be a mechanic to maintain your vehicle...you just need to know when to take it in! Since every car is different, your owner’s manual is a great guide for you to refer to for many of your maintenance questions. Getting regular oil changes is one way to keep your car running smoothly and your owner’s manual will specify how often you should get it changed.

While you’re at it, make sure you’re having your tires rotated too! They should be rotated every 6 months or 6 to 8 thousand miles, which usually coincides with your oil change. During this type of service, the mechanic also visually inspects them for damage, checks their air pressure and tread depth, and can re-balance them if they cause any vibration. It’s a pretty thorough, quick service!

Another area to check are your brakes! If you see less than a quarter inch of brake pad, you hear squeaking sounds, see leaking fluid or your brake light comes on, it’s time to take them in!

As you maintain your vehicle, you’ll breathe new life into it. But unfortunately various situations do occur that you can’t foresee, and for that, you can also purchase a flexible VSC or vehicle service contract, like with Toco Warranty.

A VSC helps cover certain unexpected car repairs, but not all of them are the same. Toco Warranty ensures you can pay as you go with no money down and use the mechanic you want. They also offer peace of mind with affordable monthly payments and additional benefits, such as a dedicated concierge and simple claims process, 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage if your car breaks down, a rental car while yours is in the shop and hotel and motel discounts.

VSCs are also helpful if your warranty is about to expire or you’re interested in purchasing a used car. Toco Warranty gets it done for car owners to keep moving, because when it comes to your car, every mile counts.

If you’re someone who may not have $1,000—or even $500—for an emergency situation, a VSC will be right for you. Visit TocoWarranty.com for more information!