On his podcast, Clark Howard answers real reader questions on money, credit, debt, retirement, travel, and more, along with co-host Christa DiBiase.

Clark's answer: Congratulations on buying your first car and paying for it in full cash! That is fantastic news.

I love how you are thinking about this because the last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat or a dead battery. Having a portable tire inflator lets you pump up a low tire enough to safely get to a shop, and a jump starter gets you moving if your battery dies. Today, you can actually get two-in-one combination devices that handle both jobs for around $50 to $100. It is money well spent.

When you shop for one, read the reviews closely — don't just rely on an overall rating like 4.7 stars versus 4.3 stars, because you never know which ratings might be fake. Look through the actual text to see which models have genuinely saved people when they were stranded. You can find these at auto parts stores, discount stores, warehouse clubs, and Amazon sells a ton of them.

Beyond that, if you live somewhere with tough winters, you definitely need a good windshield scraper. It is also a smart idea to carry a basic first-aid kit and a roadside emergency kit with reflective hazard triangles. That way, if you ever break down or come across someone who needs help, you can make your vehicle visible to oncoming traffic and stay safe.