This is the third installment in Unprepared’s Guide to Roadside Emergencies:

• Part one (free to all) covers basic maintenance to prevent emergencies.

• Part two (subscribers only) covers more basic maintenance.

In this installment, we’ll cover:

• Common mechanic scams and how to avoid them. The most likely time you’ll get scammed is when you’re in a jam and desperate.

• What you need for a proper roadside emergency kit.

• Why roadside assistance is a must, but you may not need to buy it.