The validity of purchasing an extended car warranty is a highly discussed topic. One thing’s for certain, though: purchasing the best extended warranty for you and your needs can be very worthwhile. Often, car warranties are frowned upon, but they can be worth it in many cases—really, it’s all about figuring out what’s best for you and your vehicle. Here’s some reasons why extended car warranties might be worth it for you:

1. Peace of mind
This is a very subjective point, but if you’re a person who finds yourself stressed about the potential costly repairs associated with owning a vehicle, then purchasing an extended car warranty might be in your best interest. Realistically, the peace of mind that a warranty offers you—allowing you to rest assured that your own financial risk is reduced—might be far more valuable than whatever money you’re going to spend on the warranty in the first place. Overall, this is entirely up to you—you know yourself better than anyone else, of course!

2. Extended coverage period
While many vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty, you may find that the coverage doesn’t meet your needs, whether the period isn’t long enough or doesn’t include enough miles. For your vehicle, you may feel better having a longer warranty period—five years instead of three, for instance. That way, if anything were to happen in the long run, you’d be prepared. This is especially helpful because, well, the older a car is, the more likely it is to need repairs and other maintenance outside of regular oil changes and check ups.

3. Wear and tear coverage
If you decide to go with a provider that covers general wear and tear—brake pads, for example—this could save you lots of money in the long run. Imagine this: you need to get your brake pads replaced, which can be inconveniencing. But guess what, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on it! Score! Really, then, if you find an extended warranty that will cover general car maintenance, this may make it a very worthwhile investment—especially if you plan on keeping your car for many years to come.

4. Emergency roadside assistance
If you own a car, you likely know how much trouble it is when it breaks down. If you live in the country, this can be an even larger cause for concern: being stranded on the side of a dirt road somewhere with limited cell service is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. If you purchase an extended warranty, however, emergency roadside assistance is sometimes included. Flat tire changes and towing services covered by warranty are sure to help get you out of a stressful situation without breaking the bank. And hey, even if your car doesn’t break down very often, emergency roadside assistance is always useful to have—for your own peace of mind, if nothing else!