The last thing you want is to be stranded by the side of the road, especially during winter time. Creating your own emergency kit for your vehicle can be a life saver in the event that your car breaks down or you get in an accident and get stranded. In the unfortunate event that you do experience a collision, don’t hesitate to give our body shop a call (989-922-7270)  so we can get your vehicle back on the road. Here’s a handy list of items to put into your vehicle emergency kit: 

1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

It may go without saying but these tools are some of the most important to have in your car during hazardous winter conditions. Always clear your car of all ice and snow before you hit the road as it can obstruct your view or fly off and damage other cars and cause accidents. Wiping ice off your windshield with your wipers can tear them up and wear wipers down quicker. According to Michigan law, drivers must remove snow from their windshields, windows, taillights, rear lamps, headlamps, and license plates. 

2. Blankets

A warm blanket is a godsend if you end up on the side of the road, especially during night or winter. The cold will seep into your car fast, and you may not be able to rely on the car’s heater for long depending on how full your tank is.

3. Hats and Gloves

Even if you can normally get by without a hat or gloves it’s a good idea to keep these items in your car in case of an emergency. Whether you or a passenger finds yourself in need of these accessories during a crisis, it’s the first step in preventing frostbite. 

4. First Aid Kit

It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit in your car all year around. But it’s even more important in the winter when road conditions are poor and emergency response times are longer. Even a simple kit with bandages and medical wrap is better than being unprepared. 

5. Shovel

A small or collapsible shovel should be stored in your car during the winter months. This is perfect for the times when you have to dig yourself out of a parking spot or get stuck in snow. 

6. Road Flares

Visibility can be almost non-existent during snowstorms. It’s a good idea to keep road flares or reflectors handy in case emergency vehicles need to find you and your vehicle.

7. Jumper Cables

Frigid weather can be hard on car batteries, so having jumper cables in your car could save you if the battery shorts out. 

8. Flashlight

No one wants to be stranded in the winter AND in the dark. Keeping a flashlight handy will help in case you need to change a tire, check under the hood or around the car after nightfall. 

9. Cell Phone Charger

Having your phone charged before hitting the road is important, especially when the weather is precarious. But it’s always good to have a charger in the car so you can reach out to emergency services if needed. 

10. Water and Non-perishable Snacks

You never know how long it will take for emergency services to arrive. It’s always handy to have some bottled water and granola bars or other non-perishable snacks in the car. You don’t want you or your kids to be “hangry” during a stressful situation.

11. Tire Pressure Gauge

In the case you do need to change a tire, it’s a safe idea to check your spare tire pressure before you try to drive on it. Gauges are also handy in the wintertime when the cold air changes tire pressure and you need to check to see if your tires are in a safe, drivable condition.

12. Umbrella

You’d be surprised how few people keep an umbrella in their vehicle at all times. While rain isn’t necessarily an emergency, it makes sense to keep prepared with an available umbrella.

13. Travel Map

Even though our phones are always equipped with GPS, cell phone batteries die. Traditional paper maps will never let you down.