Michigan winters are hard on cars. Cold mornings drain batteries, potholes appear overnight and tire pressure drops every time the temperature does. A small kit in the trunk will not stop any of that, but it makes each problem much easier to deal with.
Start with power and air
A dead battery is the most common winter breakdown. Our Emergency Roadside Kit has jumper cables, basic tools and reflective gear in one bag. Add the cordless Airmoto Tire Inflator for the low-pressure light that comes on with the first hard freeze. It stops automatically at the PSI you set.
Then think about being seen and staying warm
- Reflective triangles or a vest, so other drivers see you on the shoulder
- A wool blanket, a hat and spare gloves
- A phone charging cable and a small flashlight
- A bag of sand or cat litter for traction on ice
- Water and a few snacks
Don't forget the glare
Low winter sun on fresh snow can be blinding on the Southfield Freeway. A pair of UV400 aviators in the door pocket is cheap insurance.
Check it twice a year
We check our own kits when the clocks change in November and again in March. Recharge the inflator, swap out old water and make sure the cables are still in the bag. Then you're ready for the next cold morning.
Written by the team at Trust Purchase Shop, Dearborn, Michigan.