A winter storm is coming. What you should have in your car if you must drive in Michigan

Yahoo

11-02-2025

With a good ol' Michigan winter storm on the way this week, now is the perfect time to make sure your car is stocked with supplies to keep you safe on the roads.
Drivers should make sure they have emergency supplies to keep in their vehicles, according to the National Weather Service.
"Stay off the roads during hazardous winter weather whenever possible. If you absolutely have to venture out, be sure to have emergency supplies in your vehicle, and that your mobile phone is fully charged — it could become your lifeline if disaster should strike," the NWS website says.
A winter storm is expected to move into Michigan Wednesday afternoon, dumping as much as 9 inches of snow in southwest Michigan while moving northeast. Areas from Big Rapids to Detroit, and into the thumb could see significant snowfall by Thursday afternoon.
What's it mean?: Winter storm warning. Wind chill advisory
There are some things you should avoid leaving in your car during the winter, experts say. But here are 10 key items you should stock your vehicle with this winter:
Keeping an ice scraper, snow brush and shovel on hand can prove crucial if you run into winter weather on the road, the NWS said.
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Michigan State Police recommend having a small battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand.
Storing a few blankets in the trunk could come in handy to stay warm amid winter storms if you're car stops working, the MSP advise.
Experts advise keeping a first aid kit in your vehicle in case of emergencies. Kits should include bandages, hand sanitizer, medicines, antibiotic ointments, emergency contact numbers, a thermometer and more, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you run into severe weather on the road, a supply of water and snacks can make all the difference. Prepare a supply of bottled water and non-perishable, high-energy foods, the Old Farmer's Almanac advises. Food options include granola bars, unsalted and canned nuts, peanut butter, hard candy and raisins and dried fruit.
The last thing you want is your phone to have a dead battery if you get stuck in bad winter weather. Make sure to pack your phone charger, and consider bringing a portable charger, AAA recommends.
Severe winter weather tends to bring frigid temperatures and increases the risk of your car battery dying. It's a "the leading cause of roadside trouble," AAA says. Be prepared with a set of jumper cables in your vehicle and follow instructions to safely use them.
Make sure you dress warm and have extra clothes and accessories on hand for winter weather, the NWS and MSP advise. Consider keeping spare warm outfits in the car, along with winter boots, hats, gloves and scarves.
A flashlight and spare batteries can come in handy if you're stranded. Dean's Wrecker Service recommends having a couple LED flashlights in your vehicle, as they provide extended periods of brightness with little energy usage.
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If you have any car trouble on the road, you may need warning signals. Keeping flares and emergency markers in your vehicle can prove useful, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Safety tools for your car ahead of Michigan winter storm. What to know