Six Items You Should Make Sure Go Into Your Vehicle Emergency Kit

Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Mazda

Even when we do everything perfectly on the road, there is always the potential of an emergency arising. Maybe you are driving across Central Michigan during winter and driving conditions become virtually impossible to tackle confidently. Or, you might find yourself with a mechanical issue that leaves you roadside. Regardless of the potential reason, you should consider making an emergency kit and keeping it in your Mazda at all times. This selection of items will ensure that even if you are caught stranded by the side of the road, you have provisions and equipment to keep you and your family safe while waiting for the appropriate services to arrive. Let Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, share with you six items we feel you should make sure you add to your vehicle’s emergency kit.  Some of the items are an important part of your daily emergency kit while other items might be better suited to a more extensive kit for when you travel.

Six Important Additions to Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit 

Non-Perishable Food & Water – 

No matter what emergency you find yourself in, having nutritious non-perishable food and water bottles that can be quickly retrieved is important if you find yourself needing nourishment while waiting for an emergency vehicle. Trail mix, dried fruits, or granola bars can be great food items that keep your family satisfied and healthy. If you have pets, keep a small bag of their favorite food and/or treats on hand as well.

A Radio and/or Walkie-Talkies + Batteries –

If you are in a weather emergency such as a blizzard or you need extra information about an event you are caught in such as a road closure, having access to a radio where you can tune into local radio stations without running your vehicle is a great idea. Walkie-talkies are also a good idea if you need to communicate with a vehicle occupant who leaves the vehicle. Most importantly, keep a spare set of applicable batteries to make sure you always have access to these tools. 

Blankets & Extra Sets of Warm Clothes –

Being stranded in winter for a longer period means you need to conserve your vehicle’s fuel as best as possible which means not running the vehicle consistently. It also means that you’re going to need to keep yourself and your passengers warm. We advise keeping a blanket or two, as well as sets of extra gloves, socks, and other important clothing that can be used to keep everyone warm while waiting out the conditions. 

Warning Triangle or Other Warning Signs –

Fixing a tire on the side of the road can be dangerous if you find yourself needing to do so especially on a busier road. Keeping a hazard triangle or some other form of warning signage or cone that you can use to give yourself a buffer from the shoulder of the roadway will help prevent drivers from potentially running close to you while trying to fix your problem.

Fire Extinguisher –

A small fire extinguisher that can fit neatly into the trunk of your Mazda is a valuable item to keep on hand. Whether you have a spontaneous fire, or you are trying to help out with a minor fire situation you come across, it doesn’t hurt to keep one of these in your vehicle as an easy way to quickly reduce the situation before fire crews arrive. 

Extra Oil / Coolant / Other Fluids –

We recommend keeping an emergency bottle of various fluids that are vital to the function of your Mazda in your vehicle if you find yourself running low. This can help you get yourself safely to whatever destination you need to and also provide you with a buffer until you can schedule an appointment with our Service Center to have them appropriately replaced and topped off. 

(Photo Credit: iStock)

Tags: Bay City, Emergency Kit, Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Roadside Emergency, Service Center, Thelen Mazda
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