Michigan Insurance Group

Accidents and vehicle troubles are unexpected. That is why every vehicle should have an emergency roadside kit. Without a way to contact someone to help you off the side of the road you might have to flag down a good Samaritan or take care of the situation yourself. A well-packed, emergency roadside kit could mean the difference between a cold night on the side of the road and a little time to fix the problem. We compiled a list of necessary items to add to your roadside kit: First Aid Kit Reflective vest to wear when outside the vehicle Reflective safety triangle Lighter, matches and roadside flares Flashlight with extra batteries Jumper cables Tire pressure gauge Duct tape Cutting tool Screwdriver, wrench and hammer Bottled Water Non-perishable foods: granola bars, trail mix, etc... Blankets for each person that frequently rides in the vehicle Extra socks/gloves incase hands/feet get cold. Rags or paper towels Remember

You spend 30+ hours sitting in the passenger seat coaching your new teenage driver as they practice driving. How much time do you spend talking to them about  car maintenance and how to properly taking care of the vehicle? The following list is topics to discuss with your teen to help better prepare them to maintain the vehicle they drive: How to safely check and add fluids including; gas, oil, anti-freeze/coolant, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid. How to check headlights, break lights and turn signal lights. Inform them that a rapid blinking turn signal means a bulb is out. How to check tire pressure and change a tire. As you are going over the tires talk about tire tread and depth. Show your teen driver where to find and how to turn on hazard lights as well as when to use them. Be aware of the sound the vehicle makes so that when an unfamiliar sound occurs they know something could be wrong with the vehicle i.e. squealing brakes mean