CAR MAINTAINANCE TIPS

General maintenance
How to jump start a car
How to replace a blown fuse
How to top up windscreen washer fluid
How to change wiper blades
How to charge your car battery

 Bodywork
How to T-cut your car
or How to remove paintwork scratches
How to detail your car bodywork
How to use a clay bar 


Electrics
How to test your alternator
How to change your car battery
How to test a starter motor

 Brakes
How do brakes work

Safety
How to jack up your car safely
or How to change a wheel
 Insurance
How to get cheaper car insurance
Car insurance tips
BEST car insurance deals
 

 
 Car Styling
How to style your car
How to fit Lexus lights
How to fit side repeaters
How to tint your windows

Engine
How to change your air filter
How to check your engine coolant
How to check your engine oil
How to top up your engine oil
How to change your engine oil and filter

 Fuel
How to save on fuel

Wheels / Tyres
How to fix a tyre puncture

How to jump start a car

If your car wont start because the battery has gone flat,
then you may be able get it going again by jump-starting it.

What you need ;

A set of car jump leads, also referred to as booster cables
A friends car that is working.

Using jump leads is pretty simple and safe if you follow these instructions ;



STEPS

1. Position both of the cars close together so that the jump leads will reach both batteries.

2. Then connect the car battery booster cables in this order ;

a. Connect (+) positive red cable to the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.
b. Connect the other end of the (+) positive red cable to (+) positive terminal on the working car.
c. Connect (-) negative black cable to (-) negative terminal on the working car.
d. Connect the other end of the (-) negative cable to the (-) negative terminal on the dead battery.

3. You are now ready to start the working car’s engine. Turn off all electrical equipment on the working car (heater, lights, radio, etc.) so that all the battery power is getting used to jump start the dead battery. Let the working car run for a minute or so before you try to start the dead one.Revving the engine in the working car will produce more current and help with jumping the dead battery.

4. Now try and start the dead battery engine by turning the ignition. If it sounds like it is going to start but will not quite go, then rev the working car for a little longer before trying the dead battery again.

5. When the dead battery has started and is running, remove the jump leads.
Do this in reverse order ;



TIPS

You must let the car that had the flat (dead) battery run for quite a while.
If you turn the ignition off quite soon after starting it then it may not start again because there will not be enough charge in the battery. It might be worth taking the car for a drive, or driving the car home and connecting the battery to a battery charger overnight.
Ensure that when you are connecting and removing the jump leads, they do not touch each other and do not come into contact with any moving parts on either engine. Most quality jump leads have the clamps coated with plastic so there is less chance of the metal parts touching parts of the car or engine. This is something to consider when buying your jump leads.

If the battery terminals on either car are dirty and corroded, then they will need to be cleaned up so that the clamps on the jump leads will get a good clean connection.

If the flat battery will not start the car after following this procedure, then the battery could be damaged and faulty inside. It is suggested that you try replacing the dead battery with a borrowed one before you spend money on a new one.

Car battery booster cables are always a useful thing to have on your car, whether to help you out of trouble and get you on your way, or to give someone else a helping hand. They are relatively inexpensive, and buying a set to keep in the back of your car is well worthwhile when compared to the inconvenience of having a flat battery. They can be purchased from any local motor-factors, or bought online from most car accessory websites.
As well as jump leads, there are a couple of other useful items that perhaps you should stick onto your Christmas or birthday wish list ;
Car battery chargers.
Keep this at home and if you ever suffer a flat battery on your car you can bring it into the house and recharge it overnight. The battery charger plugs into your house electric supply and has a black and red clamp for fitting onto the (+) (red) and (-)(black) of your battery. Car battery chargers normally take 12-24 hours to recharge your car, they will recharge slowly and normally let you know when the battery is full.