How To Jump Start a Car’s Dead Battery

Step 1: LOCATE JUMPER

If you heeded the advice in our last article about items to keep in your car for winter, then you probably already stored a set of JUMPER CABLES in your vehicle. To any of the stragglers, you will have to find someone who has a set of jumper cables and is willing to spend the time giving your car’s battery a jump.

Step 2: PREPARE VEHICLES

After you locate jumper cables and another car with a charged battery, align the vehicles close enough together for the cables to reach each battery. Next, SHUT OFF the ignition to both vehicles and make sure they’re both in PARK. Then, pop both hoods and LOCATE the positive (+/POS) sign on the batteries (usually under a red rectangular covering).

Step 3: ATTACH JUMPER CABLES

After attaching the first jumper cable, BE CAREFUL to NOT touch any of the clamps to each other (to prevent electric shock).

1. Attach RED cable clip to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the CHARGED battery
2. Attach BLACK cable clip to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the CHARGED battery
3. Attach other end of RED cable clip to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DEAD battery
4. Attach BLACK cable clip to a motionless, unpainted METAL SURFACE away from the battery

Step 4: IGNITION  

After securing the jumper cables, START the ignition of the CHARGED battery’s car. Rev the engine slightly by gently tapping the gas pedal to SPEED UP the charge. After a few minutes, START the ignition of the DEAD battery’s car and, with luck, the battery will be live.

Step 5: DRIVE

After jumping the dead battery, DRIVE around for at least 15 minutes before shutting off the engine. This will help ensure it’s holding the charge. Enjoy and be safe this winter! If you have any troubles, contact Brothers Collisions & Mechanical for all of your auto mechanic needs in Rochester!

Top 3 Items to Carry in Your Car during Winter

Well friends, winter is in full swing and we’ve already seen some icy damage at our car repair shop in Rochester. As a result, we would like to offer you some ideas on how to be prepared in case of emergencies out on the road. Below is a list of items to fill up on and leave in your vehicle during the winter months.

1. Communication: Phone Charger

Auto Repair Shop Rochester NY

Make sure you have an adaptor and a charger so you can recharge your phone. In fact, it might be a good idea to keep it plugged in whenever it looks like a dangerous, snowy drive. Don’t get caught in a winter storm without having a fully charged phone to call for help.

2. Health: First Aid Kit

This should include some (if not all) of the following: bandages, adhesive tape, gauze, aspirin, antiseptic wipes/ointment. If an accident happens in a snowstorm, it may take longer for emergency services to reach your vehicle. During the delay, these items may help make the difference. Afterwards, to fix all other damages, you can have your vehicle towed to our auto repair shop, where we become the “First Aid Kit” to your vehicle.

3. Light: Flashlight & Flares

Light is a good thing to have when you’re caught in a black, stormy snowstorm. Pack a powerful flashlight with extra batteries. Also, stock up on some flares in case your vehicle is dead on a busy road. Even if it isn’t nighttime, a snowy day can cloud vision on the roads. Flashers will alert other motorists of your vehicle before risking a crash.

Other Ideas

Windshield ice scraper; jumper cables; duct tape; sawdust / sand for traction; snow shovel; blankets; warm gloves; poncho; water bottles; snacks.

What’s in your vehicle’s emergency kit?