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!

How Snow Tires Work

You may already know having the right tires on your car or truck during the winter is important. However, you might not fully understand why. The more you know about tires and how winter tires benefit your car, the more prepared you can be for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

The experts at Brothers Collision (automotive services Rochester, NY) can help you find the best winter snow tires for your vehicle. Sticking with the tires you have from one season to the next can increase the risk of slipping, sliding, and the likelihood of an accident.

Snow tires are truly different than regular tires. First of all, they are made with a softer and more flexible material. This material works to grip the road, rather than simply slide on top of it. The increased amount of rubber helps displace any slush and snow too. Think of it like the sole of a snow boot. They grip and keep you from falling. A snow tire acts the same way.

Snow tires also have a different kind of tread. The types of cuts and depth of the cuts displace water, snow, and ice. As it displaces all that slippery white stuff, the tires grip the road and keeps you on course.

Brothers Collision can assist you with snow tire inquiries or any other needs relating to automotive services Rochester, NY.

If you didn’t get snow tires this year, will you next winter?