LIFE HACKS
A JUMPSTART ON CAR CARE Story by Noah Wright | Photos by Inderjit Singh Design by Katie Jo Stewart
Rascal Flatts sings “Life is a Highway.” With the ups and downs we face daily it is clear to see the analogy. Just like how life knocks us down, so do the roads. Every day, someone runs into a mechanical mishap either on the road or before they set out to drive. While many people simply phone a mechanic or tow truck, the most common issues are simple fixes that can be accomplished without needing outside assistance. Here is a guide to two of the most common vehicular issues and a guide to some preventative measures of motor mishaps.
JUMP STARTING YOUR CAR: Everyone has forgotten to turn off their lights at least once. A result of this is most often a dead battery in the morning which simply needs a charge to get going again. Here are the tools needed to shock your battery back into order: • •
Jumper cables or a charging kit Another vehicle
Jumping a car is fairly easy, but can also be somewhat nerve racking because there is a chance to cause injury. Before attempting to jump start your car, it is important to read the owner’s manual as some models have specific placements for the cables on the car. When jump starting a car, you should position the two cars with the front ends facing each other. They should be close enough that you have space to move between but not too far that the cables will be tight. Next, make sure that the cars are off and properly parked. Then, open the hoods and locate the battery on each respective car. The owner’s manual can help locate this if you are having trouble finding it. Once located, identify the positive and negative terminals on each battery. They are usually designated with a red cover for the positive and a black cover for the negative. Once located, it is time to begin jumping. Attach one of the red jumper cables to the positive terminal of the dead car’s battery. Then, attach the other red to the working car’s positive terminal. After these are attached, connect the black jumper cable onto the negative terminal of the car’s battery. This is where consulting an owner’s manual is important because some cars have specific instructions for placement of
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the final cable onto the dead car; for instance, certain models of BMW have a rod designed for jumper connection. If there is no designated point, connect the final cable onto any nut or bolt on the engine. With all the cables connected, start the working car and let it idle for a minute or two to allow the dead car to charge up. After some time, start the dead car. With both cars running, disconnect the black cable from the previously dead car first. Then take off the red cable making sure that the clamps do not touch as they will still have electricity running through them. Disconnect the other ends from the other car in the same order and close each hood. To ensure that the previously dead car’s battery is properly charged, take a small drive or let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes so that the car’s alternator can fully charge up. If your car does not jump, or the battery dies again, it may be that your battery needs replacement or another mishap that is not as easy to fix has occurred. In this situation, a call to a mechanic is vital for the restoration of your car.
FIXING A FLAT TIRE: Screws, rocks, glass or even simply excessive wear and tear can cause any tire to become flat while driving. Rather than pulling off to the side of the road and calling a tow truck, try using this guide to get yourself back on the road. Tools needed: • • •
Car jack that will allow your tire to be comfortably off the ground and your car to be secure. A lug wrench or ratchet set that will allow you to get off the nuts that are holding the tire on. Inflated spare tire