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Booster Car
Dead Car
Step 3: Connect the cables
1. Connect a positive/red/orange (+) jumper-cable clamp to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other positive/red/orange (+) cable clamp to the positive (+)
terminal of the charged battery.
3. Connect a negative/black (–) cable clamp to the negative (–) terminal
of the charged battery.
4. Connect the other end of the negative/black (–) cable to non-painted
metal that’s away from the battery, such as the alternator mounting
bracket. Do not connect the negative/black (–) cable to the negative (–)
post on the discharged battery.
Step 4: Let ’er rip
Let the bad battery charge for at least a minute before attempting to start
it. If the dead car’s dome light comes on, then the cables are connected properly. Now try to start the car. If it cranks but won’t fire, more charging time
may be necessary. Revving the running engine will increase its alternator’s
output and send more juice through the jumper cables. Also check to ensure
that the cable’s clamps have a good bite, particularly on side-post batteries.
After the car starts, remove the cables in the reverse order of the connections, taking care to avoid moving parts such as fan blades. Also, make sure
the cables’ clamps don’t touch until all four are disconnected.
If all of the above fails, you can always call AAA. A
CAR CLEANING MADE EASY
TO CLEAN YOUR CAR safely and
effectively, follow these professional
car-care recommendations:
• Before washing, remove jewelry, belt or
anything else that may scratch the vehicle.
• Use only soaps or detergents designed for
cleaning automobiles. Household dish soap
will strip away wax as easily as it does
kitchen grease.
• For the pre-wash, use a spray nozzle set to
soak to soften and gently remove dirt and
debris. A strong jet spray may grind the dirt
into the paint, causing scratches.
• Wash the vehicle only in the shade.
This prevents water spots from forming,
reducing the possibility of the spots
etching the clear coat.
• Start washing at the top and work your
way to the hood and trunk. Continue to
the sides and finish with the wheels.
• Use a stiff hand brush to remove dirt and
grease from the carpet and floor mats.
• Finish the inside details with a soft but
stiff brush to clean around the vents, audio
system, instrument panel and console. It’s
handy to have a detail brush equipped with
a rubber tip to dig away built-up debris from
the inside seams and remove wax from the
outside seams. A
Automotive journalist and editor Tom Morr has been repairing and writing about cars
and the industry for about 20 years. Copyright 2000–2008 autoMedia.com. All rights
reserved, reprinted with permission.
