We all love our cars… until we don’t. Few things are more annoying and inconvenient that having a simple breakdown, especially if you don’t know how to boost a battery or cover similar issues. Cars may be more technologically advanced than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t break down. Despite all the diagnostic tools and warning signals, roadside emergencies have never occurred more frequently.
It pays to learn how to handle the simpler car crises that can ruin your whole day and avoid having to call the dreaded (and expensive) roadside assistance. These are the three most common emergency car maintenance tips you should know out on the road.
Left the lights on? Don’t get stranded by a dead battery. Follow these steps to learn how to boost a battery with the help of a helpful stranger or friend, their car, and jumper cables:
Be warned: connecting jumper cables in the wrong order or attaching them to the wrong parts can damage a car’s electrical components and even cause an explosion. Also, batteries can vent hydrogen when they are discharging, so do not smoke while this is happening!
Before you call a tow truck to get your car out of a rut or deep snow, there’s a simple trick you can perform to try getting yourself free.
If you have an automatic, start by putting the car in first gear (1), or “low.” Gently press the accelerator to move the car forward. Once it’s moved, even slightly, let off of the gas allowing the vehicle to roll backward. Once, rolling backwards, immediately then hit the gas again to get it rocking back and forth. Continue this rocking motion until you have enough momentum to get out of there.
Be warned: It’s important that you don’t shift between drive and reverse as this can severely damage your transmission. If you’re unable to rock back and forth, then it’s time to call for a tow.
Changing a tire is straightforward if you have the necessary tools, and much easier than learning how to boost a battery. Here’s what to do the step-by-step:
Be warned: If you have to stop for a flat tire on the highway or a narrow street and it’s on the driver’s side, the risk of being hit while changing it is very high and not at all worth the risk. Call for roadside assistance instead.
Those are just a few tips to keep yourself rolling down the road if something bad happens. But you can avoid most of these by keeping up with your regular service like oil changes and keeping your tires properly filled. Don’t ignore warning lights when they come on, either. There are a lot of them, but if they are on, then something needs to be checked out.
We hope this helped you learn how to boost a battery and how to fix other common car troubles. Happy travels!