Tips for jump starting a car

Have you ever climbed in your car to realize that it won't start? Not only is this a terrible feeling, it's very inconvenient when you have somewhere to be! A lot of the time this can be caused from a dead car battery. You never know when this can happen to you, which is why it's always a good idea to have a pair of jumper cables on hand. A dead car battery can typically be fixed with a jump start; however, other times it may need more extensive car maintenance in Cortland. Knowing how to jump start your car can save you a lot of time and money, which is why it's a good idea to learn how to perform this type of Cortland car maintenance.

Does your car need a jump start?

Before you start car maintenance to jump start your car, you're going to want to make sure the battery is the actual problem. Otherwise, you may be due for other car maintenance in Cortland. How do you know if your car's battery is the issue? Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

• If your car has absolutely no sign of life
• If your notice your engine turn over, but not start
• If your headlights turn on, but dim
• If the battery warning sign lights up on your dashboard
• If you've previously had problems with your battery

A dead battery can be caused by leaving a light on in your car or simply from having an old battery. Most of the time, a dead battery can be remedied with quick and easy car maintenance, such as jump starting your car. However, if you have an old car battery, you may need to visit our Action Auto Service Center in Cortland to have it replaced.

How do you know when you're due for a new car battery? Only professional equipment can be used to measure how much charge is left in your car's battery. Luckily, we can check this for you with our equipment and replace your old battery if necessary when you get car maintenance in Cortland. Car batteries typically last 2-3 years and should be replaced BEFORE it becomes a problem. This is why you should visit our Service Center in Cortland today for your car maintenance!

Action Auto Service Center shares how to jump start your car

Once you've determined the battery is the problem, you can jump start your car to get it going. This is easy Cortland car maintenance that every driver should know how to do. To perform this car maintenance, you need a pair of jumper cables and a friend with a working car to help.

Once your friend arrives, line up the vehicles side by side. They need to be close enough that the jumper cables can reach from one battery to the other, but not touch. After both vehicles are turned off, you can begin this Cortland car maintenance and start attaching the cables.

• First attach one side of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
• The other side of the red cable should then be attached to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
• Next, attach one side of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
• The other side of the black cable should then be attached to a plain metal surface of the vehicle with the dead battery.

Once you have the cables in place, you can start the car with the working battery. After a few minutes, the dead battery should be charged. Start the car with the dead battery and leave it running for at least ten minutes.

As you can see, this Cortland car maintenance is very easy! However, it's important to do it right! If you get the cables mixed up, you can end up seriously damaging your vehicle!

If you need car maintenance or a new car battery, stop by our Action Auto Service Center in Cortland today! We're located at 3899 State Route 281, just off I-81 near State University of New York’s (SUNY) Cortland campus! You can give us a call at (607) 758-7506 to schedule an appointment in advance. Our trained technicians will take excellent care of your vehicle at our Service Center. Sit and relax in our customer lounge equipped with refreshments and WiFi. So if you’re looking to find auto repair shop in Cortland, be sure to stop by!