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video on how to jump start a vehicle

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Safety Tips for jump starting your vehicle

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Safety Tips for jump starting your vehicle

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10 safety tips to consider when jump starting a vehicle

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When an auto battery fails it may be dead or weak. A jump-start is often the fix to getting back on the road. Jump-starting is dangerous and must be done properly to avoid injury or damage to the vehicles. Follow the Jump-Starting Safety Tips below when a jump-start becomes necessary.

AAA Heavy Duty Jumper Cables

Position another vehicle with a healthy battery and your car so they do not touch each other. Be sure both batteries are of the same voltage.

Read the owners' manuals for both vehicles for any special directions.

Turn off the ignitions of both vehicles and set the parking brakes. Place automatic transmissions in "Park" and standard transmissions in neutral.

Wear safety glasses and gloves while using cables.

Clamp/connect one end of the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) post of the dead battery.

Connect the other end of the same cable to the same marked post (+) of the booster battery.

Connect the second, negative (-) booster cable to the other post of the booster battery.

Make the final negative (-) booster cable connection on the engine block of the stalled vehicle away from the battery.

Start the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Then, start the disabled vehicle.

Remove the cables in the reverse order of connection, being very careful not to let the booster cable clamps touch each other or come in contact with car parts. Also, avoid the fans of the engine. Electric fans may run without the engine being on.

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Safety Tips for Jump-Starting your Vehicle

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When an auto battery fails it may be dead or weak. A jump-start is often the fix to getting back on the road. Jump-starting is dangerous and must be done properly to avoid injury or damage to the vehicles. Follow the Jump-Starting Safety Tips below when a jump-start becomes necessary.

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8 steps to follow when jump starting your vehicle

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By Deanna Sclar

If your battery has died, you may be able to use jumper cables to jump start it from some good Samaritan's vehicle. If you can safely use jumper cables on your vehicle, make sure that the battery on the good Samaritan's vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own. As long as you hook up the cables properly, it doesn't matter whether your vehicle has negative ground and the GS's vehicle has positive ground, or your vehicle has an alternator and the GS's vehicle has a generator.

If either vehicle has an electronic ignition system or is an alternatively fueled vehicle, the use of jumper cables may damage it.

To safely jump a start, follow these steps:

1. Take out your jumper cables.

It's a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don't have jumper cables, you have to find a good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but who has jumper cables as well.

2. Place both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars.

Engage both parking brakes as well.

3. Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery.

It has "POS" or "+" on it, or it's bigger than the negative terminal.

4. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other car.

5. Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the other battery.

6. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn't near the battery.

Use one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.

The cables should look like this.

7. Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.

8. Try to start your vehicle.

If it won't start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and have the good Samaritan run his or her engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won't start, your battery may be beyond help.

If the jump works and your car starts, don't shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won't start the next time you use it, the battery isn't holding a charge and needs to be replaced.

If your car doesn't start, check out these tips for troubleshooting a car that won't start.

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If your battery has died, you may be able to use jumper cables to jump start it from some good Samaritan's vehicle. If you can safely use jumper cables on your vehicle, make sure that the battery on the good Samaritan's vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own.

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video on how to change oil in a vehicle

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A step-by-step guide to changing your car's oil. For our demonstration, we're using a 2011 Nissan Versa SL. Your car may vary. Thanks, Tommy Pratt. Read more: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-change-your-cars-oil-1598482301 Lifehacker: Tips and downloads for getting things done. http://lifehacker.com/

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safety tips for changing a vehicle's oil

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Changing the oil in your car can be a smooth, simple process with good preparation and attention to the job. Before you even begin, make sure that you have everything you need: proper type of oil and the right amount, oil filter, air filter and the proper size of wrench to take off the oil pan bolt. It is also recommended to have a tarp to put under the vehicle. Any oil that drips onto the ground and can seep in. This is neither safe for any pets you have or for the environment, so the tarp will keep any spills contained. You will also need a container to catch the oil from the engine, preferably a larger bucket or bowl. Wearing long sleeved shirt, pants and gloves will help you stay clear of any spills as well. A funnel for the oil will top off your supplies.

Move your car to a level spot in your yard. When you jack it up, it is imperative that you make sure it is stable before you even start doing any work. Car racks are useful as you can position one in front of each front tire and then drive it up to the top. It is helpful to have someone guide you to make sure the car is in the best position. Jacks are fine, but to give you piece of mind, place a used tire underneath the car on side to be a buffer if a jack fails. You can also use a rock or a stone brick for the same purpose. Make sure that the parking brake is also engaged inside the vehicle.

Once it is stable, spread out your tarp below and set your tools within easy reach. Also, keep a stack of rags nearby to help catch any spills. Put your container underneath the oil pan. As you use your wrench to loosen the bolt, don't try to force the bolt loose if its tight. This can strip the edges and make the job harder. Find an old metal pipe that will fit over the handle of your wrench. This is called a "cheater bar" and gives you extra leverage. Pull firmly, but not forceful. When it comes pretty loose, make sure the container is underneath where the oil will drain and then loosen it the rest of the way with your hand. This will keep the bolt from falling into the oil.

As you let the oil drain into the container, allow it run until it is completely gone, and then put the bolt back in. You want it to be tight, but not too much. This will make your job much easier next time. Now, you get into your engine and remove the oil filter. When you take it off, check to see if the seal is still on it. Place this in a few rags and set on the tarp. Then, take a small amount of new oil on a clean rag and wipe it around the seal on the new filter. You can then screw it in place. Now you can add the oil to the engine. Put in the correct amount, making sure to check the dipstick periodically so that you don't overfill it.

Check around the engine for any leaks, and you are ready to begin your clean-up. Using the funnel, carefully pour the used oil into the oil canisters and seal them with the lids. These need to be taken to a garage or or place in your area that is licensed to dispose of it properly. This will also keep any contamination from occurring. The gloves are a great way to keep your hands clean, but also to protect them from any contact with car fluids that can be damaging to your health.

With proper preparation and using common sense, you won't have any problems changing your oil and doing it safely.

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Changing the oil in your car can be a smooth, simple process with good preparation and attention to the job. Before you even begin, make sure that you have everything you need: proper type of oil and the right amount, oil filter, air filter and the proper size of wrench to take off the oil pan bolt.

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standard tools used to change oil

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15 steps to follow when changing oil in a vehicle

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1. Personal Finance

2. How to Change Your Car's Oil

Unless your car's oil filter and/or oil drain plug is impossible to reach, you can save money by changing your oil and oil filter yourself (your car's manual should tell you how much oil to get and how often to change your oil). You don't need to be a mechanic to learn how to change your oil - it simply takes being able to identify certain parts of the car and acquiring the right equipment to do the job. From a top-level view, the oil change process involves a few procedures including: draining the existing oil out of your engine, replacing certain equipment (i.e. - oil filter), adding oil, ensuring there are no leaks, and quality testing.

To start your DIY oil change, warm up your engine for 2 or 3 minutes so the gook gets churned up and can flow out of the engine easily. You don't want the engine so hot that you burn yourself. When it's slightly warm to the touch, shut off the engine.

Then, complete the following steps to change your car's oil:

1. Look under your car to find the drain plug.

The drain plug is a large nut or plug located under the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. If you can't reach your oil drain plug easily, you'll have to either crawl under your car to reach it or jack up the car.

2. Place a container under the oil drain plug.

You want this container to catch the oil, so make sure it's big enough.

3. Unscrew the oil drain plug.

Protect your hand with a rag or some paper towels, and be ready to move your hand out of the way. The oil now drains out of your engine into the container.

4. Remove the cap from the oil filler hole at the top of your engine and unscrew the oil filter, using a wrench if you can't do it by hand.

To unscrew the filter, twist it counterclockwise. The filter will have oil in it, so be careful not to spill it when you remove it. If any remnants of the filter's rubber seal remain on your engine, remove them.

5. Empty the oil from the filter into a drain pan.

After the filter is empty, wrap it in newspaper and set it aside to take to a recycling center with your old oil.

6. Open a new bottle of oil and dip a finger into it.

Use the oil to moisten the gasket on the top of the new oil filter.

7. Screw the new filter into the engine where the old one was.

Follow directions on the filter, or turn it gently by hand until it "seats" and then give it another three-quarter turn.

8. Wipe around the place where the oil drain plug goes.

Do this step only after all the oil has drained out.

9. Replace the oil drain plug and use an adjustable wrench to tighten it.

If your vehicle uses an oil drain plug gasket, make sure the old one has been removed and lay a new gasket on the pan before you replace the plug.

10. Use a funnel to pour all but 1 quart of the fresh oil into the oil filler hole.

Pour slowly to allow the oil time to run down.

11. Replace the oil filler cap and run the engine for 30 to 60 seconds.

Check for leaks from the oil drain plug and around the filter.

12. Shut off the engine and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to settle into the oil pan, and then check the oil level again.

Remove the oil dipstick, wipe it with a clean, lint-free rag, and shove it back in. Pull it out again and check it.

13. Keep adding oil a little at a time.

Check the stick after each addition until you reach the "Full" line on the dipstick.

14. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle and give the car a test drive.

Go around the block a couple of times.

15. Let the oil settle down again for 5 to 10 minutes, then recheck the dipstick.

If it's still at "Full," you're good to go!

You have successfully learned how to change your oil! As a final step, dispose of the old oil by taking it to an auto parts store or other oil-recycling center.

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Personal Finance How to Change Your Car's Oil Unless your car's oil filter and/or oil drain plug is impossible to reach, you can save money by changing your oil and oil filter yourself (your car's manual should tell you how much oil to get and how often to change your oil).

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Video on how to change a flat tire

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How to Change a Tire | Change a flat car tire step by step

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4 safety tips for changing a tire on a busy road

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You can't control when and where you have a blow out, but you can prepare for how you're going to handle it when it does happen. For instance, if you have to change a tire on a busy road these simple safety tips will get you back on the road in one piece.

Safety Tips For Changing A Tire On A Busy Road

Tip #1: Get As Far Off The Road As You Can

Whether you're on two-lane blacktop or an 8-lane superhighway, you need to get your car as far out of the way as possible. If you can put the flat tire on the side of the car facing away from traffic then, you're already much safer than you were moments before.

Tip #2: Clearly Mark That There's An Emergency

Putting on your hazard lights will let other drivers know there's something wrong, but that's just the start. You should always have road flares in your trunk, along with portable road cones or signs to help direct traffic into the lane away from your car. These signs will help you create a little breathing room around your car, and they'll give you space to change out the tire.

Tip #3: Make Sure You Have Solid, Flat Ground For Your Jack

Before you can change your tire, you need to jack the car up. The jack must be set against the frame of the vehicle to bear its weight, but it also needs to be set on flat ground that's sturdy. If you jack your car up on an angle then, the jack will likely slip. Worse, the car could roll backward, or down an incline. These risks are bad enough in normal circumstance, but on a busy road they can get even worse.

Tip #4: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It might seem like common sense, but if you're changing a tire on a busy road you need to be aware of the traffic around you. No matter how many precautions you take or what signs you put out, there is always a danger. If you have someone with you it's a good idea to have that person act as a lookout, but you shouldn't get so involved with the tire that you don't know what's coming your way.

For more tips and tricks for safe automotive maintenance contact us today!

Have you had any close calls while changing a tire? Let us know below.

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4 Safety Tips For Changing A Tire On A Busy Road

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You can't control when and where you have a blow out, but you can prepare for how you're going to handle it when it does happen. For instance, if you have to change a tire on a busy road these simple safety tips will get you back on the road in one piece.

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tools needed to change a flat tire

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Changing a tire is a relatively simple affair and most cars come with the equipment to perform the procedure as part of a basic vehicle-maintenance package. The car's owner's manual should also have instructions on where your tire changing equipment is located and the proper procedures.

A basic a tire changing kit typically includes:

Additional tools, depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle may include:

Jacks come in several varieties -- scissor jacks, floor jacks, bottle jacks and even bumper jacks. A scissor jack is the most common type and uses a mechanical scissor mechanism to lift the car. A bottle jack is more powerful but less compact and uses hydraulic fluid to lift the car.

The tire rim is held to the wheel hub by lug nuts screwed on to wheel studs. Before the spare tire can be fitted to the car the old rim and flat tire needs to be removed. Before this is accomplished, the lug nuts must be loosened and this is done with the lug wrench. A lug wrench is essentially a large socket wrench with one socket that matches the size of the lug nuts on your wheels. The length of the handle adds mechanical advantage -- the longer the handle, the more force you can exert on the nut. The pry bar on the other end is used to remove the hub cap and sometimes to pry the rim off the wheel hub if it's stuck on with rust or dirt.

Finally, there's the spare tire. Spares are either full-size or temporary (often called "donut" or "space saver") spares. A full-size spare offers more advantages as far as safety is concerned, but it's difficult to store, especially in smaller cars. It also weighs more and is harder to manage onto the wheel hub at ground level. A donut spare is easier to store and easier to manage on to the hub. However, it's generally less safe, usually limiting driving speed to less than 50 miles per hour (80.5 kilometers per hour) and a range of less than 60 miles (96.6 kilometers). Good car maintenance means checking the air pressure in the spare tire on a regular basis, too. It only takes a couple of minutes but may save you hours of aggravation someday.

The additional items listed are needed by certain cars rather than all cars. Wheel locks are a specially keyed lug nut socket designed to keep thieves from stealing your wheels. While a good idea, the locks are often lost, misplaced or simply disregarded until necessary -- but by then it's too late. If your car has wheel locks, tape the socket to the jack or to the inside of your glove box so it won't be lost.

Some car models store the spare under the car. The spare is lowered to the ground by turning a post that lowers the spare on a wire. This post is turned with an extension bar that's also used to help drag the spare out from under the car. This part of the car is often neglected during routine automotive maintenance. Every so often, and before long trips, make sure the spare will lower and the action on the mechanism is not rusted or corroded.

Many European cars use wheel bolts rather than wheel studs. Wheel studs stay on the hub and serve as a mounting surface for the spare. Wheel bolts screw into the hub and come off with the tire. With this type of system, putting the tire back on the car means having to manage the tire with a bolt through a rim hole and being able to wrestle the whole thing into position to screw the bolt in. This system is difficult to deal with even in controlled conditions, let alone on the side of a busy road. Wheel studs are a lot easier to deal with as the studs remain attached to the wheel hub and allow you to hang the tire on them and then replace the lug nuts.

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Changing a tire is a relatively simple affair and most cars come with the equipment to perform the procedure as part of a basic vehicle-maintenance package. The car's owner's manual should also have instructions on where your tire changing equipment is located and the proper procedures.

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10 rules to follow when changing a flat tire

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Home Violations & Safety Safety & Driving How To Change a Tire

Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Verified Accurate As Of: 8/31/2018

Sooner or later, it's bound to happen to most everyone. You're driving along with your mind on the important meeting agenda, and suddenly your car pulls to one side and you hear that dreaded flapping sound of a flat tire.

Nowadays, many drivers have roadside assistance services that will come fix your flats, but it's always smart to know how to change a flat yourself. Since it's a fairly common occurrence, car manufacturers have tried to make the tire change process one that virtually anyone can do.

Tools You Need to Change a Tire

Keep the following tire-changing essentials in your vehicle at all times:

Spare tire.

Usually located under the floor mat in the trunk. SUVs or trucks may have the spare mounted underneath or on the back of the vehicle.

TIP: Check your spare regularly to ensure it's properly inflated.

Jack.

Lug wrench.

Flashlight with working batteries.

Flares and reflective triangles.

Gloves.
Leather is ideal since it works well in a variety of weather conditions.

Wheel wedges.

Flat tire repair kit.
Optional, but ideal if you can't get your tire to a shop right away.

The spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are vital and should all come with your vehicle. If any of these three are missing, replace them immediately. Always keep your vehicle owner's manual in your car, as it will include details on where you can find your spare and steps for changing your tire.

Find a Safe Spot

In the event that your tire blew out while you were on the road, slow down, put your hazard lights on, and find a safe place to change your tire. If you are driving on a freeway or busy city street, it's best to get as far away from traffic as possible.

Ideal locations for changing a tire include:

If you can, try to pull over on a flat road, not an incline. Also, changing a tire on a paved road is ideal. If you cannot safely maneuver your car to one of these areas, pull over as far to the right as you can to put space between your car and traffic.

Steps to Changing a Flat Tire

Once your car is in a safe and stable area, parked with the parking brake engaged, follow these steps to change your flat tire.

1. Remove your spare and the tools you'll need.

2. Place flares or reflective triangles behind your vehicle for safety, if you're changing your tire on the road.

3. Place wheel wedges against the tires opposite of the flat. This will help keep your vehicle secure while it's on the jack.

4. Remove the hubcap or wheel cover. If your lug nuts are exposed, skip this step. Use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry the cover off.

5. Loosen (but DON'T REMOVE) the lug nuts using the lug wrench.

6. Move the jack underneath the car. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for the proper location and how to work your jack. Ideally, it will be as easy as turning a crank. Raise it up to connect with your car's frame.

7. Expand the jack until the flat is approximately 6 inches off the ground. Warning: Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle!

8. Unscrew and remove lug nuts. Place these somewhere safe-you'll need them all to secure the spare.

9. Remove the flat tire from the hub. Grab the flat securely with both hands and pull toward you. Set it aside safely.

10. Align the spare with the exposed lug bolts. Push it in place.

11. Replace the lug nuts and tighten by hand. Do NOT use the wrench until you lower the vehicle.

12. Lower the jack carefully until the spare touches the ground. Remove the jack.

13. Tighten the lug nuts with the wrench. Put your weight into it-these should be really tight. To ensure even alignment, tighten your lug nuts in a star pattern, so you're never tightening lug nuts that are immediately adjacent to one another.

14. Replace the hubcap or wheel cover, if you have one.

15. Check the pressure on your spare. If you don't have a tire gauge, try to drive to a gas station to check and make sure it's safe.

Once your spare is safely and securely on your car, take your flat tire to a repair shop. Driving long distances at high speeds on a spare is not advisable, so try to get your flat tire replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

When to Call for Backup

Changing your own tire can be a cost effective option if you don't have emergency roadside assistance coverage. But safety should always be your top priority. Keep the following in mind when deciding whether to DIY or call for help.

Road & Traffic Conditions

Consider whether you can pull your car over in a safe location, away from oncoming traffic and onto a smooth, flat surface. If you're on a busy freeway, a narrow shoulder, a dirt road, an incline, or a slick surface, think carefully before pulling out the jack.

Weather Conditions

If it's dumping rain or snow, if the wind is howling and you might lose your grip on any of your equipment, or if the blazing heat could put your health or safety at risk, consider calling for a tow.

Passenger Safety

If you're traveling with your family, friends, or even pets, take stock of your environment and their safety. If the conditions are not ideal, don't take unnecessary risks just to save a few bucks.

Equipment Condition

In order to be properly prepared, make sure your spare is inflated and in good condition. If you're missing any other equipment, if your jack is rusty, even if your flashlight batteries are dead, don't try to be a hero-call a tow truck and get the help you need.

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Home Violations & Safety Safety & Driving How To Change a Tire Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!