Avoid Simple Vehicle Maintenance Errors

Sometimes things just don’t go your way - it’s a fact of vehicle ownership (and life!). But if you pay attention to these quick tips, you will certainly save yourself some headache along the way.

1. Properly Jump Start a Dead Battery

We’ve all been there - whether it was stranded on the side of the road or you’ve got a dead car in your garage making you late for work. The dreaded, “dead” battery situation! Just because you’ve got jumper cables in your car doesn’t mean you’re ready to go just yet - follow these steps for a successful jump.

The first thing you want to do is get away from the traffic if possible. Then park the cars so they are close but not touching, and make sure both cars are turned off before starting. Once properly parked, avoid touching anything except the battery terminals with your cables and follow the numbered steps below:

(1) Attach the positive clamp to the dead car’s positive battery terminal, which is usually red and marked with a "+" sign

(2) Attach the positive clamp on the booster car’s positive battery terminal

(3) Attach the negative clamp to the booster car’s negative battery terminal which is usually black and marked with a "-" sign

(4) Attach the negative clamp to the dead car’s negative battery terminal or an unpainted metal bolt/bracket to act as a ground

(5) Confirm that the cables aren’t in the way of any moving parts

(6) Turn the booster vehicle on and let idle for several minutes before trying to start the dead vehicle

(7) Once started, disconnect the cables in the reverse order they were put on

(8) Drive the vehicle to a safe, secure location before turning off.

Once started again, you should connect it to a charger at home (which usually needs 12 hours of constant connection) or to a dealership for complete charging.

*vehicles and techniques differ, so always consult your owners manual for the proper steps on your specific vehicle

2. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

If you've driven long enough, you’re probably familiar with that Check Engine light that just won’t go away or other warning lights that can be easy to ignore. Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong and other times you’re convinced that you know what's going on and will find time for it later. But if your car is trying to fill you in on something, you better listen.

Your owner’s manual will have information on your specific lights & indicators. Be sure to review what each light means so you can determine whether it’s something simple - like low tire pressure - or more complicated that requires a professional look at your vehicle.

These indications from your vehicle are easy and inexpensive to ignore in the short term, but can have drastic consequences and become costly down the road.

3. Bald Tires = Bad Tires

Tires are just like your feet. They’re what meets the ground to keep you moving along. It would be pretty silly to walk around outside with flip-flops in a snowstorm or go hiking in your heels wouldn't it? Just like your feet, every car needs proper gear to handle the challenges of the road.

Remember to check your tires every now and then, especially before longer trips. If the tread on your tires has gotten low and flat (i.e.: bald), they aren't just inefficient, they’re also unsafe. Even decent looking tread isn't an all-clear since the rubber breaks down over time. Every tiny crack means less structural integrity and a drop in performance. Eventually, you could be one bad bump in the road from your tire falling apart completely.

If you’re not sure about the condition of your tires, check with your mechanic for their diagnosis and suggestions.

Now It’s Your Turn

What other simple maintenance items or mistakes have you encountered? Leave a comment below!