A Flat Battery?  Don't panic thia how to article has everything you need to know to jump-start your car should such an emergency arise and get you going again .

Three East Steps To Get You On Your Way

If you do not own a set of Jump Leads you will need to borrow a set. I must add though I highly recommend you buy a set. These can be obtained quite cheaply from any garage or motor parts store.

The jump leads consist of two lengths

of electrical cable, with a large clamp on each end. One Lead is coloured RED - this is the Positive lead and marked with a + sign. Second Lead is coloured BLACK this is the Negative lead and marked with a - sign. The batteries will also be marked either side with the + & - signs. If these are not visible, it may be necessary to wipe away any dirt. NEVER connect the leads if you can't establish Positive from Negative. Make sure if a manual gearbox that is in neutral and hand brake is on.It is very important to know which is which to avoid any shocks or damage to the vehicles. You will need to enlist the kind help of another car owner, let's call him John . John will have to manoeuvre his car as close as possible to enable the leads to connect between Johns car and your car. Make sure no engines are running after this stage. Open up the bonnets on both vehicles and locate the batteries.mosimage}

The leads must now be firmly connected

to the battery terminals using the clamps Red Positive + from Johns car battery to your battery Red Positive +. Like wise connect the Black Negative from Johns car battery to your battery Black Negative. Do not turn on your engine yet, turn on the engine in Johns car and let it run for about 30 seconds. Now turn on the ignition of your car, it should start straight away. If this does not happen, leave Johns engine run a few seconds more and try again, or try running Johns engine 1000 RPM higher.Once your car engine has started DO NOT turn off the engine, but remove the jump leads, close the bonnet and thank John for all his help. If the worse happens and the engine will not start you will have to be towed to your nearest garage to investigate.

After jump starting a car it's usually necessary to have a lengthy drive approx 5 miles or so, to re charge the battery. Usually a battery will go flat, due to something having been left on, i.e. side lights, radio etc. If the battery became flat, and you are sure nothing was left on, you may require a new battery, or further investigating, your local garage will be able to check out the condition of your battery.

Don't forget, it's a good idea to spent a little and buy a set of Jump Leads to keep in the boot, you never know you might be asked to help someone out one day.

It's often the case when the car battery has either been run down or disconnected, for the car radio/CD not to operate. You will need to consult your Owners Handbook and re-enter the Security Key to activate.

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