ISSUES WITH YOUR CAR BATTERY? Have you ever been in a situation when you needed to get to work or an important meeting, but your car wouldn't start? We have, and I'm guessing it'll eventually happen to you if it hasn't already. When such a situation arises, chances are that a dead or weak battery is the culprit.
WHY IT DIES OR WEAKENS
There are a number of reasons why batteries can weaken and fail. A few common ones include:
• Leaving headlights, interior lights, flashers, and the radio on when the car isn't running.
• Using the air conditioner when the car is not running.
• Not starting a car for long periods of time (e.g., while it's in storage).
• Lack of battery maintenance (e.g., not keeping terminals clean).
• Failure of the diode bridge or voltage regulator in the alternator; the alternator charges the battery when the car is running.
• Low air temperature, which causes batteries to freeze.
WHO TO CALL
If your battery does fail, there are a number of people and services you might want to turn to for assistance:
Friends and family
It's likely that at least one person you know has jumper cables, or is available to give you a ride. Unfortunately, restarting a battery is not a one-man job and you'll need outside help either way -- you're no Magneto.
Battery charger
In Nigeria there are lot of professional battery chargers they can come and help you either jump start your car or rent you a battery for the day
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BATTERY DIES
The most common way to deal with a dead battery is by jump-starting it. All you need to jump-start a car is a set of jumper cables and another car (the "rescue" car) with a functional battery. Keep in mind that you should never try to jump-start a car if its battery is cracked and is visibly leaking acid.
Jump-starting a car involves a number of steps:
Step 1: Park the "rescue" car and the car with the dead battery nose-to-nose, or side-by-side facing the same direction. Connect one end of the positive cables to the positive terminal on the "rescue" car's battery, and the other end to the positive terminal on the dead battery. (Note that the positive cable is usually red; the negative cable is black.)
Step 2: Connect one end of the negative cable to the negative terminal on the "rescue" car's battery, and the other end to a non-moving, grounded part of the dead car's engine bay -- we recommend the engine manifold, as it is generally unpainted and a good location for the clamp.
tep 3: Start the "rescue" car and allow it to run for a few minutes (5 minutes or so); doing so will allow its battery to recharge the dead battery.
Step 4: With the rescue car running, attempt to start the car with the dead battery; if the car doesn't start, repeat step 3.
If the car with the dead battery starts, allow its engine to run for at least five full minutes so that the alternator can recharge the battery. Disconnect the jumper cables from both cars in the reverse order in which you connected them. Make sure that you don't let any of the cables' extremities touch, as it may create a spark.
Massively important safety note: Never connect both negative and positive cables at the same time while you are holding them. Unless you'd like the entire voltage of the car coursing through your body, don't do it. Also, refrain from touching the negative and positive knobs with your hands/fingers/extremities. We know it's tempting, but you don't want to be an auto kebab.
PUSH-START YOUR CAR
In the event that you're unable to jump-start your car and your car has a manual transmission, you may be able to get your car running by push-starting it. However, this is also quite risky and not highly recommended.
Step 1: Turn the ignition key to the "on" position, put the car in first gear, and hold the clutch pedal to the floor; second gear may also work, but it's best to use first gear.
Step 2: Push the car forward or have someone else push the car forward. Ensure that you are on a deserted street or parking lot at the time, and there is no oncoming traffic.
Step 3: When the car is rolling, let the clutch pedal out quickly; doing so should make the engine turn over and start.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1 through 3 if push-starting doesn't work the first time.
If you car still won't start after several attempts at jump-starting or push-starting, it's likely that you'll need a new battery or new alternator. You only need to replace the alternator if that's what has caused the battery to fail.
WHAT TO HAVE HANDY
Jumper cables
It's always a good idea to keep jumper cables in your car. They can prove useful in the event that your car needs a jump-start, or in cases where you may need to jump-start someone else's vehicle. Jumper cables cost approximately $10, and should be available at any automotive supply store. They come in different lengths, but a 12-foot cable is fairly standard.
Voltmeter
You may also want to keep a voltmeter in your car to test its battery. Voltmeters typically run about $15, and are also available at auto parts stores.
Charger
At home, it's always a good idea to have an AC charger handy. You can use such a device when your car's battery dies or becomes too weak to start the car. Like jumper cables and voltmeters, chargers are available where car parts are sold, and prices start at $40.
It's a good idea to hang on to receipts when you purchase car batteries. They are necessary if you ever need to return your battery, and can help you get small users on the purchase of new batteries.
CHARGE IT
There are many reasons why car batteries can fail and sometimes leave us stranded. Fortunately, there are a number of ways we can prevent our batteries from failing and, in worst-case scenarios, there are ways to get ourselves back on the road if they do fail us.
CHECK YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU DRIVE IT >> There are some things you need to do before you jump in your car and head out. Below is a walk-through of how to insure your car is as ready for the road By: Bola Browne 08/02/10 Read more... Comments(1)
WHY BUY A VERY EXPENSIVE CAR? >> Most men, regardless of age and background have always had an innate attraction towards cars. Men love cars because they pieces of technology that are By: Bola Browne 31/01/10 Read more... Comments(0)
DO YOU DRIVE SAFELY? >> The scene is all too familiar. You're driving home on the highway and you spot a guy driving like a maniac. You shake your head and wonder what's wrong with him By: Bola Browne 23/01/10 Read more... Comments(2)
HOW TO BUY A NEW CAR >> Last week we asked if it is time for you to buy a new car..But the queation is..How do go about getting the best deals from buying a New car? Read on.. By: Bola Browne 18/01/10 Read more... Comments(0)
TIME TO BUY A NEW CAR? >> Every car has its own shelf life, usually dictated by its owner. Some guys like to keep a car for a certain number of years By: Bola Browne 11/01/10 Read more... Comments(0)
SAVE ON PETROL >> In this day and age of the worldwide recession it will be worth your while to know how best to save on petrol so that you can save on costs By: Bola Browne 04/01/10 Read more... Comments(2)
HAVING AN ACCIDENT FREE NEW YEAR >> According to the Nigerian road safety Commission, the Christmas/new year celebrations is the most dangerous driving season of the year, By: Bola Browne 28/12/09 Read more... Comments(0)
HAVING AN ACCIDENT FREE NEW YEAR >> According to the Nigerian road safety Commission, the Christmas/new year celebrations is the most dangerous driving season of the year, By: Bola Browne 28.12/09 Read more... Comments(0)
Driving safely this holiday season >> The days of rude drivers are long gone. We have gone far beyond the times when drivers simply didn't use a turn By: Bola Browne 21/12/09 Read more... Comments(0)
GET RID OF BAD ODOURS IN YOUR CAR >> The odour of stale cigarettes; the scent of food left in your vehicle for a few days: in the confined space of your vehicle's.... By: Bola Browne 14/12/09 Read more... Comments(0)
THE ACURA RDX 2010 >> Acura’s RDX luxury crossover utility vehicle has undergone a minor refresh for the 2010 model year. Exterior upgrades include revised headlights,.. By: Bola Browne 07/12/09 Read more... Comments(0)
HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR MECHANIC >> We’ve all experienced that fateful day when something in our engine started to clunk, the rear brake squealed, a strange whining came from somewhere By: Bola Browne 30/11/09 Read more... Comments(0)
HOW TO FIND A GOOD MECHANIC >> Some of such peoples are mechanics here is advice and how not to be cheated by your mechanic By: Bola Brown 23/11/09 Read more... Comments(0)
THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE >>
Cars move only when tires transfer engine power to the ground. A car that sends power to the ground through all four tires can have twice the traction By: Bola Brown 16/11/09 Read more... Comments(0)
The rolls Royce – Definition of luxury >> Rolls-Royce is obsessed with perfection and will settle for nothing less, no matter the cost. Hand-built is the name of the game here. By: Bola Brown 09/11/09 Read more... Comments(0)
Underwater Sport Car >> Thirty years after the movie thriller ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit the silver screen “sQuba” By: Bola Brown 01/11/09 Read more... Comments(0)
THE PORSHE BOXSTER >> The Boxster is Porsches most affordable model, and possibly its most fun. By: Bola Brown 26/10/09 Read more... Comments(0)
Toyota Ft 86 Concept >> Remember the entire buzz about a sports coupe co-developed by Toyota and Subaru? By: Bola Brown 19/10/09 Read more... Comments(0)
Subaru Legacy 2009 >> As we approach the Shopping season the (end of the year) here is a car that should not be ignored..... By: Bola Brown 05/10/09 Read more... Comments(0)
PORSCHE BOXSTER S >> Just when you thought Porsche had honed its sports cars to perfection, it goes one better! By: Seun Patrick 27/01/09 Read more... Comments(0)
MERCEDES CLC >> Mercedes has given its entry-level coupe By: Seun Patrick 20/01/09 Read more... Comments(0)
HAVE YOU SEEN THE FORD LINCOLN C? >> Ford ready to go stop-start with new tech developed by US brand Lincoln to retain their productivity brand icon By: Seun 19/01/09 Read more... Comments(0)
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560/4 >> Don't be deceived - despite appearances the entry-level Lambo features a raft of upgrades By: Seun 18/12/08 Read more... Comments(0)
PORSCHE BOXSTER S >> Class-leading roadster has gone under knife – and it’s now better than ever By: Seun Patrick 16/12/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE NEW MERCEDES BLUEZERO >> Mercedes is one of the few manufacturers not to have pulled out of the Detroit By: Seun Patrick 15/12/08 Read more... Comments(0)
SKODA FABIA GREEN-LINE >> The new Skoda is not quite as green, or as economical as other VW Group eco-models By: Seun Patrick 04/12/08 Read more... Comments(0)
TOYOTA IQ TO BE UNVEILED >> The innovative Toyota iQ, which is said to be the Good Thinking, Good Product By: Seun Patrick 27/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE SUZUKI SWIFT IN STYLE >> The Suzuki Swift is designed with a Sharp styling that helps the sprightly Swift stand out By: Seun Patrick 24/11/08 Read more... Comments(1)
NEW FORD MUSTANG GT >> A new pony car has bolted into view! This is the 2010-model year Ford Mustang By: Seun Patrick 21/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE NEW HONDA JAZZ >> Honda automobile company is known for building quality, great practicality, fine engines By: Seun Patrick 19/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
LAMBORGHINI ESTOQUE >> Italian super car manufacturer, Lamborghini, has revealed By: Adetoun 10/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
BIGGER’S BETTER FOR LEXUS RX >> New luxury crossover SUV gets sharper lines; larger dimensions and fresh engines By: Seun Patrick 07/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
FORD FIESTA ECONETIC >> You might not have noticed it out on the road, but the most fashionable colour of the moment is green By: Seun Patrick 06/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN MAKES DEBUT >> This is a great urban SUV that handles well and is beautifully built for modern styling By: Seun Patrick 04/11/08 Read more... Comments(0)
KIA NIGERIA GOES GREEN >> Asian manufacturers have led the way in the production of green cars. Despite Toyota and Honda By: Seun Patrick 29/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
NEW FORD MONDEO IN NIGERIA >> Cosharis Motors Limited coming into Nigeria to light up the world of those that loves driving pleasure By: Seun Patrick 23/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
HYUNDAI TO SELL HYBRID ELANTRA SOON >> Hyundai Motor Company plans to start retail sales of its first LPG–electric hybrid vehicle By: Seun Patrick 22/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
CHERRY INCREASES LINE-UP WITH QQ6, >> For Chery Automobile Nigeria, the Abuja motor show was yet another opportunity for the fledging dealership By: Seun Patrick 21/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
OPTRA GREEN LIGHT >> Inter motors Nigeria Limited, which is the Franchise dealer and distributor of Chevrolet brand By: Seun Patrick 15/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
VALUE OF VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES >> Two companies, UK Fire and Innserve, are featuring in a new advertising campaign by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles underlining the full support By: Seun Patrick 10/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
Peugeot's new 308 SR range >> The SR range, which is now available on the 308 hatchback and 308 SW, comes with Bluetooth hands free kit and Peugeot’s new Smart Nav satellite navigation system that offers real-time traffic updates and advice on how to avoid those snarl-ups.
By: Seun Patrick 09/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
NEW BMW X1 CONCEPT >> The small 4x4 is officially a concept car at the moment, but the X1 unveiled in Paris By: Seun Patrick 08/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
SSANGYONG RECRUITS GIUGIARO >> SsangYong showed the first fruits of its relationship with Shanghai Automotive Industries Group – a new compact SUV, codenamed C200.
By: Seun Patrick 7/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
READY RIDE WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW HONDA PILOT >> The Power of Dreams ! Well, HONDA has done it again, living up to the expectations of its slogan. It officially launched a new car – “HONDA PILOT” on Friday at the Ocean View Centre, EKO Hotels & Suites.
By: Adetoun 3/10/08 Read more... Comments(0)
PORSCHE AT IT AGAIN WITH 997 TURBO >> The Swiss Porsche specialist Rinspeed launches its new and exclusive accessories program "Le Mans" for the latest Porsche 997 Turbo models By: Sanni Azeez 23/09/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
THE MITSU POWER ! >> The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a fine sport coupe for anyone By: Sanni Azeez 22/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
2008 CORVETTE: THE ICONIC SPORTS CAR >> Get comfortable. There's so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you'll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.
By: Sanni Azeez 17/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE FLYING LAMBO >> The Gallardo Superleggera, was launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini presented an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car By: Azeez Sanni 13/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE 3SC; SCION SATURN SOLSTICE CONVERTIBLE: >> Low base price, powerful Red Line model, roomy cockpit, distinctive styling, and a compliant highway ride. What else does it take to win the hardest of hearts... By: Azeez Sanni 11/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE VIPER OF A LUXURY CAR >> The Viper delivers a true racecar experience with plenty of power, but falls short of competitors in interior quality and comfort. Consequently, it ranks in the bottom half of its class. By: Sanni Azeez 09/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover >> Nigerians who like the Cadillac collections can now heave a sigh of relief as the company has added another exhilarating model its growing models. By: Azeez Sanni 05-09-08 Read more... Comments(0)
2008 VAUXHALL ASTRA ECOFLEX >> Whao! Vauxhall has launched its first Astra ecoFLEX with a 1.7 turbo-diesel engine producing C02(water) emissions of just 119g/km and fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle. By: Sanni Azeez 04/09/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
2009 Audi R8 GT3 >> For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009 By: Azeez Sanni 03/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE ULTIMATE ROAD CONCEPT >> More than 5, 000 people were thrilled at the surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS By: Azeez Sanni 02/09/08 Read more... Comments(0)
THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION >> “The DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin’s engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise.” By: Sanni Azeez 01/09/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
SUPER WHEEL FOR THE STARS 2: MIKEL'S TURBO POWER >> Nobody knows whether Chelsea FC of England and super Eagles of Nigeria midfield whizkid, JOHN MIKEL OBI, will ever stop doing his things with rides as he continuously enriches his garage with these wonder on wheels. By: Sanni Azeez 28/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
BRINGING FORMULA 1 TO THE STREETS >> Yeah! It’s a household name when it comes to making spectacular autos, especially the car racers; the Ferrari has once again dazzles By: Sanni Azeez 21/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
TOUGH ON ROAD; GENTLE ON PEOPLE >> Looking for the cheapest Cadillac and the best one you can buy. The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, at the bottom of the Cadillac lineup, By: Sanni Azeez 19/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
HONDA ACCORD REDEFINED >> Available as a Sedan and Styling embodies a bold, upscale, sophisticated and prestigious design direction. By: Sanni Azeez 15/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
COULD YOU GET IT MORE CUTE? >> In 1999, Honda introduced the S2000 convertible into the world market and it received instant acceptance. By: Sanni Azeez 14/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
2009 Toyota Camry >> Toyota has repeatedly said that its position as a leading auto manufacturer is not threatened and with the type By: Sanni Azeez Sanni Azeez Read more... Comments(0)
LUXURIOUS TOP-DOWN MOTORING >> This is an extremely quite convertible that combines elegance with great power. It is built on latest Japanese Technology. By: Sanni Azeez 08/08/08 Read more... Comments(0)
NISSAN SANCTIONS THE BEAST >> Are you looking around for impossing convertibles that oppress and stand their ground? By: Sanni Azeez 06/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
THE S CLASS FAMILY!!! >> Mercedes has long had a tradition of fine automobiles based on German engineering, design, and performance By: Adeola Lawal 4/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
HUMMING YOU AROUND >> Imagine driving a Hummer on the ever busy Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, or the busy Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Abuja, By: Sanni Azeez 01/08/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
2010 PRIUS; GREAT EXPECTATIONS >> Imagine the 2010 Toyota Prius, a faster, cleaner and greener hybrid. Such a car is coming soon and will be launched By: Sanni Azeez 31/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
ACURA, CRUISING THE ROAD >> Acura unveiled the TSX A-SPEC Concept at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This extensively modified TSX is By: Sanni Azeez 30/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
CLASSY DESIGNED ROADSTER FOR HIGH-SPEED >> The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully-retractable top, which blends harmoniously By: Sanni Azeez 29/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
CAMRY SOLARA IS A SAFE, SMART CHOICE >> Toyota Camry outsells all the other midsize cars largely because of Toyota's reputation for quality, durability By: Sanni Azeez 28/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE >>
Ford in its drive to win the market has been doing a lot to remain relevant in the ever developing auto industry By: Sanni Azeez 25/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
CONVERTIBLE EXPRESSED >> Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top, which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob
By: Sanni Azeez 24/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
BMW CONVERTIBLE >> BMW has unveiled its revolutionary GINA Light Visionary Model concept, which features a shell made entirely of cloth.
By: Sanni Azeez 23/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
A SUPER MINI ! >> Volkswagen have dazed auto observers and analysts with their new Baby Polo SUV By: Sanni Azeez 22/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
LUXURY ON THE MOVE >> The Toyota Sienna remains one of the smartest transportation choice an active family can make. Minivans offer more interior By: Adeola Lawal 21/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
WHAT A GREAT SUV! >>
Redesigned after the 2007 X5, 2008 BMW's X5 sport utility vehicle offered more seats, power and size than its forebear. By: Sanni Azeez 18/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
THE SPRINT >> Are you looking for a convertible sport car that is as fast as the cheetah and at the same time cheap? then you are looking for 2008 Honda S2000 By: Sanni Azeez 17/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
COMFORT, LUXURY AND UTILITY >> A "Grand Touring" car is one that is fast, comfortable, and luxurious, and meant for long-distance travel at a high By: Sanni Azeez 16/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
INTERIOR COMFORT GUARANTEED >> Are you looking for a pick-up that is comparatively attractive and at the same time guarantees interior comfort, By: Sanni Azeez 15/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
THE ULTIMATE IN CAR-JEEP >> The Middle East and African fairways and hotels should brace themselves for an 'on-road' invasion this July By: Sanni Azeez 14/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
‘KING OF SMALL CARS’ >> At the tail end of the last century Eurozone-only Volkswagen Polo was the "Mercedes of small cars.” By: Sanni Azeez 11/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
VOLVO S60; THE SILENT THUNDER >> Can you imagine a shattering thunder that could not be heard? Yeah! It’s the new VOLVO S60.
By: Sanni Azeez 08/07/2008 Read more... Comments(0)
2008 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640 COUPE >> MY GOODNESS! You mean it has just two sitting capacity! And yet the second-most powerful closed-roof model in the LAMBORGHINI By: Okerekeugo Blessing 24-06-2008 Read more... Comments(0)
BUGATTI VEYRON, the fastest car ever >> It is the fastest, most powerful and expensive car in history. It looks stunning but easier to drive than you can think. By: Okerekeugo Blessing 17-6-2008 Read more... Comments(0)
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER >> This model of Mitsubishi cars drives you on the wings of greatness and gives you value for your money, try the ride, By: Okerekeugo Blessing 16-06-2008 Read more... Comments(0)
.jpg)
