When it comes to jump starting a car, the first step is making sure it is the battery that’s dead.  If you turn the key and your vehicle does absolutely nothing, no turnover, no crank, then there is a strong chance that you have a dead battery on your hands and jump starting it will be your most viable solution.  Read on for our handy step-by-step guide to jumpstarting your automobile.

(As a side note: You should always carry jumper cables in your car with you, they can come in handy when you least expect it).

1. Make sure both cars are turned OFF .

2. Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive end on the battery that’s dead.

3. Next, connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the live battery.

4. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the live battery.

5. Connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car’s hood. Somewhere on the engine block is a good place. Unless you want to see sparks fly and a possible explosion, then don’t connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery.

6. Start the car that’s doing the jumping and allow it to run for about 2-3 minutes before starting the dead car.

7. Remove cables in reverse order.

8. Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.

Keep in mind that if you are having trouble jump starting your car or are unsure if there is more than a battery problem never hesitate to call your local tow service or auto mechanic for assistance.

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore region in towns such as Kenilworth, Skokie, Wilmette, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Deerfield, Northbrook and more.  Call us 24/7 for service at (847) 966-1920.

Recommended to check every month:

• Check your tire pressure.  Be sure to add air if they are low.  Always refer to your car’s owners manual for maximum limit to put into tires.  Also be sure when checking tires for air to also inspect them for wear, damage or possible bulges.
• Visually check over your belts and hoses.  If you spot worn or frayed areas its time to get those replaced.
• Always have a spare bottle of windshield wiper fluid on hand.  They’re only $2 and it pays to have plenty of fluid, especially in times of inclement weather where visibility is key and conditions can be hazardous.
• Be aware of leaks.  If you park in the same spot consistently it certainly pays to check the floor area where you park for any kind of puddles or stains to be sure there are no unexpected leaks.
• Inspect your headlights and tail lights to be sure none have burned out.  Lights that have expired themselves are a hazard on the road and are also ticketable by law.

Recommended to check every 3 months:

• Have your oil changed as well as your oil filter checked. This is also recommended every 3,000 miles if you’ve hit that mark before 3 months time.
• Check your fluids.  Brake, power steering, battery and transmission fluids are all crucial to keeping a car running healthily.  Fill if low.
• Check for corrosion on battery and cables.
• Fuel filter and spark plugs need to be functioning and up to date for an engine to run properly.  Inspect these to insure smooth engine running.
• If you are uncomfortable performing any of the aforementioned check-ups, make sure to schedule an appointment with your mechanic or local auto care center.

Recommended to check every 6 months:

• Wiper blades usually last quite some time, but if noticeably worn or are streaking your windshield be sure to visit your auto parts store or dealership to purchase replacements.  Most places will even apply them on for you.
• Check your brakes for wear or ’slippage.’  Worn out brakes can create a major safety hazard for you.  Be sure to have them replaced and/or checked if constant squeaking, sliding or wear is noticed.
• Be sure to check your spare tire and make sure its inflated.  No case where one has to use the spare is ever desirable, but most will encounter at least one time in their lives when using the spare is necessary.  Be positive its ready to go in case of one of those emergencies.

With a little care and maintenance a car can live a long life.  Taking a bit of extra time to monitor the aforementioned pointers could very well spare you a costly and stressful endeavor with auto repair work or a tow that could have possibly been avoided.

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore such as Glenview, Skokie, Wilmette, Niles, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Deerfield, Northbrook and more.  Call us 24/7 at 847-966-1920.

**By no means is this a comprehensive list as there are many factors and maintenance routines that go into making an automobile function properly.  Please consult your mechanic or dealership if you are experiencing automobile difficulties, vehicle troubles, or need assistance with car problems you cannot handle on your own.

As Chicagoland residents know, winters in and around the city can be quite daunting with the erratic weather, cold temperatures and wicked snowstorms.  Many of us in the North Shore area have commutes to and from our jobs and can even spend up to a few hours a day driving during the winter season when inclement weather hits.  Nobody wants any extra stress during these snowy months so we at Illinois Towing Service have put together a list of tips for preparing your vehicle for the winter.

1.) Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is extremely important during this season. Traction is often at a minimum due to damp and snowy road conditions. It is imperative you have properly inflated tires.  This guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and road.  Read your car’s owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure measurements.

2.) Check the battery. Batteries give off little notice before they die out.  Bitter cold temperatures can reduce an automobile’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your battery is three years or older, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure posts and connections are free of any corrosion.  If your car consistently needs a jump or has trouble starting then its a good indication the battery needs replacing.

3.) Inspect hoses and belts. The belts and hoses in newer cars survive a long time, but that doesn’t mean they last forever. Cold temperatures can hasten the demise of these crucial parts. Before winter starts, you should have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle. If you haven’t inspected them yet now that winter is in full swing, there’s never been a better time than now! Always better late than never, but planning ahead is always a great strategy.

4.) Consider using snow tires. The condition of your vehicle’s tires is very important during the winter season. If your tires are wearing down, then braking, acceleration and handling are all negatively impacted while driving on wet or slippery roads. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice.  These tires are not a cure-all, as safety and caution truly are #1 on the road, but they do help to improve traction on slick surfaces greater than all-season tires.

5.) Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is top priority when driving, particularly in the winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt buildup and reduced day time hours.  We’ve all been there when at last the snow falls, and while on the road the wiper fluid runs out or the blades continuously streak up the windshield causing vision issues.  This is a scenario that can easily be avoided by checking and filling wiper fluid before hitting the road and replacing wiper blades during this season.

Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of car winterization techniques, just a few important ones to help you avoid difficulties and keep you safer this winter.  Be sure to see or talk to your specialized auto mechanic if experiencing trouble or having concerns about your vehicle this season.  From the staff here at Illinois Towing Service, we want to wish you a happy and safe new year!

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore such as Glenview, Skokie, Glencoe, Wheeling, Des Plaines, Kenilworth, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Park Ridge, Riverwoods and more.  Call us 24/7 at 847-966-1920.

**By no means is this a comprehensive list as there are many factors and maintenance routines that go into making an automobile function properly.  Please consult your mechanic or dealership if you are experiencing automobile difficulties, vehicle troubles, or need assistance with car problems you cannot handle on your own.