Before attempting to jump start a vehicle, quickly check your engine for the following to ensure it is safe to begin.

• Damage to the battery (leaks or corrosion) Do not jump start a vehicle if this is the case, instead contact an auto-repair specialist.
• Electronics and lights are turned off, and the vehicle's keys are out of the ignition.
• Remove any metal devices/objects that are near or touching the battery or broken parts to avoid sparks.
• No naked flames are visible.
• Ensure that you/anyone else around is NOT smoking. 

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Steps

1. Ensure that both vehicles are in neutral or in park, both ignitions are off, and make sure that the jumper cables can reach both engines.
2. Grab the red cable (+) and attach one end to the positive terminal on your vehicle's car battery, followed by attaching it to the same terminal on the working battery. These terminals can be easily identified by the POS or +  signs on the battery.
3. Grab the black cable and attach it to the negative terminal on the working battery.
4. Grab that same black cable and attach it to the other end to a metal material that is not close to the battery.
5. Turn the engine on for the working car and let it run for a while, allowing the battery to charge.
6. ​Attempt to start your own vehicle. 

​Reminder! If your vehicle does start again, keep your vehicle running for about 15 minutes or more before turning off your vehicle. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE STILL WON'T START: 

If your vehicle does not turn on, go ahead and check that all of the wires and connections are secure and in place. If everything is secure, try one more time or allow the working engine to run for 5-10 minutes before attempting again.
Now, if you have attempted various times and your vehicle still does not turn on, the probability of needing a new battery is high and you might need to contact an auto-repair specialist.

Next time you need to jump start your vehicle, follow these six easy steps and your car will be running in no time!
For any additional assistance or if you are in need or a tow truck, give us a call! We offer 24/7 roadside assistance! 

Here at C&A Towing, we always promote safe driving and want to ensure that all of our customers are well prepared for any incident. ​

Happy Driving!​

1. Slow Down 

Being mindful of the road conditions is very important, especially during the rain. Roads often become wet, making the road very slick and unsafe. If you are driving during the rain, it is recommended that you drive slower, under the speed limit. When you slow down your driving, you will gain more control and stability, making it easier and safer for you and other drivers around.

2. Lights

Being able to see the road and other cars is a major problem for when driving in the rain. So, it is recommended that you use the correct lights on your car to make the road more visible. In some circumstances, using your fog lights are the best option, while in other situations, your high beams work best when trying to see upcoming surroundings. Test out the various types of lights your car has, and use whichever allows you to be able to see better. 

3. Turning

While driving on a straight road in the rain may seem safe at normal speeds, but when it comes to curves on the road or any turns, it's a completely different story. It is best and also recommended to slow down as you make a turn. This will minimize the risk of your car sliding while making the turn. 

4. Windshields

If you are about to drive in rainy weather, make sure to prepare your car before driving. Using a rain-repellent on your windshield can help get rid of the rain from you view. In order to clear any dirt or debris coming from the rain, keeping your windshield wiper fluid full is recommended. Keeping up with your car maintenance will have you prepared for most driving conditions. 
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5. Pulling Over

Driving in a normal rainstorm may not be so difficult for some people, driving during a violent storm will be. If the road conditions are too harsh and your visibility is too poor, the best option would be to pull over. By knowing when to pull over, you are prevent/reduce the risk of any potential accidents from occuring. 

Driving on the road can be an intricate task to undertake especially when there is a large number of different interferences occurring all around us. Over time, distracted driving has led to numerous amounts of accidents, fatalities, and injuries on roads. It is important to remember and recognize the significance of driving safely, free from distractions. Many drivers participate in various everyday activities that are not meant to be done while behind the wheel. The majority of the time, these activities lead to distracted and immensely unsafe driving. In order to better protect yourself and others while driving, an understanding of what not to do while behind the wheel is crucial. Here are some tips to avoid getting distracted while driving.  

There are 3 main types of distractions that many do not know about. These main categories are as follows: 

1. Visual Distractions: Visual distractions are by far the most common types of distractions. Anything that takes the drivers eyes off the road is considered a visual distraction. How to avoid getting visually distracted:  Keeping and remaining your eyes on the road is a key element to prevent yourself from daydreaming and from not paying attention to the road . Silencing your cell phone is a great way to relieve yourself of looking over any calls, texts, emails, or any social media notifications. 


        2. Manual Distractions: Manual distractions occur whenever the driver physically takes his/her hands off of the steering wheel. By not having your hands on the wheel, you are minimizing your time to react to any sudden changes on the road. Manual distractions can lead to reckless driving and can actively downturn your ability to steer.
How to avoid manual distractions: Try not to change or mess with the radio station/music devices while driving unless you are completely stopped. Avoid using picking your phone up to answer and calls, texts, or any different notifications. Eating and drinking while driving can cause you to become distracted and not pay attention to your surroundings, so it is best to avoid doing that. 


3. Cognitive Distractions: This type of distraction keeps the drivers mind from focusing on driving. Usually many people can confess that they recall times when you do not remember the last couple of minutes while on the road. That is a perfect example on how cognitive distractions can impact drivers. Cognitive distractions include using hands-free devices, talking on the phone/ other passengers, daydreaming, listening to the radio, and so on. In order to avoid these distractions, remind yourself that safety is first, silence cell phones and try not to get distracted in conversation if there are others in the car. Another tip to follow is to make sure the music playing is music you enjoy so that way you are not distracted while trying to find what to play.