Car Care and Roadside Skills

1. Your car started with a jump, but 20 minutes later the battery light comes on and the car dies while you're driving. What is the most likely cause?

• The starter motor stayed engaged after the jump and stalled the engine out
• The jumper cables were left on too long and drained the battery of its charge
• The fuel pump overheated from the jump, so the engine lost its fuel pressure
• The alternator isn't charging, so the car ran on the battery until it went flat

2. Before jumping a car, you see that its battery case is cracked, bulging or leaking. What should you do?

• Use a booster pack instead, since packs are safe on damaged batteries
• Wrap the crack in tape, then connect the cables in the usual order
• Don't jump it. A damaged battery can burst, so it needs replacing
• Jump it as normal, but leave the cables on twice as long to be safe

3. Your dashboard and headlights are bright, but when you turn the key you hear one click and nothing else. What is most likely?

• The battery is completely flat and needs a jump before anything works
• The fuel tank is empty, which stops the starter motor from turning
• The battery is probably fine, and the starter or its wiring is at fault
• The alternator has failed, which always stops the engine from cranking