How to Charge a Dead Car Battery Using Jumper Cables

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Zores

If your car battery dies, you can give it a jump start by using jumper cables. Jumper cables are long, thin wires that are used to connect the positive and negative terminals of two batteries. This will allow the charge from one battery to flow into the other battery, essentially jump starting it. So long as you have a good set of jumper cables and another driver to give you a hand, you can charge up a dead car battery on your own.

Continue below for an instructional guide on how to jump start a dead car battery with jumper cables, plus what you can do if you are without your jumper cables.

Use jumper cables to charge up a dead car battery! — Jump Start Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Step By Step Guide to Jump Starting a Dead Car Battery

To charge a dead car battery using jumper cables, you will need:

☐ Jumper Cables
☐ Another Car w/a Working Battery

How to Charge a Dead Car Battery

Charging a dead car battery using jumper cables is a relatively simple process. First, make sure that both cars are turned off. Then, connect one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Next, connect the other end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.

Now, connect one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery. Finally, connect the other end of the negative jumper cable to a metal part of the car with the dead battery (such as a bolt). This will complete the circuit and allow the charge to flow from the working battery to the weak battery.

Once the circuit is complete, start the car with the working battery. Let it run for a few minutes, then try starting the car with the problematic battery. If it starts, let it run for a while to charge up the battery. If it doesn’t start, you may need to replace the battery.

Jumper cables are a handy tool to have in your car in case of a dead battery. By following the above steps, you can easily charge a car battery using jumper cables.

How to Fix a Dead Battery Without Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies, you may be stranded on the side of the road. But don’t worry, as there are plenty of roadside assistance services in Indianapolis that can help. If you have a membership with a roadside assistance service like AAA or Allstate, simply call them and they will dispatch a tow truck out to your location to jump start your car.

If you don’t have a roadside assistance membership, you can still call an Indianapolis tow truck for 24 hour roadside assistance services. Most tow truck companies will be able to jump start your car for a fee. Once your car is started, be sure to drive it to a nearby service station so you can get the battery tested and replaced if necessary. A dead battery is no fun, but with a little help, you can be back on the road in no time!

Looking for a fast and friendly tow truck that can help you out with a dead car battery or other minor roadside delay? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We serve all of Indy, including Avon, Lebanon, and Greenwood, Indiana.

Stay Safe By Keeping These 6 Things in Your Car at All Times

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Zores

For anyone who operates a vehicle, road safety should be at the top of the priority list. But being “road safe” doesn’t stop at safe driving; it also requires being prepared for emergencies, whether that’s a flat tire, stalled engine, dead battery, or something more catastrophic. Fortunately, you can better prepare yourself for unanticipated road emergencies by keep certain items in your vehicle at all times.

Continue reading to learn at least 6 items that can help you during your next road emergency.

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Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies, your jumper cables will save you from a major setback or costly tow. Always keep workable jumper cables in the trunk of your vehicle. Never remove them. Today, many jumper cables can be purchased in a nicely-compacted package that won’t take up too much space in your trunk. Be sure you also know how to jump start a dead car battery.

Spare Tire and Tools

In the case that you get a flat, it is quite possible to change your tire yourself, that is, if you have a spare one on hand. Most cars come with a factory spare, but if you bought your car used, it might be missing. Be sure to check your car for a spare, and if you do not have one, buy one that matches your make and model vehicle. Spare tires are available for sale at any local tire store or automotive parts store.

Flashlight or Lamp

If your car breaks down at night, especially if it’s due to a dead battery, it might be too dark to see what you are doing. Not only does this hinder your ability to identify and resolve the issue, but it can also put you and your passengers in danger of being hit by other vehicles. Avoid these problems by keeping a quality flashlight or lantern in your car, along with an extra set of batteries.

Blanket

In the case that your car breaks down in the middle of a cold season, and your heat does not work, you would be safer and more comfortable with a blanket. If you commonly have passengers with you, add more blankets.

Water

Just like blankets, water is another prime roadside emergency item to have. Keep a gallon jug or a 6-pack of bottled water in your trunk in the case that your engine overheats, or you are broken down for a long period of time without food or beverage.

Fully-Charged Portable Phone Charger

There are several portable phone chargers on the market to choose from. Be sure the one you add to your roadside emergency kit is a good quality brand. Be sure it is fully-charged, and then keep it in your vehicle at all times. Only use it for emergencies. You see, if your car breaks down because of a dead battery, you won’t be able to use your car to plug in your phone. A portable charger solves this common problem.

Indianapolis Indiana Roadside Assistance and Towing Services

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

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Why Did My Car Battery Die?

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Zores

It’s happens to most drivers, the situation of the unexpected that car battery. And why does it always seem to happen when you’re already late for something, or on your way to work? A dead car batteries never convenient nor does it ever occur at a convenient time.

Fortunately, a dead car battery can be easily resolved with either service or replacement; so there is never a need to worry if the situation never arises. There are multiple reasons why your car battery may be dead. From parasitic draw and sulfation, to car accessories, water loss, and corrosion, that car batteries are a result of many influences.

Continue reading to learn more about why your car battery may have died and what to do to get your car back on the road again.

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Top Reasons Why Car Batteries Die

Drainage

One of the most common reasons why a car battery dies is due to drainage. Have you ever left your lights on overnight only to find your car will start the morning? This is a common occurrence in one of the most frequent reasons why people have dead car batteries. The simplest solution for this issue is a jumpstart. This involves using a set of tools called jumper cables and requires a second vehicle or battery charging.

Water Loss

Another common reason for dead car batteries is water loss. Of course, modern-day automotive batteries are sealed and maintenance-free, so there’s no need to refill water as you go; however, many of these same batteries also retain a water level indicator that lets you know if the water level is sufficient or not. Water plays a critical role in the electro-chemical equation of car battery, so when the water level is insufficient it can affect how the car battery functions. When the water level is too low or completely empty, the electrolytes are imbalanced thus causing the battery cells to become too acidic. This leads to sulfation on the battery plates, which is our next topic. As for water loss, most car batteries have’s that can be unscrewed so you can fill the cells up with distilled water.

Sulfation

Sulfation is another reason my car batteries die. Sulfation occurs when batteries are left sitting for long periods of time without being charged. And the longer they sit, the worse the sulfation gets. Lead sulfate crystals form on the battery plates, causing the current within the electrolyte to diminish. Often times, a battery that has too much sulfation is not repairable. But in minor to moderate cases, slow trickle charging or pulse charging the battery are usually effective solutions.

Corrosion

Corroded battery terminals are another common reason why your car battery might be dead. Corrosion and battery terminals interrupts the flow of electrons between the anode and cathode. By regularly inspect in both negative and positive battery terminals, you can catch this problem early on and resolve it with professional car battery repair or replacement. Corrosion can also occur due to electrolysis taking place from the different metals on the terminals and cables, or if there’s an imperfect seal between terminal posts and plastic casing. That would allow sulfur acid to leak into the terminals.

What To Do if You Get Stranded With a Dead Car Battery

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing, recovery, and roadside assistance and advice in Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

How to Jump Start Your Car After the Battery Dies

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Zores

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A dead battery is not the end of the world. A quick jump start is all you need to get back on the road and on with your day. By connecting to another car engine with a set of jumper cables, you can power up your battery long enough to get it home or to a professional shop for replacement. Once you have all the supplies needed, the whole process should only take a few minutes.

Continue reading to learn the simplest way to jump start a car after the battery goes dead.

❶ Check to Make Sure it’s the Battery

⚙ Try to turn on the head lights.

⚙ Check if the lights in the dashboard turn on when the keys are in the ignition.

⚙ Try to start the car:

➛ If it cranks quickly, it’s not the battery.
➛ If it cranks slowly, it’s perhaps the battery.

❷ Locate the Battery

⚙ Most the time it is under the hood, however, it may be in the trunk. If you can’t find it, refer to the owner’s manual.

⚙ Identify the positive and negative terminals:

➛ (+) is usually red
➛ (-) is usually black

❸ Park the Cars Near Each Other So That the Jumper Cables Can Reach Both Batteries

⚙ Make sure the ignitions are off before the next step.

⚙Make sure the cars are not touching each other.

❹ Be Sure Both Cable and Terminals are Clear of Debris and Corrosion

⚙ Remove corrosion scrap with a wire brush.

❺ Connect the Jumper Cables in the Following Order:

⚙ Connect the (+) red clamp to the dead battery;
⚙ Connect the other (+) red clamp to the good battery;
⚙ Connect the (-) black clamp to the good battery;
⚙ Connect the (-) black clamp to metal on the dead car, it could be a bolt.

❻ Make Sure the Cables are Not Tangled in the Car

❼ Start the Helper Car

⚙ Gently apply and release pressure to the gas for at least 30 seconds.

❽ After a Minute, Try to Start the Dead Battery Car

⚙ If the car does not start, check the cable connections and let the cars charge for at least five minutes before trying to start the dead car again.

❾ If the Car Still Does Not Start, You May Need to Get a Tow

❿ If the Car Does Start, Remove the Cables in the Following Order:

⚙ Disconnect the (-) black clamp on the metal on the dead car
⚙ Disconnect the (-) black clamp to the good battery
⚙ Disconnect the other (+) red clamp to the good battery
⚙ Disconnect the (+) red clamp to the dead battery
⚙ Replace rubber battery covers if applicable

⓫ Run the Recently Dead Car for at Least 10 Minutes to Allow the Alternator to Charge the Battery

It is important to have an emergency roadside assistance kit in your vehicle at all times for situations like this. Having essential safety materials and supplies on hand when you are stranded on the side of the road will help you with your car troubles, and more importantly, protect you from harm or danger.

If your vehicle is broken down and requires a tow, be sure to contact an experienced and trusted Indianapolis towing company that provides 24 hour roadside assistance. They may be able to service your car and eliminate the need for a tow. If they cannot solve your car problem, they can tow it to your location of choice.

Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 anytime to request professional and dependable roadside assistance anywhere in Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. Request a free estimate, today.

Top 3 Most Reliable Automotive Batteries on the Market

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Zores

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

The quality of car batteries differ depending on age, size, and rated capacity. Most car batteries are made by Exide, Delphi, or Johnson Controls. Each manufacturer provides a variety of battery brands. Delphi manufactures battery brands like ACDelco® and EverStart®, while Exide® makes Champion®, Exide®, and Napa®. Johnson Controls® manufactures brands such as Duralast®, Diehard®, Kirkland®, Motorcraft®, and Interstate®.

Continue reading to learn which brands of automotive batteries are most recommended by licensed mechanics, and which retain the most public appraisal.

🔋 Exide Edge 78 AGM

Price Range: $187.97

Features: Wet Model, SureLife Graphite Technology, AGM Construction, Continuous Cast Grid, Special Pressure Venting System, High Conductivity Post, Recessed Suitcase Handle, Space Efficient, Spill-Proof

Details: The Exide Edge 78 Automotive AGM Battery FP-AGM78DS is the first of its kind as an AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery that also retains SureLife Graphite Technology. This feature allows a higher energy capacity, which in turn, permits the battery to last longer while performing better. This make and model also offers enhanced battery protection, preventing complications and failure.

🔋 Bosch Platinum Series AGM

Price Range: $189.99

Features: Wet Model, Corrosion-Resistant Grain Structure, AGM Construction, Group Size 25, 100% Maintenance-Free, 3-Year Free Emergency Jump Start Assistance

Details: The Bosch Platinum Series car battery is highly recommended by Pep Boys, and several other auto shops. It features AGM, or absorbed glass mat, construction and corrosion-resistant grain structure to prevent sulfating. The Bosch car battery line also offers a long 4-year free replacement warranty and a 3-year free emergency jump start service. It provides optimal power in extreme heat or cold conditions.

🔋 Diehard Platinum Series Automotive

Price Range: $200

Features: Evolution Technology, AGM Construction, Tin-Coated Brass Terminals, Pure Virgin Lead Plates, Quick Re-Charge Capability, No-Spill Design, Extended Storage Time, 4-Year Free Replacement Warranty

Details: This AGM-designed battery series comes with a four year free replacement warranty; but it also comes with advanced technological features; such as evolution technology, which provides a maintenance-free battery with a longer lifespan. It is best for most vehicles, especially SUV’s and trucks. It has a long shelf-life, making it an ideal choice for vintage or old cars.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour emergency roadside assistance for jump starts and more in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Indy and its surrounding areas with round-the-clock towing and roadside assistance services, all at the most competitive prices in town. Count on us to jump start your dead battery, retrieve keys locked inside, deliver fuel when you are out of gas, and much more! Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis roadside assistance, today.

How Does Roadside Assistance Work?

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Imagine you are driving down the road in the middle of the night, and suddenly your tire pops. Or perhaps you locked your keys in the car. In these cases, roadside assistance services are a lifesaver. When you are having trouble with your vehicle, a roadside assistance company can be there for you in a flash. They offer assistance for dead batteries, lock outs, gasoline, flat tires, tows, and more. Most drivers have experienced at least one of these inconveniences. It is not fun being stranded on the side of the road, or locked out of your vehicle in the cold.

Whether you are out of has or need a tow, a roadside assistance company is the safest and fastest solution. There are several different types of roadside assistance services. Continue reading to learn how these companies operate, and how to outsource these services in times of need.

Using Roadside Assistance

There are two chief options when it comes to roadside assistance; the first is purchasing roadside assistance insurance coverage, and the other is using a roadside assistance service company. Various car insurance providers offer roadside assistance packages in addition to standard automotive insurance. For drivers and car owners who choose to not purchase additional coverage that includes roadside assistance, there are local roadside assistance and towing companies that provide these services for a one-time fee. Individual roadside assistance insurance is also available through separate insurance providers. Drivers purchase these plans at times because they may be cheaper than their car insurance company. When a person has roadside insurance coverage, they can call and request roadside assistance for no additional fees. These services are included in the premium they pay each month for car insurance. If they have a flat tire or locked their keys in the car, they simply call their insurance provider’s roadside assistance hotline and request help. They usually dispatch a service technician within the hour.

When a person does not have roadside assistance coverage on their car insurance plan, they use a local roadside assistance company. This works the same way, except there is no hotline or monthly payment; instead, the driver chooses which company they prefer to use, then calls them to request roadside assistance. These companies all differ in the individual services they offer and the prices at which they offer them at. It is important to choose a reputable company that offers fair and reasonable rates that anyone can afford.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Services

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If you are looking for a reputable and experienced roadside assistance company in Indianapolis, Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 today. We have more than 80 years of experience helping stranded and helpless drivers get back on the road again all across Indiana. We retain an extensive fleet of tow trucks, service vehicles, and equipment that allows us to facilitate any type of tow or roadside service. Visit our website for details about our services and company background.

Zore’s Towing can help if you are locked out of your car, out of gasoline, have a flat tire, dead battery, stuck in a ditch, and much more. Trust our licensed tow truck and roadside assistance operators to help you in your time of need. We are prompt, friendly, and professional roadside assistance technicians that are eager to help you out of a jam anytime. Our services are 24 hours and seven days a week and the most affordable in town. Call us at 317-247-8484 for roadside assistance help and estimates in Indianapolis, IN or its surrounding counties.