Car batteries don’t last forever. Luckily, if your car won’t start due to a dead battery, there’s an easy fix. You can jump start it.
Jump starting a car transfers the battery power from a live battery in one vehicle to the dead battery in another. It does this by creating a circuit, most commonly using jumper cables. Jump starting isn’t a permanent fix, but it will help you get to where you’re going. And then, you can schedule a follow-up with your mechanic to check your battery and replace it as needed.
It’s not difficult to jump start a car, but you do need to know how to do it properly. If you do not connect the cables in the right way and in the exact order, you could be in for trouble. Follow this process to successfully jump start your car — or someone else’s — this season.
1. Park so that your car’s engine is next to the other car’s engine without touching. In most cases, your cars will have to be facing each other in order for the jumper cables to reach.
2. Place both vehicles in park or neutral. Shut off the ignition. Put on the parking brake.
3. Pop the hoods. Locate the batteries.
4. Get out the jumper cables. Note that they have red and black clamps.
5. Attach one of the red clamps to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Look for the big plus sign or the letters POS to make sure it is positive. Sometimes the positive terminal is also the larger one. (Always connect the dead battery first. Otherwise, you could be feeding energy in the cables and cause a safety hazard.)
6. Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal on the battery of the working battery.
7. Clamp the black negative to the negative terminal of the working battery.
8. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery. You can find such a surface on one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.
9. Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.
10. Try to start your vehicle. If it doesn’t start right away, give it another minute and then try again.
11. Remove the cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
12. If the jump start works, don’t shut off your vehicle. Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. And always remember to thank the person who helped you!
If you want to jumpstart your car on your own, you can buy a battery jumper pack. Most people consider this one of the must-carry safety items for your car in the winter. A battery jumper pack is a portable battery with cables that can jump-start your car without the need of another vehicle. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carefully follow the directions. The procedure varies from device to device.
If you feel unsure or unsafe at any point, call for 24/7 roadside assistance. You can also call if the jump start does not work and you need a tow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Jump Starting
Now that you have the basics down, it’s good to review some safety do’s and don’ts.
Do…
Read your owner’s manual on jump starting. In some cases, jump starting may void the warranty. In other cases, there may be jump start lugs where cables need to be attached. The manual will detail any special instructions.
Make sure the battery on the good Samaritan’s vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own. Otherwise, serious damage could occur.
Check that the clamps on the jumper cables are rust-free.
Check that the battery does not have corrosion or rust. You can clean corrosion and dirt with a wire brush. (Corrosion will sometimes prevent the battery from charging.)
Unplug accessories like cell phone chargers. The power surge from the jump start could cause them to short out.
Turn off headlights, hazard lights, turn signals, and the radio in both vehicles.
Use rubber gloves and safety goggles if you have them for extra safety.
Don’t…
Lean over the battery of either car.
Smoke while jump starting a car.
Jump start a battery if it is cracked, leaking or the fluids are frozen. This can lead to an explosion.
Ignore the warning signs:
Slow starting engine
Dim lights and electric issues
Check engine light is on
Corroded connectors
Rotten egg smell
And don’t forget! AutoZone offers free battery testing so you can feel confident that your battery is fully charged.
Finally, remember to turn your lights off. We all know how that typically ends.
Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting New Claims Adjuster, Joshua Satchell
Let’s get to know Joshua!
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Nebraska. Moved to Arizona post-military in 2009 for work opportunities
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I’m a Combat Veteran with 2 Purple Hearts
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza (pineapple does go on pizza)
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Gym time
Reading books on history
Video Games
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
To have the opportunity to work with a smaller carrier company where my work functions have a direct impact on the company outcome along with the opportunity for advancement.
If you want to learn more about Joshua or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
Whether it’s a minor problem or a major issue, you can count on that light on the dashboard illuminating. Our cars warn us when something isn’t right, and that’s good because there are some warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Knowing the meaning of your dashboard lights will help you know if it’s a situation that requires immediate attention—or if it can wait. Here are some important lights and what they mean.
Airbag Warning
The airbag warning light looks like a passenger with a large ball on his/her lap. It is normal for this light to turn on when you first start the engine. If it stays lit, however, there could be an issue. Your car is safe to drive, but you will want the airbag checked so that it will deploy during an accident.
Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator
Today’s newer cars require that you step on the brake to start the engine. You also need to step on the brake to shift out of neutral into reverse or drive. This foot-shaped light is a reminder.
Check Engine
This light looks like a miniature engine. It comes on when there is anything amiss with your car’s motor and emissions system. Some cars have two stages of a check engine light: illuminated (less serious) and flashing (serious warning). It could mean:
Loose gas cap
Faulty oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter issues
Mass airflow sensor
Worn-out spark plugs
Loose wire
If you’re driving and everything seems fine, don’t panic. Pull the car over and check the gas cap. If that’s not the cause, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If the check engine light is on, and the car starts making strange noises or driving erratically, pull over and get it towed to your mechanic. That could indicate a more serious issue.
Battery
This light that resembles a battery is a warning that something could be wrong with your car’s electrical system. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s an issue with your battery. It could be:
Corroded cable or wire
Alternator
Battery
Electrical components
Get to a mechanic soon to resolve this issue. A battery light is a warning that your car could break down.
Brake System
This light is usually an exclamation point in a circle. It illuminates for several reasons.
Failing to release the parking brake
Low brake fluid
Worn brake pads
Trouble with anti-lock brakes
An illuminated ABS (anti-lock brake) light can indicate a problem with the wheel speed sensor or other connections or wiring. If your brake light is lit, and the parking brake is not the issue, bring your car in for a professional checkup as soon as possible.
Coolant Temperature
This light resembles a thermometer and if it comes on, it means the temperature of your coolant is too high. There are several possible causes.
Broken water pump
Low coolant levels in the radiator
Leaking or burst coolant hose
Damage to the radiator
A high coolant temperature can cause your car to overheat and break down. It also can permanently damage your engine. Pull over and let the car cool down. Adding coolant can temporarily fix the problem but get your vehicle checked by a mechanic before you drive it further.
Distance Warning
If you’re driving a newer vehicle, you may see this light when you’re coming too close to the car or something – or someone — in front of you. The light resembles two cars about to hit each other and is a warning to slow down.
Door Open
An image of a car with doors open indicates that one or more of your doors is not fully closed. This may include your trunk or rear hatch. Closing the door should make the light go out, and have you on your way.
Frost Warning
This light, which resembles a snowflake, comes on when temperatures outside are below freezing. It will stay on as long as it’s cold, to remind you that ice could form and you should use caution.
Lamp Out
Resembling a sun with an exclamation mark, this light comes on when a bulb in your headlights or tail lights burns out. Replace it as soon as possible so your car is visible to other drivers.
Low Fuel
A gas tank appears when your fuel level is low. Get to a gas station as soon as possible so that you don’t run out of gas.
Oil Pressure Warning
This light that resembles an oil can could simply be telling you that you need more oil. But it also could indicate something more serious:
Leak in the engine
Blown piston ring
Broken oil pump
If the light doesn’t go off after you’ve added oil, then get your car checked out professionally. Do not ignore this light and drive for an extended period of time—or you could damage your engine.
Traction and Stability Control
When the roads are slippery, your car’s traction control light may blink. That simply means that it’s doing its job and there’s no cause for concern. This light, which looks like a car with skid marks, can stay on. If that happens, it means there’s a problem with your system and you should have it checked. Also, if this light turns on during dry, sunny conditions, there may be a repair or adjustment needed.
Transmission Temperature
This gear wheel image with a thermometer lights up when the temperature is too high inside your gearbox. Heavy towing can cause this issue. Otherwise, it’s likely that your transmission fluid level is low or your transmission has worn out. Get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
When any one of your tires is low, your TPMS system kicks in. The light looks like a tire that’s a bit deflated with an exclamation mark. Don’t drive on severely underinflated or overinflated tires; you won’t have enough traction and you can damage your tires. Adding air to deflated tires should get the light to go off, but if you have persistent problems, have your tires checked by a professional.
Washer Fluid
If your washer fluid is low, you’ll see this light, which resembles a windshield being squirted. While you don’t have to rush to get new fluid, it’s still a good idea to get some as soon as possible. Dirt, snow, and ice can quickly build up on your windshield, making it hard for you to see.
Car Diagnostic Tools
You can buy a tool that helps you diagnose the specific problem that’s causing your dashboard lights to illuminate. Auto Zone offers this Fix FinderSM Service for free. If you are doing it yourself, make sure that you know where to plug it in and how to read it. Some car diagnostic tools require you to enter your car’s make and model, VIN, and other information. You can then decide if it’s something you can fix or an issue that your mechanic needs to address.
Importantly, you will want to address any issues in a timely manner. Ignoring them can create more expensive repairs and dangerous conditions down the road.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Nearly 60% of Americans are underinsured or don’t understand what is covered by their policies.
Make sure you are properly covered going into the new year with these 6 New Year’s insurance resolutions
1. Make sure you have the correct amount of auto coverage
Have your driving habits changed in the past year? Maybe you accepted a new job and your commute is longer or smaller, or you added a new driver to your policy. These life changes will all affect your insurance coverage and premium costs.
Making sure you have the right amount of auto coverage is crucial in case of an accident, so you don’t have to end up paying the majority of your costs out of pocket. For example, make sure you have enough liability coverage on your current policy. If you cause an accident, you are responsible for damages (and if it is a serious accident loss of wages of the victim/their family). Liability coverage is used to pay for those damages that you caused.
Your insurance will only pay for the amount that you’ve designated for liability. The rest comes from your pocket, so don’t skimp on this important coverage.
2. See if you qualify for any additional discounts
Did you know that if you have a teen driver they can take a driver’s safety or education course to qualify for discounts on your auto insurance? You can also turn in their report card for a ‘good student discount’.
You may qualify for insurance discounts for being part of a professional association, such as groups for teachers, nurses, or first responders. There are also discounts for being retired, for drivers turning 25, for paying via automatic bank payments, and for paying in full upfront. You may qualify for a new home discount, or a discount if you have updated your utilities (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling) in an older home, or added a security system. There are also discounts for a new roof and an automatic sprinkler system. You can even be rewarded for being a loyal customer!
3. Create a home inventory checklist
A home inventory is a list of all of your possessions and their values. While creating one may sound like a waste of time, it’s important to have an updated list of all of your possessions so that you can get fully compensated if there was a disaster like a fire or a tornado, or a burglary. Without a home inventory, you may have difficulty pinpointing all of your belongings and lose out on their value and it can even delay the claims process. Start fresh with all of your new belongings after the holidays and put the checklist in a safe space, in the event of an unexpected loss, you’ll be glad you did.
4. Do you need additional coverage?
Did you know your home and/or renter’s insurance doesn’t include flood coverage? If you live in a flood-prone area you need to have Flood Insurance. The same goes for Earthquakes and Earthquake Insurance.
Do you have a pet that you love like a child of your own? While they will be covered if you are both in an accident in a covered vehicle thanks to Pet Injury Protection from California Casualty, make sure you will get reimbursed for any emergency surgeries, x-rays, labs, prescriptions, and more by adding Pet Insurance.
Umbrella Insurance is an extra layer of coverage that protects you and your family by covering additional damage costs that extend beyond the limits of your homeowner’s, auto, or watercraft policies. This additional coverage ensures your personal assets are safe. The primary purpose of this coverage is to protect you if you’re found liable for causing bodily injury to others or damage to their property. It also protects against incidents involving slander, libel, false arrest, and invasion of privacy, as well as any legal defense costs – even if you’re not found liable.
Personal Property Coverage, also referred to as “contents coverage,” is the term insurance companies use to collectively define the things you own inside your home. Scheduled Personal Property Coverage, or rider, is additional coverage for more special and/or expensive items such as jewelry, watches, heirlooms, furs, collectibles, etc. that have values above your personal property coverage limits. Both coverages are invaluable to make sure your personal belongings are covered in the event of a disaster or burglary.
5. Know what benefits are available to you
At California Casualty we offer our insured exclusive benefits like:
Affiliate Group Rates & Generous Discounts
FREE ID Defense Resolution
Summer or Holiday Skip Payment Options
Waived / Reduced Deductible for Collision or Vandalism While Parked on School Property – for Educators
Personal Firearm Coverage & Fallen Hero Benefits – for First Responders
No Charge Personal Property Coverage Up to $500
24 x 7 Towing & Roadside Assistance
$1,000 Free Pet Injury Protection Coverage
And more! Speak to your insurance agent and ask which benefits are available immediately to you.
6. Schedule your annual free policy review
When’s the last time you took a look at your Insurance policy? Chances are if you haven’t had an accident or a loss, it’s probably been a while. And knowing more about your insurance could even save you money on your premiums. That’s why it is recommended to speak to your insurance agent at least once a year for your annual policy review. They will answer all of your questions and make sure you have the correct amount of coverage.
We know understanding your insurance coverage can be confusing, but we’ve got you covered! There is no better time to start getting the most out of your insurance protection than the new year. Call your California Casualty agent today to make sure you are taking advantage of your coverage and benefits all year long.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
For many of us, winter weather means it’s time to put down that layer of salt. After all, you don’t want to hurt yourself or be liable if anyone slips on your sidewalk!
Ironically, in your effort to keep everyone safe, you might be endangering the very ones you want to protect. That’s because ice melt is dangerous for pets. And it’s not just the ice melt on your property. Ice melt that is universally used on roadways and walking paths is usually not pet-friendly and can cause serious harm and even death.
Ice melt is made up of chemicals like sodium chloride (the same as table salt) and calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium acetate, and calcium chloride). Sometimes it also contains potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and/or urea (carbonyl diamide). These chemicals lower the freezing point for water, causing the ice to melt and turn to slush. In addition to having an effect on ice, they also cause damage to concrete, cement, soil, and water, as well as plants and animals.
That’s where your pet comes in. It may be tempting for your dog or cat to sniff around at ice melt because of its salty taste. Or they may walk on it and get it on their paws, and then lick it off. But even table salt is dangerous for them in large quantities.
If ingested, ice melt can cause anything from mild indigestion to severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, and even death. Just 4 g/kg of sodium chloride can be deadly, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. According to Pet MD, ethylene glycol-based ice melts contain the same active ingredient as antifreeze. They are deadly if ingested. Calcium chloride also can cause mouth ulcerations and irritation. So, what do you need to look out for in your pet? An abnormally high body temperature, a racing heart, and rapid breathing are all signs of elevated blood sodium levels. Keep reading for more signs and symptoms.
Ice melt is also a skin irritant. It can cause irritation, dryness, and even burns on your fur babies’ paws or between their pads. If they scratch or rub their face, the ice melt can get in their eyes. If a small piece of salt makes its way in between your pet’s pads, it can be highly uncomfortable and have a chance of being swallowed.
If you’re thinking you can just check the package and make sure these ingredients are not listed, think again. Unfortunately, not all ice melt packages provide a full list of ingredients.
Are there any ice melts that are safe for pets?
You can buy ice melts that are labeled ‘safe for pets’, but even these are not completely safe, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. They are simply safer options. If ingested, they can still cause gastric distress. Also, while safe for dogs, ice melt with propylene glycol can be damaging to cats’ red blood cells, according to PetMD.
Products safe for pets usually are urea-based. They are some of the safest options for dogs and cats, but if you have goats or cows, beware. Urea can cause ammonia toxicosis in animals that have that type of digestive tract.
How to Prevent Exposure
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping your pet away from dangerous ice melts is your first defense.
Avoid areas that are slushy or where it looks like ice melt has been applied.
Don’t let pets sniff or eat road salt, ice melt, etc.
Don’t let pets run and play in an area that looks like it has been treated with ice melt.
Wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth to remove any ice melt as soon as you come in from outside. This way, your fur baby won’t accidentally ingest it when licking his/her paws.
Store the ice melt package far out of reach of curious pets.
If you want to protect your fur baby’s paws, consider paw wax or doggie booties.
Instead of ice melt, try products intended to provide traction, such as sand, gravel, kitty litter, and wood ash.
Watch for these signs and symptoms.
Keep a close eye on your fur baby, If you notice him/her walking gingerly or licking his/her paws, there could be a problem. Also, look for these signs of possible exposure to ice melt:
Skin irritation/burns
Mouth ulcers
Increased urination
Excessive drooling
Nausea/gastrointestinal upset/vomiting
Body and muscle weakness
Seizures
Call your veterinarian right away if you believe your pet has ingested ice melt and is exhibiting symptoms. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also is available 24/7 to answer your questions. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet health insurance can help cover the costs if anything should happen to your fur baby. Make sure you are fully covered in event of an emergency.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
