amateurs mistake

slugbert · Post by **slugbert** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:08 pm

Made an absolute amateurs mistake tonight went to the drive thru cinemas and turned the engine off but left radio on which drained my battery lucky enough the staff there had a 4 in 1 jump starter which got me sorted. How unprepared i was so when i next get paid will be getting a 4 in 1 jump starter kit, first aid kit,torches, battery's. Anything esle any one can recommend ?

ForgeCorvus · Post by **ForgeCorvus** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:15 pm

For the car?

Air pump (the plug-in 12v ones are really good for not a lot)
Hi-viz vest
Small foam mat or a kneeler-pad
Single use camera

And if you haven't go one, a Hazard Triangle

featherstick · Post by **featherstick** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:06 pm

Might be worth getting your alternator checked as well, I don't think a radio should drain a battery that quickly.

Fozzie · Post by **Fozzie** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:38 pm

Most modern batteries are only good for 3-5 years, depending on the type. Some do last longer but reliability can be questionable.

When looking for a jump pack, look for one with the biggest CCA or Amperage - Don't let the addition of an air pump or light etc convince you to buy a lower amperage model. If the pack hasn't got enough oomph, it wont start the engine - remember to keep it charged too

Diesels can also take more power to start than the same size engine in petrol guise

I also keep jump cables in the back too

janso · Post by **janso** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:06 pm

I agree; buy a dedicated jump starter. The 4in1 ones are pretty shocking, the air pump will burn out, the torch isn't very good. Check it's for the right engine you have, ie, diesel or petrol, and the right size for the crank you're trying to turn over.
Another set of jump cables are defo worth carrying for the time you've forgotten to charge the starter, you will, we probably all have!

Sent from my hidey hole using Tapatalk... sssh!

Stasher · Post by **Stasher** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:22 pm

spare fuses - we recently had to replace some in my car, it was just a case of opening the glove compartment and then replacing them! Dead handy

raz · Post by **raz** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:40 pm

Don't forget winters starting to kick in aswell so add appropriate items like a blanket or de icer & make sure ur waters topped up with anti freeze

Malthouse · Post by **Malthouse** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:04 am

Disposable gloves and wipes, bottled water.

slugbert · Post by **slugbert** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:29 am

cheers people glad for the advice

Post by **Yorkshire Andy** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:55 am

Just look at these

http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.a ... fulltext=0

now compare to most catalogue type units in terms of price.... the good ones are expensive for a reason

Get your battery load tested and the alternation voltage and current tested by an independent garage..

It might not be your battery or alternator sometimes it can be the negative battery lead which goes to the chassis and gear box thats corroded causing the issue,...

dont trust a fast fit place to diagnose it unless you know of one which has a decent mechanic who knows his onions and wont just suck his gums and tell you that you need a new battery.... only for the car to do the same next week....

get a quality battery (if needed) if its a modern ish car they are rammed with electronics and are fairly demanding on start up....

Often handy to learn how to push start a car in dire emergencys it can be done

beware of jump starting do it properly or you could fry the ECU

http://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/us ... leads.html

uk-preppers.co.uk