How to Find a Hidden Water Leak Under a Sink: A Simple, Safe Check
Use dry paper towels and four focused checks to find a hidden sink leak, tell supply leaks from drain leaks, and know when to call a plumber.
How to Jump-Start a Car
If your battery has died, you may be able to use jumper cables to jump start it from some good Samaritan’s vehicle. If you can safely use jumper cables on your vehicle, make sure that the battery on the good Samaritan’s vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own. As long as you hook up the cables properly, it doesn’t matter whether your vehicle has negative ground and the other vehicle has positive ground, or your vehicle has an alternator and the other vehicle has a generator.
©iStockphoto.com/Jari Hindström
If either vehicle has an electronic ignition system or is an alternatively fueled vehicle, the use of jumper cables may damage it.
To safely jump start, follow these steps:
Take out your jumper cables.
It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don’t have jumper cables, you have to find a good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but who has jumper cables as well.
Place both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars.
Engage both parking brakes as well.
Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery.
It has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal.
Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other car.
Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the other battery.
Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery.
Use one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.
The cables should look like this.
Make sure to connect jumper cables in the proper order.
Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.
Try to start your vehicle.
If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and have the good Samaritan run their engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.
If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced.
If your car doesn’t start, check out these tips for troubleshooting a car that won’t start.
Why Does a Bathroom Mirror Keep Streaking After Cleaning?
Bathroom mirror streaks often come from residue, dirty cloths, excess cleaner, or dried water. Find the likely cause and a gentle way to fix it.
How to Stop Condensation Forming Inside Windows Overnight
Reduce overnight window condensation by controlling indoor moisture, improving airflow, monitoring humidity, and knowing when the window itself needs attention.
How to Reduce Kitchen Odors at the Source
Reduce cooking and kitchen odors without fragrance by improving ventilation, cleaning grease and food residue, managing waste, and finding persistent odor sources.
Why Is My Ceiling Fan Wobbling? Causes and When to Turn It Off
Learn why ceiling fans wobble, which warning signs mean turn it off, and what you can safely check before calling an electrician.
Why Are My Indoor Plant’s Leaf Edges Turning Brown?
Learn why indoor plant leaves turn brown at the edges, how to read clues about watering, humidity, salts, and light, and when to seek expert help.
How to Protect Stored Clothes From Humidity Without Mothballs
Keep stored clothes dry without mothballs: measure closet humidity, reduce moisture at the source, dry garments fully, choose suitable storage, and inspect for mold.
Why Towels Smell Musty After Washing—and What to Check
Musty towels often point to lingering moisture, washer residue, or slow drying. Learn how a hypothetical laundry example helps narrow the cause and what to change first.
How to Water Balcony Plants While You’re Away for Several Days
Keep balcony plants hydrated during a short trip with a plan based on pot size, plant needs, sun, and wind. Compare wicks, self-watering pots, and plant sitters.
How to Move a Heavy Houseplant Without Scratching or Denting the Floor
Move a heavy houseplant safely without scratching hardwood, denting flooring, spilling soil, or straining your back. Use a protected path, a dolly, and a controlled team lift.