Tucked into the corner of your boot is the Jump Up kit. It consists of a set of jumper [or booster] cables at least two metres long [preferably three], a tuft of steel wool or an anode brush kit [a small brush set into a plastic mould that fits over the battery post or anode with a cover to keep it clean] and a pair of work gloves. The gloves are important as battery acid can be present on the battery's posts. The steel wool or brush cleans the posts and make sure you get good contact so the battery can charge easily. The cables are what will get the power to your car from your friend's or neighbour's vehicle.

First, you put on the gloves. Steel wool can be rough on your manicure. Pull the handle that is under the dash to pop the hood open. Lift the hood and secure it in place with the rod that is lying along the top of the radiator area. There will be a slot in the underside of the hood for the rod.

Next, use the steel wool or brush and scrub the posts until they are free of oil and engine crud. Now, check the battery to locate the positive and negative symbols. Your car battery is just like the AA's you put in your mp3 player. You have to match all the symbols. For added safety, the positive symbols are red and the negative are black.

Once the second vehicle arrives, have the driver pull as close to your battery as they can. Lift the hood and check for the positive and negative symbols. Next, uncoil the cables and attach the positive cable to the positive post of your car's battery. Next, attach the positive clamp on the other end of the cable to the battery post of the second vehicle.

Now attach the negative cable to the negative post on the second vehicle. Then, connect the other negative end to a metal surface on the motor. Make sure the cable is well away from any moving parts.

You start the second vehicle first. Now, all that's left is to turn your key and start your own car. Remove the cables in the reverse order and stow them away in the boot along with the steel wool and gloves.

Finally, let the car idle for a while; better yet, go for a drive for thirty minutes or so. This will allow the battery gain full power. It might be a good idea to stop at a service centre and have the battery acid level checked to make sure that it has held the charge.

You just have to remember that once a battery goes flat, it will never be as strong as it once was.

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