If you turn the key in the contract and your car does not start, do not despair. Before calling a tow truck, try these seven simple tips to start your car again. The only tool you need? A shoe.

Your car does not start, but don't lose hope!

Most people do not think of keeping a box filled with mechanic tools in the trunk of their car. Therefore, when they find themselves stuck with an engine that refuses to start, they feel rather helpless. But if it happens to you, don't give up right away. We have compiled a list of advice before dropping, and none of them requires a tool. We classified them according to the symptoms, and it costs nothing to try them. Of course, they will not solve the source of the problem, and you still have to go through a maintenance inspection, but one of them could restart the battery of your car to allow you to ride to the closest garage.

Symptom: The starter is click

Advice: Tour the key

Turn the key to the repeated starting position, about 10 laps at a time. Stop and wait for five minutes. Then try to start the engine.

Hit the terminals with a shoe

Give a blow in each battery terminal with the heel of a shoe to rotate it slightly. Then try to start the engine. A click at the starter can be caused by a low battery, dirty battery terminals, a worn starter engine, or a seized solenoid.

Here are some tips to try:

Advice: Touring the key so that the car starts

Light the ceiling light and observe it while you try to start the engine. If it goes out, this is a sign that the battery is really weak -flat. To warm the battery, terminals, and starter, try the technique of "key towers". But if the ceiling light has remained on when you turned the key in the contact, go to the next trick.

Battering the battery

Breaking and without tools, it is impossible to clean battery terminals clogged by corrosion. But you can try to move the terminals, or at least shake them enough to improve their contact (Photo 3).

Start in the starter

If you have access to the starter engine, try to give it a blow with the iron stem of your jack. Sometimes the electrical contacts block and can be released by typing on it.

Symptom: no click when you turn the key

Play with the gear lever

Keeping your foot on the brake pedal, place the gear lever in a neutral position and try to start the engine. If this does not work, put the lever in the "Park" position and try again. Bringing the gear lever sometimes makes it possible to restore electrical contact inside the automatic transmission selector (also known as the neutral safety switch).

Symptom: the engine runs but does not start

Advice: swapping the relays

Pull the fuel pump relay with a dry blow-up. Then align the pins of the spare relay and push it directly into the socket.

Give a blow in the fuel tank

Hit the bottom of the fuel tank several times with the heel of your shoe. Then try to start the vehicle.

Reset

By making sure that the car radio is well turned off, turn the key in contact with the walking position and hold out to hear a two-second buzz. It is the noise of the fuel pump that begins the injection system. If you hear no sound, the relay of the fuel pump could be defective, or the pump itself at the end of the race. First, locate the relay of the fuel pump in your owner's manual or on the legend indicated on the panel of the fuse box under the hood. Then locate another relay with the same room number and exchange it with that of the fuel pump (photo 4). Try to start the engine then. If it still does not light up, hit the fuel tank with your shoe to shake the engine of the fuel pump (photo 5).

Save a drowned engine

If you smell a fuel smell, the engine is drowned. Press the accelerator pedal, foot to the floor, and hold it in this position while you run the engine.

Trap the computer

A vacuum leak or a defective temperature sensor can cause a too-diluted air/fuel mixture to start a cold engine. If you have tried all the tips shown here and your car still does not start, press the accelerator half and try to start the engine. The on-board computer will think that it should add more fuel.

Owner of a Ford? Read this!

One Saturday morning, a short time ago, my wife hit a tree with one of the sides of the car. This is where she called me: "The car does not start anymore. "I jumped in my van to join her. She was on the aisle of the road, sitting in our exploring broken down. The whole side part on the passenger side was damaged, but not to the point of justifying the engine failure. We had the car examined in a garage, but the mechanics failed to solve the problem for three days. The following Monday, "Dr. Rick" and I discussed the article on the front page of Car & Garage this month: "Start a flat engine. »»

After he told me of all his advice, I asked him, "Would you also have a few little eccentric tips to share? "Ah yes," he replied. "Most Fords have an automatic deactivation switch for the fuel pump to prevent the car from fire if it is rugged. If the switch is engaged, the car will not start. " What?

"Yes, the system is deactivated even if someone just runs you in a parking lot. I asked him how to reactivate it in this case. "Just press a small button located on the coup-de-pied panel on the passenger side. »»

Really? That afternoon, my wife and I went to the mechanic to find our car, where I started the reactivation button. The car started immediately, as if by magic. A small visit to Rick the previous Saturday would have avoided the towing costs of $ 100. At least, we saved on labor costs!

Rick's note: These reset buttons are not in the same place on all cars. Consult your owner manual.

 We have found simple, unusual, and inexpensive stuff for you to wash your car and keep it clean for a long time.

Unusual stuff to wash your car

There is no need to go to the car washing machine whenever your car needs to get a facelift. Washing your car in front of the house allows you to save beautiful. And no, you don't need a "special" soap for your car. There are a variety of unusual and economical stuff to wash your car well.

Wash the car with revitalizing

Wash your car with a revitalizing containing lanolin. You will be surprised by the result. In addition to giving it the appearance of a freshly waxed car, the revitalizing will make its surfaces waterproof.

Coca-Cola, for brilliant windshields of cleanliness

When it rains after a long period without precipitation, the windshield becomes dirty, and cleaning it can give a headache. You can remove the strips of spots and dirt by pouring the cola on the glass (place a towel at the bottom of the windshield to protect the paint from the hood). The gas bubbles in the drink will dislodge the grime. However, be sure to wash the windshield when you are done. Cola is a sticky substance that easily retains dust and dirt.

Vodka as a windshield washer

When you need to fill the ice washing machine, use vodka. You just have to pour into a 4-liter container (fitted with a cap) 3 cups of cheap vodka, 4 cups of water (1 gallon), and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. Shake everything and fill in your windshield washing machine.

A window cleaner: for sparkling headlights

The use of a cleaning product will keep the headlights sparkling and this will make your driving more safe. The thing is to rub vigorously. To do this, you can use an old Bas-Culotte, for example.

The cleansing power of baby wipes for your car

In terms of maintenance, you can clean the windows of your car simply by rubbing them with a baby wipe. Surprising, right? To have it at hand, place a few in the glove box.

Hygienic towels: when there is no more ice washer

If you no longer have a washing machine liquid, use a hygienic towel to clean the windshield. Rub the vigorously with the non-sticky side of the towel. This unusual thing will make your windshield shine (provided you clean it thoroughly). You just have to hide a box of hygienic towels in the trunk of the car!

Ammonia for your wipers

When dirty, wipers can leave traces on the windshield. To clean them, use ¼ cup of ammonia mixed with 1 liter of cold water. Gently lift the wiper, then clean each side of the broom using a cloth soaked in the ammonia solution. Finally, wipe it with a dry cloth before putting it back in place.

It's clear!

The ammonia solution (¼ cup of ammonia for 1 liter of cold water) can also be used as a window cleaner. Pour the solution into a bottle with an airtight cap. As soon as your windows are dirty, wash them using the solution and a sponge. Wipe with a soft cloth or a paper towel.

Soda bicarbonate: to wash the car

Pour ¼ cup soda bicarbonate into a 4 -4-liter container with a cap (1 gallon), add ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid, then fill with water. Shake well. You get a concentrated solution that you can store for subsequent use. To wash the car, wave the container vigorously, then pour 1 cup of the concentrate into a bucket of about 8 liters (2 gallons). Fill the latter with hot water and voila. Your car is not waiting for you to be washed!

Kerosene: for washing without polish

Pour 1 cup of kerosene into a 12-liter bucket (3 gallons) filled with water; Then use the solution to wash your car with a sponge. Thanks to this simple thing, you will not need to rinse the car before washing or waxing it after washing. Kerosene will make the surfaces of your waterproof car and protect it from rust.

Watch out for heat!

According to Consumer Reports, washing your car when it is too hot (either because you just used it, or because it is parked in the sun) can cause soap spots and deposits.

Dry after cleaning

Drying your car by leaving it in the open air or driving it can cause unsightly traces on its surface. Use a sponge chamois or fabric, as well as a raclette to remove excess water, recommends consuming Reports.

Vinegar to clean your seats

Here are a few additional things that will help you keep your car clean. Mix 2 cups of white vinegar, 1 cup of lukewarm water, and 2 tablespoons of dish soap, then using a sponge rub the spots on your car seats and rinse with a damp cloth. For a better result, clean your seat with small squares by emphasizing more on the stained areas.

Whether it is petrol tasks, a household product that has flowed, or a trace of makeup This simple recipe will allow you to clean the inside of your car quickly.

If you fear that the fabric of your car seat is degraded by vinegar, you can do a small test on an inconsistent part of the seat.

Removal of milk to clean the dashboard

The dashboard of your car accumulates a lot of dust and other dirt, be it overturned coffee and sometimes even traces of feet. A simple and economical way to clean it and give it back to your chandelier is to use cleansing milk!

Soak a cleansing milk laundry then clean your dashboard, your doors, and storage bins. If you find your car too dusty, first pass a cloth on your dashboard.

Hunt bad odors with baking soda

To hunt the bad smells that have lodged in your car, sprinkle your fabric seats and your baking soda carpets make the product penetrate using your hands, and then leave for 15 minutes. All you have to do is vacuum inside the car. If the smells are persistent, you can let the baking soda act overnight before using the vacuum cleaner.

A simple technique that will help you hunt the odors that have accumulated in your car.

Clean animal hair in the car with rubber gloves

Animal hair can make it difficult to remove seats from your car, sometimes the vacuum cleaner is not enough. To effectively get rid of animal hair, put on rubber gloves and make small circles on the surface to be cleaned. Then by hand or vacuum, the balls will form.

You can also use adhesive tape to peel off the hair on the car seats.

Discount for linen: to clean plastic trim

Soak a piece of softening fabric for linen to clean the plastic fillings of your car. The softener for laundry will remove all traces of hands and boots, dust, and other residues that have deposited on window cranks, and the bottom of the doors which are often very dirty. For areas that require a deeper cleaning, exchange your piece of fabric with a brush.

Defeat rust easily

Time and bad weather can damage your car, leaving traces of rust. To remedy the situation, there are several quick and inexpensive solutions. If you are afraid of damaging the body of your vehicle, do not hesitate to test on a small portion of your car.

Here are some solutions for you:

• In a container, pour white vinegar on a tablespoon of baking soda. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and then using a brush, apply the solution to rust. Rinse with a damp sponge.
• Apply a cloth on the rust soaked with a mixture of lime and salt.
• If your car is not too attacked by rust, rub the body with an onion cut in half.
• Soak the rust with a mixture of white vinegar and coarse salt. Rub the surface to be treated with a sponge.
• The softener for laundry will leave a soft smell of freshness inside your car and will give it a chandelier.
• Do not use a product on electronic equipment, a simple cloth is enough.

 Every driver is required to take out car insurance. The contract includes two kinds of guarantees, some mandatory, and others were optional. A motorist can be satisfied with a formula that provides only the first.

THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY COVERAGE

This third-party liability coverage, sometimes called "third party" insurance, is mandatory. It represents, in a way, the minimum car insurance formula. It covers damage caused by the insured vehicle to a third party.

It can be material damage or bodily injury. The "third party" concerned can be a person, the driver or passengers of a car, a cyclist or a pedestrian, but also the damaged vehicle itself.

The damage can be caused by an accident on the road. But a stopped car can also be a danger to other vehicles or pedestrians. If the handbrake fails, for example, a car parked on a sloping street can cause an accident.

That's why liability coverage is mandatory for any land vehicle, even if it's not moving. All companies, such as GMF auto insurance, include this liability coverage in their contracts.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND RECOURSE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT OR DPRSA

Insofar as this DPRSA guarantee is included in car insurance contracts, and particularly in third-party insurance formulas, it can be considered a mandatory guarantee.

This coverage is very useful when the responsibility of a traffic accident is not very clear and its determination is subject to legal action. In this case, SABS has two essential functions.

It allows an insured who is sued after a traffic accident to defend his or her rights. By activating this coverage, he or she can also take legal action to obtain compensation for the damages he or she believes he or she has suffered, or pursue an amicable settlement.

Under this guarantee, the insurance company can cover a certain number of expenses. These include procedural costs, such as those incurred by an expert opinion or by the course of the trial, lawyer's or bailiff's fees, or costs related to police reports, for example. It should be noted that this coverage is limited, in principle, by the application of a ceiling.

The insurer will provide you with the information and documents necessary to understand the situation and will remind you of your rights and will try to find a solution that best protects your interests.

He will first try to find a compromise acceptable to both parties. If an amicable agreement fails, and the case is brought to court, he will have a lawyer defend your rights.

It should be noted that the scope of the DPRSA, which is limited to traffic accidents, is less broad than that of the so-called legal protection coverage. Contrary to the DPRSA, which is included in the civil liability coverage of the car insurance contract, the legal protection coverage is in principle optional.

 Angled parking is parking your vehicle perpendicular to the roadway. It is, along with herringbone and angle parking, one of the three types of parking that can be required to be performed on the permit test. Here are our five tips and tricks for successfully parking in a tight spot.

PARK IN A METHODICAL MANNER

Any manoeuvre in a car must be carried out in a thoughtful and methodical way, respecting precise steps known in advance.

TO PARK IN A REVERSING LANE

To park in a reversing lane, you must follow these steps

Signal your intent to park by putting on the turn signal.

Drive forward until you pass the parking area and stop in front of the third vehicle parked about 1.5 metres to the side.

Check behind your car by looking in the rearview mirror and slowly back up until the left-hand light of the car in front of you is visible.

Steer hard into the parking space so that the front of your car turns in the opposite direction.

Make sure there is nothing behind the car.

Place your car in a position parallel to the two cars next to you and move forward and backward, steering slightly to re-center the vehicle if necessary.

Put the wheels back on and back up until your car is in the vehicle's spot.

Shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn off the ignition.

TO PARK IN A BATTLE IN FORWARDING GEAR

Parking in a pile in forwarding gear is simpler. Simply signal your intention to park, position yourself far enough away from other parked cars, and move forward slowly, steering as you would on the street. You may need to back up if you miss your position the first time.

WATCH YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Reverse parking is a vulnerable maneuver because your attention can be completely captured by your maneuvering, which can distract you from obstacles, pedestrians or cars coming in front or behind you. You need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing up. Use your mirrors and your rearview camera if you have one, but it is also often necessary to turn your head, especially when backing up.

DRIVE SMOOTHLY

To park properly, especially if you're reading this article to prepare for your driver's license test, you need to drive at a very slow pace and keep your driving as fluid and smooth as possible. No jerking, hard braking, or hard acceleration. Be in complete control of your vehicle and concentrate on every maneuver, every move.

ANNOUNCE YOUR ATTENTIONS

When you park in a tight spot, especially when reversing, you must warn other vehicles and pedestrians of your intention to enter the parking space. You must use your turn signals to do this, and in fact, it is a requirement. If you begin the maneuver without using your turn signal during the test, you are guilty of a potentially disqualifying offense.

When you start to park, put on the turn signal on the side of the parking space. If you are backing up and want to steer to adjust your position, you must also signal on the correct side.

For cars and people coming from the side, you can use your hand to signal that you are turning.

KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

To park properly every time, you must know your vehicle inside out. You need to know and master its dimensions to know how much space you need to park. You'll always park more efficiently in a vehicle you've been driving for a long time, and you'll have more trouble with a vehicle you're driving for the first time, especially if it's large.

You also need to know the car's turning angle to best adjust your steering. The turning radius varies from car to car, and depending on the vehicle you're driving, you may need to turn the wheel more or less.

 You have passed the highway code exam and you are only one step away from getting your license: the driving test. It is normal to apprehend this ordeal that many miss by so little. Know that with good preparation and the right reflexes, this exam is not insurmountable. Here are our eight tips to pass your driver's license the first time.

DON'T OVERREACT TO THE TEST

It's true that failing the driving test can mean wasting time and adding to the cost of your license but don't overreact. It's just one of many tests you've taken in your life and will probably have to take in the future. Failing the driving test happens a lot, but it doesn't have to happen to you. And even if you do fail, you can take it again as many times as it takes to get your license.

LEARNING THE SKILLS YOU NEED

On the driving test, you won't be asked to do anything spectacular or to drive like a professional. No, you are only expected to demonstrate your mastery of nine basic skills that are graded from 0 to 3 points, 3 points for a skill acquired and 0 for a skill not acquired.

These skills are:

• Installation at the operator's station;
• The necessary checks inside and outside the car;
• Manipulating and checking the vehicle's controls and operation and taking information;
• Controlling the speed of the vehicle;
• Respecting the rules of the road and the regulations;
• Communication with other drivers;
• Positioning the vehicle on the road;
• Maintaining safe distances.

These nine skills must be demonstrated during the 32-minute driving test. Then, the examiner will check that you have acquired three other skills, called complementary skills. These are related to your autonomy and risk awareness.

Now that you know exactly what is expected of you during the test, you can prepare yourself both practically, by practicing, and mentally, by establishing a sort of mental checklist to be completed each time you take the wheel.

PRACTICE ENOUGH

Knowing how to drive means acquiring reflexes, mechanisms, and habits. To be able to drive smoothly and correctly during the test, you must practice sufficiently beforehand. If you don't feel ready for the test, you can take additional driving lessons to improve your driving. This investment can only pay off, as you can improve significantly in a few sessions.

Also, if you are not making progress, it may be because your instructor's method is not working for you, so don't hesitate to change your instructor if necessary.

REVIEW THE THEORY QUESTIONS

During the driving test, the examiner will ask you three theory questions. These are taken from a large set of questions. You should prepare your answers to these questions by downloading one of the many guides available on the web that contain all the questions the examiner may ask you and their answers.

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF

One of the worst enemies of student drivers on the test is a lack of confidence. Confidence is crucial because it allows you to act consistently and honestly. On the contrary, if you are not confident, you may hesitate a lot when you drive, which can affect your driving and cause you to fail the test. However, don't be overconfident or arrogant during the test, as the examiner may see this as a form of recklessness or carelessness. So be confident and assertive, but not arrogant.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

Fatigue, stress, and excitement can cause you to fail the driving test. It is therefore imperative that you put yourself in the right conditions the day before the test. The day before and during the test, eat a healthy diet, drink enough water, and avoid stimulants in the evening. Try to get enough sleep so that you are fit and relaxed for the exam.

The day before the exam, while remaining relaxed, reread your flashcards and review the theory questions one last time, but do not overdo it. Preparation should be done well in advance, not the day before. This last revision will only serve to stimulate you and give you even more confidence in yourself.

PREPARE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS

Before you begin the exam, the examiner will ask you to present certain documents. You should make sure you have them all by gathering them the night before and putting them carefully in a folder.

These documents are:

• The invitation to the exam;
• An identity document (national card or passport);
• A stamped envelope with your address, first and last name;
• Proof of passing the general technical test (ETG) or code. This can be found on the back of your Cerfa 02 or in the e-mail you received when you passed the code.

ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM

 The examination of the highway code is a test feared by all young future drivers who pass their license. This theoretical exam is, in fact, a crucial step in learning to drive and obtain a license. However, it is not that difficult and with good preparation, it is almost impossible to miss it. Here are our six tips to help you succeed in your code the first time.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

The Highway Code test is now held at post offices where you must go on the appointed day and sit in front of a computer to answer 40 questions. To pass the test, you simply must not make more than 5 mistakes.

The questions asked are randomly selected by an algorithm from a library of 1,000 questions covering ten main topics. These are:

• The driver;
• Other users;
• Getting in and out of your vehicle;
• The Road;
• Road traffic;
• The car, the mechanics, and the equipment ;
• The environment ;
• Passenger safety ;
• First aid;
• Various notions.

GET A HEAD START ON PREPARATION

To pass the road test, you need to memorize hundreds of rules, signs, numbers, and many other details. It goes without saying that you should not prepare at the last minute, or even at the last week.  On average, three months of preparation is required to have a good chance of passing the test on the first try. You should therefore start preparing for the test in earnest as soon as three months before the big day arrives.

REVIEW REGULARLY

As with any exam, the secret to passing the code is not intensity, but regularity. There is no point in spending hours or sleepless nights studying for the highway code. The best thing to do is to study for one hour a day during the three months of preparation. To do this, you can take a driving course at a driving school, which is optional. You can also use a website or a mobile application that reminds you of notifications each day to do your daily lesson.

LEARN ON THE RIGHT MEDIA

To prepare for the highway code exam, you can choose from several options. If you prepare with a driving school, depending on the quality of the school, the learning materials they provide are more or less effective. Although most driving schools today use digital means, some still use paper-based materials and somewhat outdated methods.

Therefore, choose interactive learning methods. Some software, some mobile applications, and some websites allow you to learn the rules of the code at first before allowing you to simulate the exam as many times as you want. These simulations are the best way for you to know your level and estimate your chances of success. In addition, the questions you answer on these applications are the same ones you may be asked on the exam, which is not negligible. These "mock" code exams also help you detect your weaknesses and errors and correct them.

ASK QUESTIONS

During your preparation, don't hesitate to ask questions. You may have some questions that are difficult to find answers to on the internet. If you are preparing for the code in a driving school, ask your instructor. If you are taking the test on your own, ask experienced drivers around you, or even your relatives of the same age who are preparing for the code or who have recently passed it.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

In order to pass the test, you must be well prepared, but you must also be in a state to give back what you have learned. It is therefore important that you are fresh and in good shape on the day of the exam. To do this, eat properly in the days leading up to the exam, drink enough water, limit or completely avoid alcohol, and stimulating drinks to help you sleep better.

You also need to be in the right frame of mind. Be motivated and confident, and don't overreact to the possibility of failure.