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After driving your new Mazda off the lot, we're certain the first thing on your mind is maintenance. While many common maintenance measures do their part in ensuring the longevity of your vehicle, wheel alignment ensures your safety, and the safety of others on the road. If your wheels aren't properly aligned, you risk early and uneven wear of the tread of your tires. Positive or negative camber, or the angle of your wheels when viewed from the front, can cause more wear on the outer and inner edges of the tire when compared to the center tread. The heel and toe alignment, or the tilt when viewed from above, can cause uneven wear of the individual tread blocks, appearing like saw teeth across the tire. Aside from being an eyesore for your new Mazda, that tread is there to provide traction on the road. Without it, driving becomes even more dangerous, leading to drifting or loss of control in wet or slick conditions. To ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers, keeping up to date with alignment check-ups is of the utmost importance. more You may also experience your steering being unresponsive, or sometimes going in an unintended direction. Maybe you feel your vehicle pulling to the left or right, and generally requires more steering input to stay in the lane. This is mainly caused by toe or heel alignment. When taking a turn, one wheel has to follow a wider or tighter arc than another, causing steering to feel unwieldy and uncontrollable. Adequate steering is tantamount to your well-being when driving your new Mazda, allowing you to avoid other vehicles or obstacles in an emergency situation. In addition to uneven tire wear and issues with your steering, a misaligned vehicle can cause a domino effect and lead to more problems. For example, tire pressure can drop due to the uneven wear caused by misalignment, which will inevitably lead to a traumatic tire blowout at high speeds. This drop in pressure also worsens your fuel consumption; your car needs to do more work for the same result. A misaligned vehicle can also lead to issues with wheel balance, which is distinct from the alignment of your wheels. If your wheels are off balance, this can lead to shaking or vibrating of your vehicle and loss of control. To avoid an accident, getting your vehicle's tires aligned is the first thing any car owner should do. This is why scheduled maintenance checkups should never be ignored or delayed. Visit Tom Bush Mazda to Prevent Unexpected Issues Proper alignment can ensure the longevity of your vehicle, but more importantly, it can ensure your own safety and well-being. Understanding alignment issues and their symptoms can save you hundreds of dollars in subsequent repairs. To learn more, visit Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

If you've recently bought a new Mazda, you'll preserve its wonderful driving dynamics with the maintenance guidelines outlined here. Schedule these services at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville for quality work by expert technicians. 1. Protect the Engine With Oil Changes Most modern Mazdas have highly efficient SKYACTIV engines, which require fresh motor oil to stay at their best. You'll minimize friction and wear by changing the oil two or more times a year. During each oil change, we can also replace the oil filter if it's almost full. 2. Optimize Airflow With Filter Replacements Your engine also needs an unimpeded inflow of fresh oxygen. While keeping out contaminants, the air filter can eventually become gummed up with all the dust and debris it catches. You'll need to install a new air filter every year or so. 3. Keep Things Cool With Coolant Flushes While you drive, the cooling system controls heat in the engine and also, to a degree, in the transmission. You'll need to book yearly cooling system inspections and keep a close eye on the coolant via its reservoir. Most drivers need to have their coolant flushed every two or three years. 4. Keep Your Brakes Sharp With Inspections Your brake pads and rotors will need periodical replacements, and your brake fluid must be flushed every two years or so. Schedule a brake inspection twice a year; the technician can replace worn parts as and when required. more 5. Preserve Vital Parts With Fluid Checks Many essential parts of your Mazda rely on a specific protective fluid to function. Check and top up the transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid regularly. Flush each one in accordance with the guidelines in your owner's manual. 6. Stay Stable With Suspension Tune-Ups Your Mazda handles smoothly thanks to the suspension. A yearly suspension tune-up should keep the shocks, struts, ball joints, bushings, springs, control arms, and other components firmly supporting your car. 7. Keep Voltage Flowing With Battery Tests Few things in a modern vehicle will work for long without a reliable battery. Have your Mazda's battery and whole electrical system tested and checked for faults once a year. 8. See Clearly With Headlight Replacements Without bright headlights, after-dark driving becomes dangerous, so check the condition of your headlights monthly. Also, circle your Mazda to clean and examine every exterior light for dirt, cracks, worn-out bulbs, and other issues. Schedule Regular Maintenance at Your Mazda Dealership Our technicians understand Mazda's joy-of-driving design philosophy. With a sensible maintenance schedule, we can keep your new Mazda responsive, agile, and fun to drive for many years to come. Come to Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL, for all the preventative service your car needs. We provide top-notch service and customer care.

The Mazda maintenance schedule in your vehicle handbook provides a complete list of all the services that will help keep your Mazda in great shape. As time passes, parts will wear out due to age or damage, and regular servicing ensures that these parts are replaced before this happens. As your Mazda dealer, we want to give a few examples of the types of Mazda services we provide. more Examples of Mazda Maintenance Schedule Services at Your Mazda Dealer Oil and Filter Replacement Your engine depends on the continued flow of healthy, high-grade oil to work effectively. The oil lubricates countless engine components, protecting them against friction damage by covering them in a friction-resistant coating. In addition, oil contains additives designed to increase engine longevity by protecting against rust and breaking down harmful engine blockages. Oil accumulates dirt and other minute debris on its travels through the engine. Much of the absorbed debris is collected by the oil filter, but eventually, the oil will become slower and thicker, providing less lubrication. If the oil isn't replaced, engine components will suffer increased wear and tear. An oil change is usually performed every 3,000 miles when we drain and replace the old oil and install a new oil filter. Air Filter Replacement Your engine requires vast quantities of air for efficient combustion, as fuel can't burn without it. Air entering the engine must also be clean, as impurities like dirt or other particles can damage sensitive engine components. The engine air filter is positioned between the radiator grille and the engine and traps any airborne particles, so only clean air reaches the engine. As time passes, the air filter will fill with dirt and become blocked. If this happens, airflow into the engine drops dramatically, affecting engine performance and potentially damaging engine components. Most fuel in the fuel-air mixture won't burn, causing fuel economy to drop, and your engine can misfire. The air filter is usually replaced at 12,000 miles, and a clean air filter prevents these problems. Spark Plug Replacement A spark plug is connected to each engine cylinder and provides the ignition source for the fuel-air mixture. Inside the engine cylinder, the fuel-air mixture is compressed to increase its potency and then ignited by the spark plug. The mixture burns in a regularly spaced and precisely timed series of explosions that produce the energy that moves your Mazda. Spark plugs slowly wear out due to old age and can become damaged by worn ignition coils, oil leaks onto the plugs, or other issues. Worn plugs produce rough idling, starting problems, and misfiring. We replace your spark plugs between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on your Mazda model and the type of plugs it uses. Book your next maintenance today. Contact our service department at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

Changing the oil in your engine is one of your top maintenance tasks as a car owner, but have you ever wondered why? An oil change at your Mazda dealer can go a long way to preserving the performance of your engine and maximizing fuel efficiency. Learn all there is to know about motor oil service, such as when to schedule and the best type of engine oil for your powertrain. more Mazda Oil Change 101: Why It's Vital for Your Vehicle's Health The motor oil in your engine is primarily used to lubricate the internal engine parts to reduce friction that can cause wear and tear damage. Modern motor oil is also formulated to protect your engine from overheating, which can also save your engine from premature damage. Frequently changing your motor oil can also improve your Mazda's fuel efficiency. This is because old motor oil or oil that is contaminated can prevent adequate lubrication of the engine's moving parts, which can clog up your engine oil filter and prevent your motor from performing efficiently. It's also worth noting that low motor oil can have a negative impact on your vehicle's overall performance. What Type of Engine Oil Should You Use? Your Mazda owner's manual will list the recommended engine oil for your powertrain. If you drive a high-performance Mazda, your powertrain may perform best with synthetic motor oil that is specifically formulated to enhance engine performance. Many modern Mazdas also use semi-synthetic motor oil. When Should You Book Oil Service at Your Mazda Dealer? As a general rule of thumb, modern vehicles only need new motor oil every six months or so. Regardless of how much you drive your vehicle, the engine oil in your vehicle will degrade after six months. For most drivers, this means changing the motor oil every 7,500 miles or so. However, you may need oil service more frequently if you drive in very hot weather, on sandy beaches, or you put a lot of miles on your vehicle. It's also a good idea to book an oil service if you are preparing for a long trip. Changing your motor oil before a road trip will ensure your engine is prepared for long-range driving. This is also a good time to schedule other vital vehicle maintenance services for your trip, such as a tire rotation. In fact, many drivers book a routine oil service with a tire rotation to save time. If you don't routinely change your motor oil, your engine won't meet your performance standards and may even experience problems like overheating or engine damage. It's best to follow your Mazda's recommended service guideline to maximize vehicle health and performance. Book your next oil service at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

As a car owner, you will need to purchase replacement parts for various vehicle components. Whether you're replacing wear-and-tear parts like spark plugs or a major part like your vehicle's battery, it's always best to purchase OEM parts at your Mazda dealer to prolong the life of your vehicle. The Importance of Genuine Mazda Parts for Your Vehicle's Longevity The number one reason why genuine Mazda parts protect the lifespan of your vehicle is that these parts are crafted for your specific make and model. When parts fit your vehicle perfectly, your Mazda can operate at a higher performance level for much longer. Additionally, genuine parts will not damage other parts of your vehicle, whereas poorly fitting aftermarket parts may cause damage over time. Genuine replacement parts made by your vehicle's original manufacturer have the same quality as the original or factory parts your vehicle came with. High-quality parts made with high-quality materials tend to last much longer than generic aftermarket parts, which means your genuine parts will maintain your vehicle's repair work for a significant amount of time. more Should You Have Parts Installed at Your Mazda Dealer? Even if you order genuine parts online, you should always have parts installed at your local dealership. Not only does Mazda professional installation ensure all parts are properly installed for optimal vehicle function, but installing parts at your dealership can also protect the warranty on your vehicle and on the replacement part. Do Mazda OEM Parts Have a Warranty? Genuine Mazda replacement parts have a one-year warranty or a 12,000-mile warranty, depending on which comes first. This warranty will cover the cost of replacing the genuine part if it fails due to a manufacturer defect, which means you won't have to pay for the same part twice if something goes wrong. You can learn more about the warranty on your genuine Mazda replacement part when you speak with your dealership. Additionally, if your Mazda is new and still under warranty, it's best to use genuine Mazda replacement parts for all repair work. This is because using generic aftermarket parts while your vehicle is still under warranty can void your warranty, which means you could be paying out of pocket for other repairs in the future. Using a genuine Mazda replacement part ensures you can take full advantage of your vehicle warranty. Where Can You Buy Genuine Mazda Parts? When you need to order genuine parts, you can shop for parts online at your dealership's website or Mazda's official store. This option is best if you know the exact part you need for your vehicle repair. If you aren't sure about which part to order, you can trust your local dealership to order the precise part needed for vehicle repairs. Genuine Mazda parts last much longer and ensure your vehicle operates at peak performance for years to come. Get in touch with Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL to book service or order genuine Mazda parts today.

Your new Mazda's warranty protects against any unforeseen issue with the labor or materials used to manufacture your vehicle. If any warranty-related issue is discovered, it will be rectified by Mazda-trained technicians using only Mazda-approved replacement parts at no cost. As your Mazda dealer, we want to tell you more about the coverage you can expect under the 2024 Mazda warranty. From Your Mazda Dealer: Your Mazda Warranty's Comprehensive Coverage New-Vehicle Limited Warranty This is the main warranty and applies to most systems and components. Some systems and components are not covered, as they're protected by the other warranties listed below. This warranty covers your original 12V car battery for the full warranty duration. Coverage applies for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. more Some types of damage that could occur during the warranty period are not covered. Examples of damage not covered include damage caused by lack of proper maintenance, damage caused by unauthorized replacement parts, and accidental damage. The excluded situations are further detailed in your warranty handbook. Some components have reduced warranty coverage. Adjustment Coverage Adjustments are minor repairs that don't require replacement parts. They include wheel balancing and wheel alignment. Any adjustments will be performed at no cost for the first year or 12,000 miles. AC Refrigerant Charge If your AC requires a refrigerant charge, this is provided free for the first year and unlimited mileage. Refrigerant recharges after this are free if performed as part of an AC warranty repair. Powertrain Limited Warranty The powertrain includes your engine, transmission, transaxle, and FWD or RWD systems. If you have a PHEV or Mild Hybrid, their motors and high-voltage parts are protected by this warranty. All components covered by this warranty are listed in your handbook. Warranty protection applies for five years or 60,000 miles. Certain types of damage are not covered by warranty and are detailed in your warranty handbook. If a powertrain warranty issue prevents you from driving, your Mazda will be towed to the closest dealer at no cost. Safety Restraint System Warranty The seatbelts, seatbelt systems, airbags, and airbag deployment systems are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty Corrosion rapidly forms on most untreated metals when exposed to water and air. Perforation is corrosion that forms a hole through a metal section from one side to the other. All metal body panels and sections are protected against corrosion and perforation due to specialized coatings applied during manufacture. If perforation forms despite this protection, the affected metal will be replaced free during the first five years and unlimited mileage. If you'd like to know more about coverage, contact us today at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

Over 40 percent of fatal collisions occur at night, even with far fewer cars on the road. The key factor here is visibility. Without bright headlights after dark, any driver's chances of having an accident dramatically rise. If you're experiencing the following issues with your headlights, keep yourself and your passengers safe by installing new headlights at your local Mazda dealership. Need New Headlights? Visit Your Mazda Dealership Today Dimming Light Most headlight bulbs fade in the last few weeks or months of their lifespan. This gradual fading might not be obvious at once. If you find yourself struggling to see the road ahead and suspect your headlights are weakening, ask a trusted technician to examine the bulbs. Headlight bulbs rarely fail at precisely the same time, so it's likely that a dimming bulb will cause the light to fade on just one side of your car. If both your headlights appear to be weakening, you might have an underlying problem with the battery or other elements of the electrical system. more Discolored Light If the light ahead of your car seems discolored, hazy, or cloudy, then one or more of your headlight lenses could be dirty or damaged. To examine the quality of the light, you can set your car facing a closed garage door and shine your headlights on it. Headlight lenses can sometimes become coated with dirt or grime, which you might be able to clean away. Your lenses can also become more seriously damaged by UV rays in sunlight, which oxidize the acrylic, causing dark patches and microcracks. In this case, the lenses will usually need to be replaced. Flickering Light Some types of headlight bulbs flicker as they age. If your headlights are flickering, one of your bulbs is probably about to fail. Flickering could also be caused by a fault in the wiring or bulb harness. If you use halogen bulbs, the flickering could result from a broken or burned-out filament; HID or LED bulbs are typically less likely to flicker. High-Beam Failure Hard-working high-beam bulbs can sometimes fail before the low beams. This would leave you with a significantly reduced ability to see the road ahead, so it's important to immediately replace malfunctioning high beams. Blowing Fuse Problems with the bulb, harness, or wiring could cause the headlight fuse to blow. This fuse will also blow if a sudden electrical surge threatens to damage the bulbs. If your headlight fuse repeatedly blows, ask a technician to figure out the cause. Visit Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL, today to have your headlights tested, repaired, or replaced. Since 1974, we've been offering drivers in and around our local community a terrific range of vehicles alongside top-notch maintenance services and customer care.

As your Mazda dealer, we have trained technicians and state-of-the-art facilities to provide the maintenance your vehicle requires to stay in great shape. Regular maintenance prevents many future repairs by fixing minor issues before they can develop into more serious problems. We'd like to tell you more about a few examples of the types of Mazda maintenance we provide. Examples of Mazda Maintenance Available at Your Mazda Dealer Cabin Air Filter Replacement The cabin air filter removes dust, pollen, and dirt to ensure that only clean air blows into your cabin. It also filters the cold air from the AC and removes any minute particles left behind after the cooling process. As time passes, this filter will become clogged with dirt, and pollen and other allergy-causing substances will circulate in the air. more Dirt can hide bacteria or mold spores, and air blowing through a dirty filter means you can breathe in the organisms and become ill. In addition, the cabin will have a musty, earthy smell due to floating dust. Our technicians can quickly replace a clogged filter, and you'll be breathing clean air again in no time. Wiper Blade Replacement Most drivers don't really think about their wiper blades, at least until rain arrives. The blades are made from high-quality rubber, the most efficient substance to efficiently clean your windshield without causing any damage. Even high-quality rubber degrades due to heat, rain, and UV rays and the blades will become less flexible. The lack of flexibility can cause the blades to crack or break, and damaged blades leave streaks or smears behind when they clean. Damaged blades can also potentially scratch the windshield, and a scratch can rapidly turn into a crack that needs repair. Wiper blades are inexpensive, and we can speedily install a new set to ensure unobstructed visibility in even the heaviest rain. Tire Replacement Your tire tread slowly wears down due to surface friction, and a low tread reduces driving safety. Worn tires increase stopping distance when you hit the brakes and reduce handling when driving or cornering. In rainy conditions, the severely worn tread can even cause your Mazda to skid, which can easily lead to an accident. Damaged tires are also more likely to develop leaks or blowouts. We offer several services to extend tire life, including tire balancing, wheel alignment, and tire rotation. Eventually, the time will come when your tires need replacement. We stock a complete range of tires from all major manufacturers in the correct size for your model. Our technicians will replace your tires and correctly balance them while you wait so you can drive safely again. When you need maintenance, contact the Mazda-trained experts at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

A Mazda service is performed by Mazda-trained technicians using only Mazda-approved parts. Regular servicing allows minor issues to be fixed before they can turn into problems, while also increasing your Mazda's performance and extending its lifespan. As your Mazda dealer, we want to give you a few examples of the types of service we provide. 3 Examples of Mazda Service Offered by Your Mazda Dealer Cabin Air Filter Replacement The cabin air filter traps dust, pollen, microbes, and other airborne contaminants before they enter your cabin. This ensures the air is as clean as possible. As time passes, the filter will become clogged with dirt, reducing airflow in the cabin and lowering air quality. Unlike the engine air filter that filters air before it's used in combustion, the cabin filter isn't easy to access. While you can't check the filter condition, you'll usually smell a musty slightly stale smell inside the cabin. On average, this filter needs replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your model. Our technicians can quickly replace a dirty filter, and you'll feel an immediate increase in air quality. more Tire Rotations Your tires wear as you drive due to surface friction. Minute pieces of the rubber will fleck off, and the tread gradually wears down. This wear and tear is normal, but it can be unnecessarily increased if your tires aren't regularly rotated. Each tire position generates a specific wear pattern, and continual wear on the same sections reduces traction and makes a puncture or blowout more likely. A tire rotation reduces this damage. Our technicians shift each tire to a new position and rebalance them if necessary. Your drive system determines the exact positions the tires move to. FWD, RWD, 4WD, and AWD systems have different weight distributions, and weight is a factor that increases tire damage. Regular rotations spread wear damage more evenly and prolong tire life. Battery Testing No driver wants to hear the sad click-clink of a dead battery, and fortunately, this is an easily avoidable situation. The average battery life is three to five years, although this can be reduced if the battery operates for lengthy periods in extremely hot or cold conditions. We advise testing your battery when it's three years old, as this gives a clear indication of its remaining life. Our technicians will hook your battery to our computerized battery tester. This machine subjects your battery to various load tests and gauges its performance. If your battery is still in good condition, we advise retesting in about a year. If your battery is failing, we'll install a new Mazda battery, and you can drive with peace of mind, knowing your car will start perfectly every time. Book your maintenance today by contacting our service department at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.

From signaling low oil levels to indicating an electrical fault, dashboard warning lights are your Mazda's way of telling you something is wrong. We discuss the most common warning lights so you know when it's time to take your CX-30, Mazda3, or CX-50 to your local Mazda dealer and have the experts check it out. From Your Local Mazda Dealer: What Your Mazda's Dashboard Warning Lights Mean Low Oil Level As with many dashboard lights, the low oil indicator always appears when you start your Mazda. However, if the oil can icon stays on, your vehicle is telling you it needs lubricating. Check the oil level once the engine has cooled and the oil has drained back into the sump and top up with fresh oil if required. If the light continues to illuminate, visit your local Mazda services station, as it may be time for an oil change. Tire Pressure Problem When an exclamation mark (!) inside a bowl begins flashing or stays lit, the Mazda's Tire Pressure Monitoring System is indicating a major problem that needs to be addressed immediately. As soon as it is safe to do so, pull off the road and check the pressure in each tire. If the tires still contain enough air, drive slowly and carefully to an authorized Mazda dealership. If left unchecked, you risk the problem escalating, which could result in tire failure. more Vehicle Component Malfunction Exclamation marks are a clear sign that your Mazda has a problem. One enclosed by a triangle is the Master Warning Light, which comes on to signal a malfunction with one of the following: Engine's hydraulic control Brake switch Battery management system Engine's timing chain Blow-by heater Oil level sensor When this symbol flashes up on the dash, consult a Mazda expert repairer to find out exactly what the issue is. High Engine Temperature A thermometer gauge rising out of the waves tells you the engine has overheated and is struggling to cool itself down. Pull off the road ASAP, switch off your vehicle, and wait for the engine to cool before continuing your journey. Engine Issue When the outline of an old-fashioned engine appears on the dashboard, your Mazda's diagnostics systems have detected an error that needs addressing. Maybe there is a fault with the electrical system, or the gas tank is nearly empty, or the fuel filler cap is missing. The only way to know for sure is to speak with a service center as soon as possible. It's important to know what your Mazda's warning lights are trying to tell you. When a warning light appears on your dash, bring your vehicle into Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL, and let our trained professionals diagnose the issue and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

We all expect crisp, cold air from the AC whenever needed. Unfortunately, AC components can wear out or break over time, and your AC can develop problems. If you have an AC not working, your Mazda dealer is here to fix it. These are a few of the issues we can repair. AC Not Working? Visit Your Mazda Dealer Today Air Only at Speed The compressor acts as a pump to push air and refrigerant through the AC to remove moisture from the air and chill it before it's blown into your cabin. A compressor wears out over time, and worn components will prevent it from working as efficiently as it once did. If your AC blowing speed only increases when you accelerate, your compressor may have worn out. The serpentine belt powers the compressor. This belt connects to the crankshaft, and its movements speed up or slow down as you accelerate or decorate. When you increase speed, the compressor is forced to work faster, and airflow into the cabin increases in response. Our technicians will examine your compressor and repair or replace it to fix this issue. more Wet Front Carpet Water on the carpet is usually a sign of a leak. If your front passenger carpet is wet, one of the main causes can be a blocked AC drain pipe. Water is removed from the warmer outside air before it is chilled, and this water is diverted to the evaporator heater box. A drainpipe at the bottom of the box allows the water to drip onto the ground. A blockage in the drain pipe caused by bacteria growth or debris brought in with the air prevents the water from draining. If this happens, the box will fill up and overflow. This box is positioned behind the fireboard on the front passenger side, so the accumulated water will spill onto the carpet. We fix this problem by replacing the drainpipe and cleaning the carpet with an antibacterial solution. No Airflow Air enters the AC system through a vent situated below your windshield. As time passes, this vent can become blocked by accumulated leaves and other debris, restricting airflow into the system. If the AC doesn't get enough air, it can't work effectively, and your cabin will get hot. The lack of airflow can also damage the compressor. Dirt and other debris can be drawn into the system through the vent. This debris can block the vents into your cabin. We'll clear any debris from the intake and internal vents, and your AC will cool efficiently again. If your AC isn't working correctly, contact our service department today at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL. Our experts will have your AC working perfectly again in no time.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A dead battery is a headache for any driver. Your Mazda has warning lights that light up if your battery is failing, so you're very unlikely to be stuck with a problem like this. As your Mazda dealership, we'd like to tell you how to jump-start a car when you have a friend or family member with a dead battery. From Your Mazda Dealership: 4 Steps To Jump-Start a Car Park Close This might seem obvious, but it's important to remember. To jump-start the other vehicle, you'll connect cables between your battery and the dead battery. If you're parked too far from the other car, the cables will be pulled tight, and attaching the clamps will be more difficult. more Locate the Battery Most vehicles have the engine in the front. If the car you are charging has a rear engine, the only difference is that you'll need to park facing the rear rather than the hood of the affected car. The recharging process is the same. Connect the Cables A set of charging jumper cables has a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is the positive and the black cable is the negative. Connecting the cables is relatively easy, but it has to be completed in a precise order. An incorrect connection can damage your battery or even start an engine fire. Red First Take the clamp on one side of the red cable and securely connect it to the positive terminal on the dead battery. A secure connection is important, as electricity can't flow through a gap. Once the clamp is attached, connect the other end of the red scale to the positive terminal on your battery. Black Second You're halfway there. Next, take one of the clamps on the black cable and connect it to the negative terminal on your battery. The last step is very important. The second clamp on the black cable must be connected to any unpolished metal bolt in the engine of the car with the dead battery. Don't connect it to the negative terminal in the dead battery, as you could start a fire. Use Some Gas Start your engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes. While your engine is idling, electricity will flow from your battery through the clamps to the dead battery. After about two to three minutes, try and start the other car. If it doesn't start, idle your car for ten to fifteen minutes, and then try again. Once the other engine starts, disconnect the black cable from the unpolished bolt, then remove the red cable from the previously dead battery. Remove the red cable from your battery and then remove the black cable from your battery. If you'd like to know more about charging a battery, visit us today at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.