1.

If your car battery was manufactured more than 4 years ago, it might be high time to start looking
for a replacement – even if the battery seems to be running fine for now. On the other hand, if your
battery causes the car to take longer to start than before, and if you hear a long whirring sound
before starting up your engine, then that basically reflects a slow engine crank, and it’s a sure sign
that your battery is in bad shape even if it’s relatively new.

Your battery might fail to start the engine when the temperature goes down, or it might fail to start
entirely, regardless of the conditions. In this case, a jump start will usually be a good temporary fix,
but you might have to look into a replacement pretty soon.

To jump-start a vehicle which has a flat battery means to make the engine start by getting power
from the battery of another vehicle, using special cables called jump leads.

A flat battery has lost some or all of its electrical charge.

when you turn the key – you know…start the car – does it start up right away?

2. when I put on my brakes I hear a loud screech and my steering wheel shakes.

Sounds like you need new brakes and brake rotors.

Your brake pads need replacing and your tires need balancing.

apply, put on the brakes

screech, squeal

a loud and very high sound

the screech of brakes

Get your vehicle brakes inspected before your road trip.

Does your vehicle pull to one side or the other anytime you slow for a stop, especially at high
speeds?

If you press on the brake pedal and hear a terrible metal-on-metal screeching, get your brake system
serviced immediately.

3. jack - a device used for lifting something heavy (such as a car)

flat (of a tire) - not having enough air

Your plans can fall apart suddenly if a flat tire stops you on the way to work... It’s not always
something you can avoid. Most vehicles do have storage space for jacks and a spare tire. People who
don’t want to fix the flat tire themselves can always call a mechanic...
A CAR BREAKS DOWN = stops working because something is wrong with it

FLAT (British)/DEAD (American) BATTERY = with no more electricity in it /

LOW BATTERY = with little electricity in it

PUT THE BRAKES ON = use the brakes /

SLAM ON/JAM ON/HIT THE BRAKES= use them suddenly and with a lot of force /

BRAKES SCREECH = make a high noise when you use them /

BRAKES FAIL = do not work when you use them

FLAT TIRE has no air or not enough air in it /

SPARE TIRE = a tire that you keep in addition to the one you use, so that it is available if the one you
use fails

...