Introduction
Jumping a car can be a lifesaver when you find yourself with a dead battery and no way to get to a mechanic or parts store. A few essential tools and some basic knowledge are all that is required to complete the process successfully. This post will cover the methods for safely and successfully jumpstarting a car.
Before you start, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand.
- You’ll need a set of jumper cables,
- a working car with a good battery,
- and a pair of gloves (optional but recommended).
- It’s also a good idea to have a flashlight or some other source of light,
- as well as a reflective triangle or hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence.
1. Positioning the car
Position the two cars such that their hoods face each other. Make sure there is space between them so you can walk securely and that they are not in contact.
2. Switch off cars and parking brakes
Put the parking brakes on and switch off both vehicles. This will lessen the chance of any mishaps or injuries occurring while you’re at work.
3. Locating the batteries
Locate the batteries in both cars. In most cases, the battery will be located under the hood, either near the front of the car or on the side. The positive terminal (usually marked with a “+” sign) will have a red or orange cable, while the negative terminal (marked with a “–” sign) will have a black or green cable.
4. Putting on gloves
If you have gloves, put them on. It’s recommended that you take precautions to avoid getting battery acid on your skin or clothing.
5. Attaching positive terminals
Attach one end of the red or positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the working car’s battery. Then connect the other end of the red cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal (marked with a “+” sign).
6. Attaching negative terminals
Next, connect the black or negative jumper cable’s end to the battery’s negative terminal (marked with a “–” sign) on the working vehicle. Then, attach the other end of the black cable to a solid metal surface on the dead car, such as a bolt on the engine block or frame. Make sure the metal surface is not near the battery or fuel system.
7. Start the working car
Start the working car and let it run for a while, usually a few minutes. This will help recharge the dead battery and prepare it for the following action.
8. Start the dead car
Attempt to start the dead car. The engine should start straight up if the battery is sufficiently charged. Wait a few more minutes and try again if it doesn’t start the first time.
9. Remove Jumper cables
After the dead car has started, unplug the jumper cables in the reverse way from how you connected them:
- Take the black cable from the dead car’s metal surface.
- Take the black cable out of the battery’s negative terminal in the working vehicle.
- Take the red cable out of the dead battery’s positive connector.
- Disconnect the red cable from the battery’s positive terminal in the working vehicle.
10. Let the dead car run to charge the battery
Allow the dead car to run for a few more minutes so the battery can recharge even more. You can use the vehicle normally if it starts and operates without any issues. If the car still won’t start, or if it starts but dies again shortly afterwards, the battery may be too damaged to hold a charge and will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Jumping a car can be intimidating if this is your first time doing it. But with a bit of practice and the right tools, anyone can learn how to do it. By following these steps, you’ll be able to get your car up and running again in no time. There are a few ways to identify a dying battery which we have written in a separate article here. If you have any enquires or tips you would like to share, feel free to contact us here.
