When your car battery is completely flat, the starter motor will make a clicking noise when you turn the key to start the engine.
You may find your engine refusing to start. In such a situation, you may have to jump-start your car. However, many drivers may not know how to jump-start their cars.
Why do you need to jump-start your car?
The most common reason you need to jump-start your car is that your car battery is dead. Your car battery may be discharged and may not have enough power to turn the starter.
A car battery can be discharged if you leave your car lights or other electrical devices on without the engine running.
Usually, the maximum lifespan of a car battery is around five years. However, its lifespan depends on the type of battery that you use.
Note that a battery that has reached its lifespan limit might not be able to be sufficiently recharged to start the car.
Tools needed to jump-start a car
These are the tools that you require to jump-start a car:
- A pair of high-quality and clean jumper cables (the clamps should be rust-free)
- Rubber work gloves
- A wire brush
- The vehicle with the flat battery needs to be in a spot near jump leads so that the jump leads can easily reach the battery
- Another vehicle with a fully-charged battery (same voltage as the car being jumped)
Steps to jump-start a car
1. Line up both cars
Park both cars near each other so that the car batteries are within easy reach (without the cars touching).
Keep the handbrakes on and the ignitions off.
2. Connect the red jump lead
Use the red jump lead to connect the working battery’s positive (+) terminal to the flat battery’s positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the black jump lead
Take the black jump lead and attach it to the working battery’s negative (-) terminal.
Then, attach the other end to an earthing point (unpainted metal on the engine block or chassis) away from the flat battery and fuel system.
4. Start the other car
Keep both engines off and wait for 3 minutes.
Then, start the working car’s engine and let it run for 1 minute.
5. Start your car
Turn on the engine of the car with the flat battery.
6. Let both cars run
Leave both cars idle for about 10 minutes.
7. Turn off both engines and disconnect the jump leads
Turn off both cars’ engines. Disconnect the leads carefully in the reverse order to how they are connected.
Please make sure the leads do not touch one another, or either car, as you remove them.
8. Restart your car
Try turning the ignition key to see whether you can start your engine.
9. Call for help if you still cannot start your engine
If your car still refuses to start, there is probably a more severe problem that requires professional help.
What you should not do while jump-starting your car
Jump-starting a car is relatively easy, but it may be dangerous if basic precautions are not taken.
You should never do these things when trying to revive a dead battery:
- Smoking
You should not smoke while jump-starting your car.
It can be dangerous to hold a cigarette because it can cause sparks from the battery.
- Letting the jumper cables dangle
The cables, which are connected to the battery, have a charge. If you let the cables dangle, they can drop into a puddle and cause you to be electrocuted.
Additionally, a cable that touches a fender may cause a spark. In addition, when jump-starting a car, you should be aware of your surrounding.
- Not wearing gloves and eye protection
It is best to use thick and sturdy gloves for protection when handling car batteries.
Eye protection is also ideal because car batteries have sulfuric acid that can produce gases such as oxygen and hydrogen.
You should wear eye protection because the chemicals can cause blindness and other injuries if they get to the eyes.
Make sure you follow the steps to jump-start a car
Although jump-starting a car is not hard, it is easy to skip the necessary process and make mistakes. Note that any error when handling car batteries can be fatal. If you are unsure or uncomfortable doing the process, it is best to get roadside assistance from companies that even offer 24-hour services.
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