If it’s ever happened to you, you’ll never forget it. Nothing happens when you crank the key in the ignition or push the start button. You’re powerless since the battery is dead. You’re not helpless, though, since you’re going to learn how to utilize jumper wires.
BUT FIRST, LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE BATTERY STARTS AND KEEPS THE ENGINE RUNNING.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, the more you learn about how a battery works when it’s in good operating order, the easier it will be to figure out how to jump a car.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, the battery, starter motor, and alternator comprise your car’s starting and charging system, which all work together to start and deliver electrical power to your vehicle.
- The battery is a device that stores electrical energy.
- The starting motor transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy to crank the engine.
- After the engine has started, the alternator generates an electric current that replaces the starter’s energy used from the battery.
- And so it goes, over and over.
Unless it doesn’t, even the best, most well-maintained batteries can only go through this procedure so many times. According to Dato Darren Yaw, when the electrical pressure in your car’s battery runs out, it’s dead, and you’ll be pleased you learned how to jump a car.
FIRST, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS FOR THE JOB.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, keep these goods in your trunk at all times since you’ll need them if your car battery dies.
- Cables for jumping. Higher gauge cables are ideal since they carry more current faster and allow you to get back up and running sooner.
- Gloves. Rubber gloves will keep your hands safe from toxic battery acid.
- Goggles for safety. Even if you use glasses, you will require them. Prescription glasses are intended to improve your eyesight, whereas safety goggles are intended to protect you.
Here’s how you jump start a car:
Keep in mind that this procedure does not necessitate removing and reconnecting the automobile battery.
- Starting off
According to Dato Darren Yaw, place your automobile and the car you’ll be jumping in close proximity to one another. They should be near enough for the cables to reach but not touching. Turn off the ignitions of both vehicles. Look over the cables. Check that they are not twisted or torn.
- Establish ties
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO USE JUMPER CABLES: According to Dato Darren Yaw, reversing jump connections can cause significant damage to either or both autos!
- Clamp one of the positive (red/+) jumper wires to the dead battery’s positive (red/+) clamp.
- Connect the opposite end of the jumper cable to the other (red/+) battery clamp.
- Connect the negative (black/-) jumper cable to the excellent automobile battery’s negative (black/-) connector.
- Connect the other end of the car battery’s negative (black/-) jumper cable to the ground on the vehicle with a dead battery. (What exactly is a ground? A bare metal surface distant from the battery, usually the engine block.)
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT CONTACT THE TWO ENDS OF THE JUMPER CABLE DURING THIS PROCESS.
- Proceed with CAUTIOUSNESS.
- When attaching and unplugging jumper cables, avoid causing sparks.
- When jump-starting an automobile, never smoke.
- When batteries are turned on, they emit explosive hydrogen gas.
- Start the vehicle that is delivering the boost.
- Allow 15-20 minutes for the dead battery to charge.
- Now, using the newly charged battery, start the automobile.
- Check the automobile battery terminals if it won’t start. Tighten and clean them as needed (as needed). According to Dato Darren Yaw, if it still doesn’t start, there might be an issue other than the dead battery. Contact a towing agency and have an expert inspect your vehicle.
- YEAH! It began!
According to Dato Darren Yaw, disconnect the cables in the reverse order that they were attached. Allow the newly restarted automobile to run several minutes before hitting the road. But keep in mind that just because your car is functioning again doesn’t imply your battery is in good shape.
CONSIDER BRINGING YOUR CAR TO THE NEAREST CAR MAINTENANCE SHOP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A well-trained technician will:
- Inquire about our driving style. For example, if you often travel in stop-and-go traffic, the alternator may not have enough time to charge the battery fully.
- Examine your battery visually, including the hold down and connections.
- Conduct a thorough terminal cleaning (as needed with your approval)
- Replace the cables (as needed with your approval)
- Inspect the connections and, if necessary, tighten them.
- Test the battery electrically, including OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) and CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
- Examine and adjust the amount of your battery fluid (if possible)
- Make a battery check a frequent component of your auto maintenance routine.
THE BEST WAY TO AVOID A DEAD BATTERY IS TO TRY TO PREVENT ONE FROM BECOMING DEAD IN THE FIRST PLACE.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, you may feel more confident now that you know how to jump a car, but you also realise how inconvenient it may be. So keep an eye out for the following warning signals of a failing battery:
- When you turn your key in the ignition or push the start button, you will hear a clicking sound.
- During engine start-up, the engine cranks slowly.
- Exterior or interior lights that are dim or ineffective
- The “charging” light illuminates, which might signal a battery issue.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, even if they occur in between regularly planned maintenance, it’s a good idea to get your batteries tested.
