At some point, your car might need to be jump-started. While this doesn’t happen often with modern vehicals, it’s important to know how to jump start your car should you need to. Below you’ll discover more about this process and how you can do so yourself.
What is Jump-Starting?
This technique is necessary when your car’s battery has a poor connection or is dead. This results in your car not starting.
Jump-starting needs to be done with approved jumper cables for your safety. These are clipped to the ends of the battery terminals to provide it with electricity.
However, cars don’t come with these cables. You’ll need to purchase which can be purchased at a local “box store” or auto parts store and keep them in your vehicle in case you need them. You’ll also need another vehicle to supply the jumper cables with energy.
How to Jump-Start Your Vehicle
Following the following steps or watch the video below.
Step 1: Turn Your Car Off and Apply the Jumper Cables: The first thing to do is ensure your vehicle is completely turned off. Once it is, open your hood and clip the jumper cables to the battery. To do so, clip the red cable to the positive terminal and its other end to the separate car’s positive terminal. Now, take the black cord and attach it to an unpainted metal surface that isn’t near the battery and place the unattached end on the other car’s negative terminal.
It’s vital that you place the lines on the correct terminal. Otherwise, you risk the electricity running in the opposite direction. This can affect the attached car causing its battery to be overwhelmed with powerful electric pulses. To stop this, double-check the lines to verify they’re correct before you turn on any car.
Step 2: Start the Other Car: You’ll now want to start the other vehicle on. Let it run for a few minutes to charge the problem battery.
Step 3: Turn Your Car On: Now, turn your car on. It should immediately do so, but if not, you might need to wait a bit longer. If this still doesn’t work, you’ll need to have the battery replaced on site. Once the car is running, do a small test drive in the area. This will keep the engine running and ensure that it doesn’t break down again.
Jump-starting your car isn’t as tough as it might seem. By using this information, you can make sure you’re prepared for any emergencies.
If you’d like your car battery to be tested or want your vehicle inspected by an expert, Downtown Autobody can recommend a local repair shop with a great reputation in Rohnert Park.
