How To Jump A Car With Jumper Cables, Jumping a car with jumper cables is a useful skill that can help you get back on the road when your battery is dead. Whether you’re dealing with a personal vehicle or assisting someone else, knowing how to do it safely and correctly is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to jump a car using jumper cables.
What You’ll Need
- Jumper Cables: Ensure they are in good condition, with no frayed wires or corrosion.
- A Working Vehicle: This could be a friend’s car or another vehicle with a charged battery.
- Safety Gear: While not mandatory, wearing gloves and safety glasses is advisable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare for the Jump Start
Park the Vehicles
- Position the working vehicle close enough to the dead vehicle so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries but ensure that they are not touching each other.
Turn Off Both Vehicles
- Make sure both cars are completely turned off, including lights, radio, and other accessories.
2. Identify Battery Terminals
Locate the Batteries
- Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate the batteries. You’ll see two terminals on each battery: positive (+) and negative (–).
Check for Corrosion
- Inspect the terminals for any corrosion. If there’s corrosion, clean it off with a wire brush before proceeding.
3. Connect the Jumper Cables
Attach the Positive Cable
- Take the red jumper cable and connect one end to the positive terminal of the dead battery (marked with a +).
- Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
Attach the Negative Cable
- Take the black jumper cable and connect one end to the negative terminal of the working battery (marked with a –).
- Connect the other end of the black cable to a grounded metal surface on the dead vehicle (like a bolt or a clean area on the engine block). This helps prevent sparks near the battery.
4. Start the Working Vehicle
- Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the dead battery to gain some charge.
5. Start the Dead Vehicle
- Attempt to start the engine of the dead vehicle. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.
6. Disconnect the Cables
Once the dead vehicle is running:
- Remove the black cable from the grounded point on the dead vehicle first, then from the working battery.
- Remove the red cable from the working battery first, then from the dead battery.
7. Let the Engine Run
- Keep the engine of the revived vehicle running for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the alternator to charge the battery further.
Safety Tips
- Follow the Correct Order: Always connect and disconnect the cables in the correct order to avoid electrical shorts or battery damage.
- Do Not Allow Clamps to Touch: Ensure the clamps of the jumper cables do not touch each other while connected to a battery, as this can cause sparks.
- Avoid Open Flames: Stay away from smoking or open flames while performing the jump start, as batteries can emit flammable gases.
- If the Vehicle Doesn’t Start: If the dead vehicle does not start after several attempts, it may indicate a more serious issue than just a dead battery.
Conclusion
Jumping a car with jumper cables is a valuable skill that can save you from being stranded. By following these steps carefully and practicing safety, you can effectively revive a dead battery and get back on the road. Always keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle, and consider familiarizing yourself with the process in a safe environment. With these skills, you’ll be prepared for any roadside emergencies!
