If you are a car owner, then you certainly may have had to deal with a dead battery at some point. A dead battery can toss down your entire schedule and certainly ruin your mood.
There are many ways that your car battery can die. It may simply be time for a new battery, or you may have left your lights on after parking. Whatever the case may be, knowledge about recharging or jump-starting a car is essential. Or maybe knowing some good car battery shops can be good as well.
Jump-starting a car is a relatively straightforward process. It requires the proper technique to get it right. Overlooking a step or using the incorrect equipment might cause not only harm to the car but can also be dangerous. Modern cars have sophisticated electrical systems that should not be tampered with.
So, to avoid looking like an amateur when asked to jump-start a car and to avoid shocking yourself while doing so, this post offers a complete step-by-step guide to help you on how to revive your car battery.
But first, here’s how to know whether your car battery is dead:
How To Determine Whether Your Car Battery Is Dead
Before you try jump-starting a car, you need to determine that the battery is the reason the car isn’t starting up. You may test this by turning on the ignition and hearing the engine crank; a dead battery isn’t your problem and jump-starting it won’t help.
However, if you start the engine and the car stays the same, then there’s a possibility you’ve got a dead battery, and jump-starting may help you get back on the road.
Jump-Starting A Car (With Cables)
Keep These Essentials In Your Vehicle
· Jumper Cables: Always keep a set of jumper wires in your car. They are available in various lengths ranging from 10 to 20 feet. Longer cables can reach farther, but you risk losing power as the electricity travels the extra distance. Ensure that the lines you use are not rusted, torn, or damaged.
· A car with a working battery: Unless you’ve got a power box on hand, you’ll need another vehicle to get your battery juiced up. However, it must be the same voltage as the car being jumped.
· Owner’s Manual: This is a high-level guide to the most significant components, complete with troubleshooting suggestions for your particular make and model. For instance, if you have a unique vehicle, such as an RV, consulting your owner’s manual before getting or giving a jump can significantly be of help.
Before You Jump-Start The Battery Here’s What To Know
· Always go through your owner’s manual. It may not be advisable to jump-start your vehicle.
· Don’t jump a cracked or leaking battery as it is hazardous.
· Ensure that the battery isn’t dry. Check the fluid levels in every cell and add water as needed.
· Don’t try to jump a frozen battery.
· If there is corrosion on the battery, try to clean it off with anything but your hand, as the chemicals can damage your skin.
· Once you’ve started connecting the wires, don’t let any of the hook-up connectors come into contact with each other.
Steps To Follow
· Park the vehicles next to each other
The two vehicles involved in the jump-starting method must be positioned appropriately. Place the car used to jump-start as near the vehicle with the dead battery as possible. This is done to guarantee that the jump leads can reach both batteries easily. However, make sure that both the cars are not in contact with one another.
Switch off both engines completely, and put the car in “park” or “neutral” so neither car moves unexpectedly.
· Prepare All Components for the Jump Start
Remove the jumper cables from your trunk or storage compartment and ensure they’re not tangled. Open the hoods of both vehicles and look for the batteries in each (refer to the owner’s manual for battery location). Check for the positive and negative terminals on the batteries.
Positive terminals are larger and are marked by a “+” or “POS” symbol. Negative terminals are denoted by a “-” or “NEG” symbol. The positive leads are red, whereas the negative leads are black.
· Connect The Jumper Cables
There is a particular order in which the cables should be placed, and the clamps should never touch each other:
· Plug a clamp from the red (positive / +) line to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
· Next, connect the clamp from the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal of the operating battery.
· Then, attach a clamp from the black (negative / -) lead to the working battery’s negative terminal.
· Finally, attach the opposite end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metallic part of the vehicle, such as a clean nut on the engine block. It will help ensure a safe jump.
· Start Both The Engines
Start the car with a functioning battery. Allow 2-3 minutes for the engine to run. Then, try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
If it doesn’t start, switch off the engine of the running vehicle and double-check that all cables are attached correctly. If dirt is gathered on either of the batteries, clean the surface and start the car again. Remember, the longer your battery has been “dead,” the longer you need to run the working vehicle.
Suppose your dead car still won’t start after multiple attempts. In that case, it’s time to take it to a repair facility or auto parts store where your battery will be tested and replaced with reliable brands like ACDelco batteries.
· Disconnect All Cables
Let’s say you managed to get the dead vehicle running, don’t turn off the engine! Unplug the jumper cables, beginning with the black, negative cable clamps. Then, remove each positive clamp. While the wires are still connected to a vehicle, don’t allow the clamps to contact each other.
· Go For A Short Drive
Once the dead car is functional, drive it for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the battery to charge. This short drive ensures that your vehicle does not die again once you turn it off.
Jump-Starting A Car (Without Cables)
You can jump-start your car without cables if you have a standard transmission car. Here’s how to do it:
· Hop into the driver’s seat and turn on the ignition.
· After that, use the clutch and shift into second gear. Maintain your grip on the clutch.
· Ask a friend or passer-by to give your car a push.
· When the car is reasonably in motion (5-10 mph), take your foot off the clutch, and the car will start!
· Once started, push the clutch down and stop. Don’t turn the key off, or you will have to repeat the process.
· Drive the car around for some time to charge the battery.
Conclusion
Indeed, quality car batteries play a crucial role in the smooth running of vehicles.
Batteries last between 5 and 7 years on average, but you should only consider replacing a car battery after it has reached end of its life.
Checking your battery is an integral part of auto maintenance. It’s always best to get your battery examined when it’s nearing the 3-year mark to ensure everything is in good condition.
Besides maintenance, if you’d like to get your hands on reliable car batteries, wholesalers such as Central Trading Company are a one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs. Order today!
