We’re sure you’ve been involved in an unfortunate experience of having a dead car battery. Turning the key and nothing happening or the starter being so weak that it can’t start the engine – what a stressful situation! If you don’t know how to jumpstart your car, don’t worry! Even though it’s a simple process, it can be quite dangerous if you don’t do it properly.
While hooking up jumper cables may seem easy, there is a specific way it must be done to avoid the risk of causing expensive electrical damage to your car or may even explode your car’s battery! Ensure both cars are turned off and that they can reach one another’s batteries with ease.
1. Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on your stalled car (marked with a “+” or “POS”).
2. Connect the other end of the red/positive cable to the positive terminal on the other car’s good battery.
3. Connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under your dead car’s hood. The frame is a good choice. The strut supporting your hood is another viable option. This will serve as your ground, a critical step in preventing dangerous electric shock. If you connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the bad battery, you can cause an explosion.
5. Start the good car and allow it to run for 2 to 3 minutes before attempting to start the dead car. This will allow a charge to build in the dead battery.
6. Start the dead car. If it doesn’t start up immediately, don’t continue trying the key. Instead, turn it back off, and let it charge for another few minutes. If it still won’t start after 2 or 3 tries, your car may be experiencing a more serious underlying issue, such as a battery that can’t hold a charge. If you continue to try to start your car, you may damage your ignition. It’s best to reach out to a local technician if your car is unable to start after following the steps above.
How To Remove Jumper Cables?
Once your car is running, you’ll need to disconnect it. To do so, carefully remove the clamps in reverse order. Keep in mind that you’re dealing with live cables now, so it is very important to only touch the rubber covers on the clamp handles and to never touch the cables together or touch them to another metal surface.
Reliable Car Battery Replacement In Blaine
At Clark Automotive, we will ensure you will have a durable battery that will keep your car running for a long time. If your vehicle is having a battery problem in or around Blaine, give Clark Automotive a call, schedule your appointment today and let us earn your business.
