Have you ever been left with a dead battery in your car and felt as if you were all alone? It’s not entertaining to watch or do, but to be able to jump a car with jumper cables can save you a lot of discomfort. This guide will help you go through all the actions that are necessary to address this quite typical car issue.
What Causes a Car Battery to Die?
Common Reasons for Battery Drain
Based on the above observations, the following are the reasons a car battery dies. These include leaving your lights on, cold weather, and less growing traffic. From a lowly alternator to the more complicated part of your car, they can all drain your battery.Â
How to Prevent Battery Drain
Remember that constantly using lights and other electrical parts in your car will drain the battery, so you switch off lights and turn off the car before leaving. Also, check your battery and alternator daily, especially when planning a long trip.
Signs of a Dead Car Battery
Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are among the first signs of a car’s ill health; these include oil warning lights, engine warning lights, and battery warning lights, depending on the make of the car. The battery light is a check light; whenever the light is on, you cannot have any doubts that something is wrong.Â
Slow Engine Crank
Another sign you have to look out for is slow engine crank. If your car has a hard time starting and the engine turns over slowly, then your battery likely is dead.Â
Clicking Sound When Turning the Key
A clicking noise, especially when you turn the key, is the last straw that seals the fate of a discharged battery. This sound suggests that the starter is not getting the necessary power for the vehicle to start.
Jumper Cables
Types of Jumper Cables
Sometimes, do not think that every jumper cable produced is the same. At the same time, one must look for rugged and thick cables accompanied by good insulated wires. The longer the cables are, the better, as this will afford more flexibility in the strategic positioning of the vehicles.
Recommended Specifications
It is recommended that for cables, get one that is longer than 10 feet, and its gauge should be 4 to 6. Thicker cables (lower gauge numbers) transmit more current; hence, charging the battery or jump-starting the process is more efficient.
Donor Vehicle
Choosing the Right Donor Vehicle
The donor vehicle should have functional batteries, and the ideal vehicle should be the same model as the project vehicle with a similar engine size. A small car cannot even supply the necessary power required to help boost the power of a larger car.
Safety Precautions
Both cars should ideally not be running before the cables are connected. Scanning for any leaks or damages on cable clamps once and ensure that the cable clamps do not touch each other.
How to Successfully Jump-Start A Car
Park the Vehicles Close but Not Touching
Arrange the cars so that as many of the batteries of both cars are aligned as possible without the cars being in contact with one another. This makes putting and connecting the cables easy and safe.
Turn Off Both Vehicles
Switch off both vehicles and bring the key out of the steering. It is an important step in security and avoiding electric shock.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
1. Connect the Red Clamp for the Positive Terminal of the dead battery.
The very first step is to connect one clamp, which possesses a red color, to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. The positive terminal is commonly labeled with a ‘+’ sign and is mostly colored red.
2. Red Clamp to the positive terminal of the Donor Battery
Secondly, connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the donor battery from which you want to take the power.
3. Attach the Black Clamp to the Donor Battery’s Negative Terminal
First, one black clamp is put on the negative (-) terminal of the donor battery. The one with the negative terminal is mostly indicated by a “-” sign on it, and it is normally black.
4. Attach the Other Black Clamp to an Unpainted Metal Surface on the Dead Car
Last of all, secure the other black clamp to another unpainted metal location of the dead car but not on the battery location. This will form a ground, and the sparks will be avoided near the battery.
Starting the Engine
Start the Donor Vehicle
Begin the donor vehicle and let the engine warm up for a few minutes. This in turn enables the donor battery to charge the dead battery.
Start the Dead Vehicle
After off for a few minutes, you may attempt to switch on the dead vehicle. If it does not start immediately, then allow some more time, say after five minutes, to attempt to start it again.
What to do If the Car doesn’t Start
If it does not start when efforts required to recharge are made severally, examine the connection and ensure that the clamps of the dead car are tight. This requires an alternative grounding point or the investigation of corrosion on the battery terminals.Â
After Jump Starting Your Car
Remove in Reverse Order
Once the car is running, the jumper cables should be disconnected in the same order, starting with the negative terminal of the dead battery. Mate the black clamp on the dead car to the other black clamp on the donor car, and so on.
Avoid Cable Touching
When removing the clamps, do not allow them to come in contact with each other or any metallic part.
Letting the Engine Run
Run for at Least 20 Minutes
It is recommended that the engine be run for not less than twenty minutes to enable the alternator to recharge the battery. It is suggested that the car be driven around in order to charge it to the fullest extent of the battery.
Conclusion
It is important that anyone on the road knows how to carry out a car jump with the jumper cables. With it, you can escape such a situation and help people in distress. Remember that safety comes first at all times, and always do not be ashamed to seek assistance when you are conversant with some process.Â
FAQs
Can I jump-start a car in the rain?
Yes, but take extra precautions to avoid water exposure to electrical components.
How often should I check my car battery?
Check your battery at least twice a year and before long trips.
What should I do if my car battery keeps dying?
If your battery keeps dying, have your alternator checked and consider replacing the battery.
Is it safe to jump-start a car with a completely dead battery?
Yes, it is safe, but it may take longer to charge.
How many volts is a car battery?
A standard car battery typically has a voltage of 12 volts. It consists of six cells, each providing 2.1 volts, adding up to the total 12-volt capacity.
How to Use a Portable Jump Starter?
To use a portable jump starter, connect the positive and negative clamps to the battery terminals, turn on the jump starter, and then attempt to start the vehicle.