Experiencing a flat car battery can be frustrating and inconvenient. You might have been on your way to work or broken down on the side of a busy road; knowing how to jump start your car safety is so important. Below, we have come up with a couple of steps to guide you through the process.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, it is important to get in touch with a professional like a local garage for further support. Do not try and do this yourself if you are not confident or require help.
Ensure you have the following items:
If you do not have these with you - please get in touch with a professional.
Park the working vehicle close to the flat car, positioning them either nose-to-nose or side-by-side. Make sure both vehicles are not touching each other. Turn off both engines, engage the hand brakes, and ensure that both cars are in neutral and the brake is applied.
Untangle the jumper cables and ensure they are free from any damage. Identify the positive (red) and negative (black) clamps.
Safety Note: Never allow the clamps to touch each other while attached to the batteries, as this can cause a short circuit.
Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the alternator to charge the flat battery slightly.
Attempt to start the car with a flat battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again. Avoid cranking the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time to prevent damaging the starter.
Once the flat car starts, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order:
Keep the engine running on the jump-started car for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the alternator to fully charge the battery.
Safety Tips for Jump Starting a Car
If the jump start fails, there could be an underlying issue such as a faulty alternator, starter, or a completely flat battery that needs replacement. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the problem.
Knowing how to jump start a car safely is an essential skill for any driver. Remember, safety comes first, so always take the necessary precautions and seek professional help when needed.