If your car wont start because the battery has gone flat,
then you may be able get it going again by jump-starting it.
What you need ;
A set of car , also referred to as booster cables
A friends car that is working.
Using jump leads is pretty simple and safe if you follow these instructions ;
STEPS
1. Position both of the cars close together so that the will reach both batteries.
2.
Then connect the car battery booster cables in this order ;
a. Connect (+) positive red cable to the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.
b. Connect the other end of the (+) positive red cable to (+) positive terminal on the working car.
c. Connect (-) negative black cable to (-) negative terminal on the working car.
d. Connect the other end of the (-) negative cable to the (-) negative terminal on the dead battery.
3.
You are now ready to start the working cars engine. Turn off all electrical equipment on the working car (heater, lights,
radio, etc.) so that all the battery power is getting used to jump start the dead battery. Let the working car run for a minute or so before you try
to start the dead one.Revving the engine in the working car will produce more current and help with jumping the dead battery.
4. Now try and start the dead battery engine by turning the
ignition. If it sounds like it is going to start but will not quite go, then
rev the working car for a little longer before trying the dead battery again.
5. When the dead battery has started and is running, remove
the jump leads.
Do this in reverse order ;
a. Disconnect (-) negative black cable from the terminal on dead battery.
b. Disconnect (-) negative black cable from the (-) negative terminal on the
working car.
c. Disconnect (+) positive red cable from the (+) positive terminal on the
working car.
d. Disconnect (+) positive red cable from the (+) positive terminal on the dead
battery.
TIPS
You must let the car that had the
flat (dead) battery run for quite a
while.
If you turn the ignition off quite soon after starting it then
it may not start again because there will not be enough charge in the battery.
It might be worth taking the car for a drive, or driving the
car home and connecting the battery to a battery charger overnight.
Ensure that when you are connecting and removing the ,
they do not touch each other and do not come into contact
with any moving parts on either engine. Most quality jump leads have the clamps
coated with plastic so there is less chance of the metal parts touching parts of
the car or engine. This is something to consider when buying your jump leads.
If the battery terminals on either car are dirty and corroded,
then they will need to be cleaned up so that the clamps on the
jump leads will get a good clean connection.
If the flat battery will not start the car after following
this procedure, then the battery could be damaged and faulty inside.
It is suggested that you try replacing the dead battery with a borrowed one
before you spend money on a new one.
Alternatively, get an auto-electrician/mechanic to check the vehicle over for
you.
Car battery booster cables
are always a useful thing to have on your car, whether to help you out of
trouble and get you on your way, or to give someone else a helping hand.
They are relatively inexpensive, and buying a set to keep in the back of your
car is well worthwhile when compared to the inconvenience of having a flat
battery. They can be purchased from any local motor-factors, or bought
online from most car accessory websites.
As well as jump leads, there are a couple of other useful
items that perhaps you should stick onto your
Christmas or birthday wish list ;
1. Car battery chargers.
Keep this at home and if you ever suffer a
flat battery on your car you can
bring it into the house and recharge it overnight. The battery charger plugs
into your house electric supply and
has a black and red clamp for fitting onto the (+) (red) and
(-)(black) of your
battery. Car battery chargers normally take 12-24 hours to recharge your car,
they will recharge slowly and normally let you know when the battery is full.
2. Battery booster
packs.
Keep one of these on charge in your
garage, and whenever you suffer a flat battery this will get you started.
Inside it is a large battery and it also has (+) and (-) clamps. Keep it
plugged in when it is not in use and then it will always be fully charged.
Just attach it to your dead battery and it should provide enough power to start
your car. Just remember to keep the car running
until your engine has recharged the cars battery.
