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      Jumpstarting

 

 

Although most car and other vehicle user manuals will include excellent step-by-step instructions on how to safely jumpstart your vehicle, I would like to walk you through some simple everyday steps. Please understand that I am not a mechanic by trade and cannot be held liable for any issues concerns or injuries resulting from these tips and suggestions. The following information is provided for entertainment purposes only.

 

Vehicle batteries are filled with acid and very volatile. Treat these with the same respect you would an open fuel container. You should never smoke create any sort of spark or have an open flame anywhere near a car or truck battery.

 

Before you begin with the jumpstart, check to see what voltage both batteries are. Most newer vehicles have a 12 V battery. But it's not uncommon to find a 6 V battery and an older vehicle, smaller vehicle, or classic car or truck. In fact, 6 V batteries are the norm for motorcycles and many three wheeled vehicles.

 

I mention the importance of knowing your voltages because you should never tried to jump two batteries of different voltage. Attempting to jump, or charge, a 6 V battery with a 12 V battery can easily result in an explosion. And when batteries explode flying acid is almost certain to follow.

 

Before beginning the jump make sure you have jumper cables of the correct size and gauge. Also be certain that all of the battery terminals, both positive and negative, are clean and corrosion free. If there is a buildup of corrosion a can easily be removed with a little baking soda and water.

 

Now we are ready to give this car a jump.

 

First, be certain the two vehicles are not touching each other. Second, carefully place the positive (red) clamp from one end of the battery charger cable to the positive side of the battery requiring the jump. Then connect the positive side from the other end of the cable to the battery providing the jump. Now do the same thing with the negative (black) cables but do not connect to the terminal of the dead battery. Instead clamp it to the grounding plate that should be right beside it.

 

If the battery terminals were not cleaned you may need to wiggle the clamps around a bit in order to get a good bite and a good electrical connection. During this process do not let the cable leads touch each other.

 

Now start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for just a few minutes.

 

Before starting the car requiring the jump turn the headlights on first. This is a fast and easy way to absorb any voltage spikes that could otherwise damage the vehicle's computer. Now start the vehicle and as soon as it is running carefully remove the cables from both vehicles.

 

To be safe allow the car to idle for at least three or 4 min. and then drive it for at least 30 min. in order to properly and fully recharge your battery. If the battery runs down again after this, you likely need a new battery or there may be a problem with your alternator or charging system.

 

I hope these tips help you. Please come back to this website again for more auto maintenance tips and tricks. Thank you.