Let's face it. At some point, our car battery's going to
fail us. In such situations, it doesn't matter what type of car you drive. All
you need is a starter - usually another car in the vicinity, and some courage.
Jump starting a car is relatively easy. It can get
difficult, and dangerous, if not done properly though. If you suspect that your
battery has issues, it's best to get a thorough inspection.
The rule of thumb is to always rely on the experts if you're
unsure about what to do. With that in mind, let's tap in our resident auto
service gurus for some jump-starting tips.
Read on to know more about what to do, and what not to do,
when it comes to jump starting your dead battery.
Which car do you put jumper cables on first?
As you're probably aware, you need two cars to successfully
use jumper cables. Start by popping the hoods of both cars open. You must then
connect the red and black clamps to the dead battery.
Once that's done, you can do the same to the car with the
functioning battery. This serves as the power required to jump start the dead
battery. Start the working car and let it sit for a minute to power the dead
battery enough to start the other car too.
How long should you run a car after a jump?
Once the car has started, let it run for a couple of minutes
to generate enough charge for the battery. After that's done, you should unhook
the clamps in the reverse order of how you had applied them.
Ensure that you drive the car around for at least 30 minutes
before you stop again. If you fail to do so, your battery might need another
jump start.
Does jump starting a car damage the computer?
Modern cars are built around extensive technological
systems. The amount of electronics that go into modern cars pose a myriad of
advantages, and some disadvantages.
A sudden power surge, such as what's emitted from a jump
start, could potentially damage these electronic units. That's why it's
imperative to have expert roadside assistance for such situations.
Getting the support of flat battery experts like Service My
Car can be immensely beneficial in reducing the risk of electronic damage after
a jump start.
What to do when jump starting your car?
·
Before you do anything, go through the owner's
manual. It's vital to understand the battery terminals and how they interact
with jumper cables.
·
Some vehicle manufacturers prohibit you from
jump starting the vehicle. If you vehicle manufacturer is one of them, don't
jump start your car as doing so may void your warranty.
·
You must follow all the precautions listed in
the owner's manual. These include precautions such as removing a fuse, turning
on the defroster, etc.
·
You must check the battery's voltage in the car
being used for jump starting the dead battery. If the voltages don't match, it
poses as severe risk of damage to both vehicles.
·
Ensure that both the cars are close enough for
the cables to reach. However, you must also ensure that cars are not touching
each other.
·
Make sure to turn off the engine in the car
that's being used to jump start the dead battery.
·
You must unplug any accessories being used, as
the power surge could cause them to short.These accessories include phone
chargers, AUX cords, etc.
·
Ensure that both the cars being used are in P
(park) or N (neutral), with the handbrakes applied.
·
You must ensure that all electrical units are
turned off in both the vehicles. These would include headlights, indicators,
hazard lights, radios, cabin lights, etc.
·
For personal safety precautions, ensure to have
rubber gloves and safety goggles on when jump starting the battery.
What NOT to do when jump starting your car?
·
Ensure that you never lean over, or stay too
close to the batteries of both cars.
·
While this is supposed to go without saying, you
must avoid smoking at all costs when attempting to jump start your car.
·
You must never attempt to jump start your car if
the battery fluids are frozen. Frozen battery fluids in such scenarios could
lead to an explosion.
·
The same applies for a battery that's damaged or
leaking in any way. If you observe a crack or any kind of leakage, avoid jump
starting the car, as it could lead to an explosion.
What to do once you've successfully jump started your
car?
If you've reached this stage after successfully jump
starting your car, then congratulations! Your next few steps are absolutely
crucial.
·
Once you've successfully jump started your car,
let it sit and idle for anywhere between 5-10 minutes. This will help charge
the dead battery.
·
Make an attempt to start the car with the dead
battery. If it refuses to start, then you must let it idle for some more time.
·
After some time has lapsed, try to carefully
adjust the positive cable to the terminal to get a better connection.
·
Try to start the car again. If the car starts,
remove the cables carefully in reverse. You must ensure that the cables don't
touch each other at this stage.
·
Don't forget to thank anyone that helped you
jump start your car.
After you've successfully started your car, ensure that you
run the vehicle for at least 30 minutes. This period will allow the alternator
to completely charge the battery.
However, there are instances where the battery continues to
drop the charge. If you experience such symptoms, it's best to get a battery
expert to inspect your car.
For such a service, look no further than Service My Car. Our
team of expert car battery replacement technicians will carry out the entire
repair for you in no time.
To get started with Aston martin repair, simply give us details of your car to get a
free quote. This can be done on the Service My Car app or website. If you opt
for collection and delivery, choose a time slot and enter your location
details. Get expert service for your Aston martin repair.
With the world's leading battery providers in our parts
network, we'll ensure to fit your vehicle with the best battery that adheres to
your manufacturer's standards.
For any flat battery, flat tyre, or car recovery services,
check out our roadside assistance section. If you're looking for a car battery
replacement, request a quote on our website or on the Service My Car app today.
