How To Safely Boost Your Car Battery 

At some point, you will probably need to jump-start a car with a dead battery, whether it is your own or someone else’s.  Even if you are not doing it yourself, you need to know the proper method, so that you can catch any mistakes that might occur.

Warning: Improper Battery Boosts Can Damage The Electrical Parts Of Your Vehicle.

First and foremost, remember that this can be dangerous and you should use caution.

Find the battery

This may sound very basic, but it is not.  Open the hood and locate the dead battery in your car.  Also, check the location of the battery you are getting the jump from.

Position the cars appropriately

Park the vehicles close enough that the cables will reach easily.  Make sure there is some slack so the cables will not fall off during the process.  Be sure both hoods are secure in the open position.  Be sure the vehicle providing the jump is turned off.

Check for leaks or damage

Before connecting the jumper cables, check for any visible damage to the battery, including cracks and leaks.  If there is a leak, hydrogen gas can be released, which is flammable.  If there is any visible damage, call a tow company.  The vehicle will need to be transported to an auto shop where professionals will deal with this potentially dangerous situation.

Connect cables

If there are no visible signs of damage:

• • Connect the red clamp of the jumper cable to the red post on the vehicle providing the jump.
  • Connect the black clamp to the battery’s black post of the vehicle providing the jump.

At no time should the jumper cables come in contact with each other.

• • Connect the red clamp of the jumper cable to the red post on the vehicle receiving the charge.
  • Connect the black clamp to the black post on the vehicle receiving the charge, or connect the black clamp to the engine instead.  Connecting to the engine reduces the chance of a spark around the battery.

Start the engine of the car providing the jump

Start the engine and let it run for at least 5 or 10 minutes to allow the dead battery to absorb the charge.  Shut off the engine.

Start the vehicle receiving the charge

Turn the key in the ignition to see if the car starts.  If the car does not start, leave the cables attached for a longer period of time or call for roadside assistance.

Remove the clamps

• Remove the black clamp from the vehicle providing the jump and then remove the red clamp from the vehicle providing the jump.
• Remove the black clamp from the vehicle receiving the jump and then remove the red clamp from the vehicle receiving the jump.

At no time should the jumper cables come in contact with each other.

 

After you are mobile again, be sure to take the vehicle to an auto repair shop.  The technician will help determine whether the battery needs replacement and will check all the contacts and cables.  If you ever need help with starting your car then call us at 647-812-1477 – With tow trucks near you we arrive fast and battery boosts are the cheapest roadside assistance service we offer.