How To Safely Jump-start Your Car

If possible, wear gloves and eye protection. Car batteries contain sulphuric acid and other dangerous chemicals.

When most people get a flat battery, they right away seek out another car and reach for the jumper cables. But, many actually don’t know how to correctly use them. Or, perhaps, you’ve never used them before. Here’s an easy guide:

First read your car manual. Some cars have a certain procedure when it comes to using jumper cables.

  • If possible, wear gloves and eye protection. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and other dangerous chemicals. If you’re in the dark, use a flashlight. Many smartphones have one.
  • Use high-quality jumper cables. Use cables that are at least 2,5 meters long and colour coded. Poor quality cables could cause sparks and fires.
  • Ready the cars. The cars should be close enough for the cables to reach, but shouldn’t touch - such could create a shock. Turn off each car’s ignition and electronics (radio, air conditioner, etc.).
  • Hook cables in correct sequence. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on each car’s battery. Be absolutely sure. If you incorrectly connect the cables, you could seriously harm each car’s electrical systems.

Connect the red cable to the positive (+) post of the flat battery and then the other end to the live battery’s positive (+) post. Then, connect the black cable to the live battery’s negative (-) post and connect the other end to the flat battery’s negative (-) post. 

  • Step away and start the live car’s engine. After a few minutes, try to start the other car. If it starts, leave it on at least 20 minutes to fully charge the battery.

If the other car still doesn’t start, switch off the live car, recheck the connections, wait a few minutes, and start the live car again. If it starts, see above. If it still doesn’t start, have it towed to a professional. It might need a new battery, the alternator could be faulty, or there could be other issues.

Batteries & More

For over twenty years, Batteries & More has serviced and repaired vehicles. Its team of highly skilled, trained professionals offers batteries, as well as alternator repairs, and starter motor repairs.

Batteries & More is owner managed. It, therefore, fully understands that the need for vehicle service can cause work interruption and loss of income, as well as worry and frustration. That’s why Batteries & More comes out to you. This mobile service basically eliminates downtime and offers you total peace of mind.

If you cannot start your vehicle despite a jump, Batteries & More’s professionals will inspect and test your entire electrical system. A flat auto car battery occurs when its energy is drained. All have a life span ranging from two – seven years, depending on size and usage. If replacement is necessary, Batteries & More offers new car batteries with 1 and 2 year warranties or you could purchase a lower priced reconditioned auto car battery, also with a warranty.

Batteries & More additionally provides Paintless Dent Removal and Mag / Rim Repair.  

You get so much more than car batteries from Batteries & More. You get total peace of mind. Batteries & More offers Alternator Repairs & Replace Johannesburg, auto Car batteries for sale Starter motor repairs, Paintless Dent Removal and Mag / Rim Repair and Batteries and more. Contact today online at batteriesandmore.co.za or call at 083 766 9100

Batteries & More is providing the Starter motor repairs, Car batteries, Car batteries for sale, Auto car battery, Alternator for sale, Battery store/supplier, Starter motor repairs and Car Batteries from Batteries and more. More Details visit our website.

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