Jumpstarting your car is a handy skill and knowledge to have because you never know when you just might have to put it to the test. In this blog, we will give a clear outline and explanation of what it is, why and when you need it, as well as how to go about it.

What Is Jumpstarting A Car?

Jumpstarting a car is a procedure where cars are started with a dead or discharged battery either with the help of a portable battery or another vehicle with a charged and high-quality battery. It is a simple process that can easily be done by anyone. However, it is best to seek professional help if you do not feel confident in handling it yourself or if you aren’t aware of all the details of the process.

Essential Tools Required For Jumpstarting A Car

Before you give your car battery a jump start, here are all the essentials that you need in order to get through this process.

Also Read: 10 Must-Have Car Tool Kits You Need

• Working Battery:

The battery you use to jumpstart yours should be fully charged in order for it to provide power to the car with the dead battery.

• Cables:

The jumper cables you use should be thick and have metal clamps at both ends. This is what you will use to attach to the battery terminals.

• Wire Brush or Clean Cloth:

These items are helpful when you need to clean the dirt or corrosion from the battery terminals.

• Safety Glasses &Gloves:

These tools are optional for jumping a car battery but highly recommended to protect yourself from sparks, acid, or gas.

Step-By-Step Process To Jumpstarting A Car

Now, here is a step-by-step process that will guide you on how to jumpstart your car properly.

1. Align the cars:

To get started, you need to align the vehicle with a good battery and need to align the vehicle with the front of both vehicles facing each other. This will make the next steps easier.

2. Connect the jumper cables:

Get out your jumper cables and get ready to connect them to the battery terminal of both vehicles. The positive terminal is usually connected to a red cable. The negative terminal is usually connected by a black cable. The clamps are also colour-coded in black and red to make it clear which goes where. Ensure that the clamps aren’t touching before connecting the jumper cables. Proceed with the following steps:

• Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

• Connect the other end of the red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.

• Connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.

• With the other end of the black clamp, attach it to a part of the car's engine that is unpainted metal or chassis with a dead battery. This will prevent sparks from flying.

• To ensure a secure connection, wiggle each clamp.

3. Start the vehicle:

Start the car with a good battery, and allow it to run for a few minutes to let some charge flow into the dead battery. Go ahead and give the car with the dead battery a start. If it doesn’t, you may need to wait a moment for the battery to charge. Slightly revving your car might help.

4. Unplug the cables:

Disconnect the jumper cables and be on your merry way.

Also Read: Extend The Life Of Your Car Battery With These Simple Ways

Precautions You Should Take While Jumpstarting Your Car

Here are some precautions to bear in mind before or when jump-starting your car:

• Stay safe and wear gloves, safety goggles, etc.

• Never make a mistake of connecting the negative clamp to the negative terminal of the dead battery, this can be dangerous.

• Never attach the positive clamp to any other metal object except the positive terminal of the battery.

• Never make use of jumper cables with wire that are exposed, damaged, or frayed.

• Never make an attempt to jump-start a car with a cracked, frozen, or leaking battery.

• Never jump-start a vehicle with a polarity or voltage that is different from your own.

• Never leave the jumper cables connected for longer periods to avoid overcharging the battery.

Top Reasons That Are Responsible For Car Battery Drain Out

There are different causes of your battery dying that you can prevent to avoid having to jump-start a car.

• Turn off all the electrical accessories when you exit your car.

• Have your car battery replaced because it lasts between three and five years.

• The terminals that attach your battery to the vehicle's electrical system can obstruct the flow of current flow and lower the efficiency of your battery.

• There may be a parasitic draw in your car that’s consuming the electricity. This can gradually drain your battery over time.

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FAQs 

Q. What is the quickest way to jumpstart a car?

A: Use a good battery of another car to charge the battery of the drained car and give it a jump start. Follow the instructions above for a step-by-step guide.

Q. Can jumpstarting a car harm it?

A: Jump-starting your car does not damage or harm your car. However, ensure that you correctly connect the jump leads as well as charge the dead battery using a battery in the correct voltage.

Q. Can you jumpstart a dead battery of a car?

A: If your car battery dies, there are two options that you can try in order to jumpstart the battery. The first option is using jumper cables connected to another vehicle that has a good-quality battery. The other option is to charge your battery with a portable charger.

Q. How many times can you jumpstart a dead battery?

A: You can jumpstart your car battery once. However, if you jump-start it three times a week, then you need to replace it because it is probably damaged. Also, to prevent your battery from getting damaged, avoid cranking your car more than three times when jump-starting your car.

Q. How long does it take to jumpstart a car?

A:  If you're going to jumpstart your car on your own, then it should take around 10-15 minutes. But if you have a professional to help you jump-start your car, then it might take less time

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