How to Use Jumper Cables Safely

You’ve likely been in a situation when your car wouldn’t start when you put the key in the ignition. It seems that this happens in the most inconvenient of times, like when you are on your way to work or headed to an important appointment. While this can be a pain, having a set of jumper cables can help prevent this from becoming a major headache. It’s a great idea to keep a set in your car for moments like this, whether it’s for your own car or to help jump start someone else’s. However, it is important to make sure you know how to use jumper cables correctly. Using them incorrectly can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Here are a few steps to make sure you are using your jumper cables safely and effectively.

If your car is dead, the first thing you are going to need is a second car to give your car a boost. Park the booster car so that the two vehicles are close to each other, and then turn the engine off. Be sure that the two cars are not touching. Take out the jumper cables and connect the red clamp to the positive terminal on the dead car’s battery, which has a plus sign by it. Connect the second red side to the other car’s positive terminal. Next, take the black clamp and connect it to the booster car’s negative battery terminal, which has a minus sign by it. Clamp the other black side to a metal surface on the dead car. A good place to do this would be on a screw or bolt. Make sure that the cables aren’t touching the engine on either vehicle.

Once you have the jumper cables properly connected, start the booster car. Let it run for a few minutes, and then try starting the dead car. After letting it run for a few minutes, disconnect the black cable from the dead car’s battery and disconnect the black cable from the other car. Finally, remove the red cable from the booster car, then do the same with the other car.

Following these steps exactly will help ensure that you are using jumper cables safely. If you follow these steps and your car still will not start, then it is likely that the issue is not with the battery. Calling a tow truck or mechanic would be a good next step.

Prevent yourself from getting stuck on the side of the road. Keep jumper cables in your trunk wherever you go. Not only can this keep you from being stranded, it can also be helpful if you need to help start up someone else’s car. Visit this website for more information.