Jumpstarting Your Vehicle: What You Need to Know
Tips for Safely Jumpstarting Your Car
Jumper Cables Versus Portable Battery Chargers
If your car won’t start, it may be because the battery needs a jump start. You can give your car battery a jump start by using either jumper cables or a portable battery charger. Portable battery chargers are very beneficial because they are much safer and easier to use than jumper cables. Jumper cables can be very dangerous if not used properly and are also not very convenient to carry around. On the other hand, a portable battery charger is convenient since you won’t need help from someone else to jumpstart your car. However, you need to ensure you keep your portable battery charger charged, or you’ll have two dead batteries when you attempt to jumpstart your car. If you have jumper cables, you will need to connect them to another working car’s battery. Once the cables are connected, start the working car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting your car. You may need to use a portable battery charger if it still won’t start. Most battery chargers have instructions on how to use them. Once your car is running, be sure to drive it for at least 30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.
Tips for Safely Jumpstarting Your Vehicle
Whether you are using jumper cables or a portable battery charger, these tips are important for keeping you safe while you jumpstart your vehicle. Make sure your car is in park or neutral before attempting to jumpstart it. First, ensure your car is in park or neutral before attempting to jumpstart it. Attach the positive cable to the positive terminal on your battery, and then attach the other end of the cable to the positive terminal on the donor battery or use the positive wire from the battery charger. Finally, attach the negative cable to the negative terminal on the donor battery, and then attach the other end of the cable to a metal ground on your car.
Bring Us Your Battery Questions
If you’re having trouble with the battery in your vehicle, it’s time to speak with the team at AutoStream Car Care Center. Our expert technicians will inspect and test your battery before making suggestions for replacing the battery with the necessary power to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Call us today to make an appointment for a battery inspection and test, or stop by the Ellicott City, MD, shop to speak to our team.
