5 Tips on How to Jumpstart Your Car

When you own a vehicle or drive often it is generally a good idea to know a few basic things just in case you cannot get assistance in time. Plus knowledge is always a good idea, it may surprise you when some random information like this will come up to save the day. One of the main things to know is how to jumpstart your car. It could be the thing you need to get to the nearest workshop or even your house.  

Why do you need to jumpstart a car?

When your car has a battery that is running on low or has been affected in some way it won’t necessarily have the power to be able to turn the engine over. A good example of this is leaving the headlamps or radio on overnight while the vehicle is parked. This can drain the battery and leave you without enough power to start the car.

How to Jumpstart Your Car

Before you start you will need a few items. A working set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a charged and working battery. Make sure the two cars are close enough for the jumper cable to reach both batteries comfortably.

• Step 1 – get the two cars close to each other, enough that the jumper cable will comfortably reach both batteries. Put the handbrake, or parking brake, up and turn the ignition off.
• Step2 – with both cars off, place the red cable on the positive terminal on the working battery and the flat battery.
• Step 3 – place the black cable on the negative terminal of the working battery and the other black cable on an earthing point. This is an unpainted piece of metal away from the battery.  
• Step 4 – wait a few minutes and then start the car with the working and let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes.  
• Step 5 – now turn on the ignition of the car with the flat battery and allow both cars to idle for about 10 minutes.
• Step 6 – turn both cars off and then remove the jumper cable carefully. First remove the black cable and then the red cable and do not let them touch.
• Step 7 – last thing to do is start the car that has the flat battery and see if it will start and idle on its own.

Jumpstart Safety

As you are working with electricity it is important to take a few precautions when handling the battery and jumper cable. Ensure that the battery is not damaged or leaking, if this is the case have the car towed instead. Also be sure to check the jumper cable for any damages. Should the jumper cable become hot at any point, stop and have the car towed.

Take any jewelry off and make sure you do not have any metal parts touching the battery or jumper cable. You should also avoid smoking or having any open flames near the engines. Lastly, only remove the jumper cables once both engines are off and always use caution.

Typically batteries should last between 5 to 7 years and should only be recharged when they show signs of deterioration. At this point you will want to consider replacing the battery.

Protect Your Car’s Engine with Chaiz

Chaiz is the first entirely online vehicle service contract comparison website, offering excellent coverage with more flexibility, transparency, and at much better rates than other sellers. Giving you the choice of three different plan types. This is the powertrain plan, powertrain plus plan, and the most comprehensive plan. Many of these plans come with the additional coverage options. Plus added perks that include 24/7 roadside assistance such as jumpstarting your car and towing services.

Through the Chaiz search tool you can input your car’s details and the top third-party providers will pop up. Each plan has a more detailed tab for an extensive view into plan details. Plus you can request a call back. We only call when you ask, no robocalls or pressure to purchase here at Chaiz.

A vehicle service contract is designed to alleviate the stress of covering the repair bills occurring under unforeseen circumstances. Taking into account that mechanical issues do tend to happen in an unpredictable way it may be beneficial to shop around for extended auto protection that will suit your needs.

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