How to Use Jumper Cables

A car's battery powers an electric starter motor whenever you turn on the ignition switch, and the alternator performs the important task of recharging the battery for future starts. At times, we inadvertently make some blunders like leaving the car's door open or leave the headlights on. As a result, charge drains out from the car battery. When there is a dip in the battery's power level, the starter motor doesn't work and the car doesn't start. Wondering what to do under such circumstances?

Troubleshooting car electrical problems can be a daunting task, but let me tell you an easy solution. Do you know how to jump start a car? When the car battery is weak, you can jump start a car with the help of jumper cables. These cables are lifesavers. When your car's battery goes dead and you stranded, these cables can be used to transfer electric current from a fully charged battery to a dead battery. Since these cables allow electrical power to jump from the auxiliary battery to the dead battery, these are called jumper cables. Here's some information on how to use jumper cables to jump start a dead battery.

How to Jump Start a Car

You can give a boost to your car battery by using these cables, but you must first ensure that the car battery is actually dead. For that you must know how to test a car battery? Before you use these cables, check if your car is making a starting noise. You could also check the voltage readings using a voltmeter. Check the terminals on the battery. Do you see any signs of corrosion? If yes, clean the corrosion buildup on the terminals and reattach the battery connections properly. If that doesn't help and you are sure that the battery is almost dead, get your hands on a pair of jumper cables. If you have never used these cables before, here are the instructions that you need to follow.

• These cables are insulated lengths of heavy gauge wire. You will find large spring-loaded alligator clips on either end. There are two red clips that have a '+' sign to indicate that the terminal is positive. You will also find two black clips with a '-' sign.
• Now you need to understand how these cables need to be connected. You will first need to park the vehicle with the car with fully charged battery next to your car. Since you will need to maneuver the second vehicle around your car, the two batteries must be in close proximity. You can park the cars with their engines facing each other or sideways.
• Raise the hood. Attach the jumper cable with the red clip to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other red clip needs to be attached to the positive terminal of the fully charged battery. Now you need to locate the black clip next to the red one that was attached to the fully charged battery. The last negative clamp should be attached to a piece of metal connected to the engine block.
• Make sure that it is away from the battery. This is done to ensure car safety and avoid sparks near the battery. Though it is rare but sometimes sparks on or near the battery can cause the battery to explode.
• After attaching the cables, you have to start the car with the healthy battery. By doing this, power from both the alternator and battery will be sent through the cables and find its way into the dead battery. If the battery is completely dead, this recharging process might take some time. Wait for some time and start your car. If the battery is sufficiently charged, the car should start.
• Now that the battery is charged, you need to disconnect these cables. You must first remove the black clip on your engine block, then the black clip and red clip on the charged battery and the red clip on your car's battery must be removed last. Turn off the other car. Your work is done now.

These were instructions to jump start a car. If your car's battery is low or almost dead, you can use the aforementioned instructions. Do keep a set of jumper cables in your car.