How To Jump-Start A Dead Battery
A dead or drained battery is one of the biggest inconveniences you can encounter with your vehicle.
A dead battery is another common inconvenience that many drivers will encounter in their lifetime. And unlike changing a flat tire, this one requires a little help from your friends. So, if you don't want to call a tow truck and you have a willing helper, here's how to get some life back in your car battery.
Precautions:
- Pay special attention to the connection order - that's one of the most common and overlooked causes for unsuccessful jump-starts.
- Do not disconnect the disabled battery – this could damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Do not let the assisting (booster) vehicle and the disabled vehicle touch.
Setting up the jumper cables:
- Park the booster vehicle close enough to your vehicle so that you can connect the jumper cables to the batteries with plenty of extra slack.
- Turn off both vehicles. Turn off all lights, electronic devices and any other items that can drain power (it’s a good idea to remove any portable items plugged into your cigarette lighter/outlets as well).
- Remove any terminal covers and corrosion.
- Clamp the red positive (+) jumper cable to the red (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Next, connect the other end of the red positive cable to the booster vehicle's red (+) battery terminal. Make sure that both metal clamps are firmly in contact with the terminal.
- Now connect the black negative clamp to the booster vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.
- Connect the other end of the black (-) cable to a large, unpainted metal surface within the engine area of the dead vehicle, away from the battery and the carburetor/fuel injection system. Make sure cables are clear of any possible moving parts.
- After a final check, start the booster vehicle. Then start the disabled vehicle. Allow them both to run connected for about three minutes.
- While leaving the jumpstarted vehicle running, disconnect the cables in the reverse order that they were attached and close the hoods.
- Keep the jumpstarted vehicle's engine running for about a half hour to allow the battery to fully charge.
- Visit your local Quick Lane to get the jumpstarted battery tested or replaced as soon as you can.
Brown Motors for Batteries
Brown Motors trained technicians can inspect your battery for you. If you need a new one, they have the right high-quality Batteries for your vehicle and driving needs in stock. Plus, they would be happy to install it for you and can take care of everything else your vehicle needs.
Brown Motors is also the best place for any other service your vehicle needs, including oil change, lube, tire rotations, wheel alignments and more. We can do it all in one stop and we’ll top off all your fluied levels & make sure your tires are inflated to the proper level too!