How to jump start the battery when the car is out of power, correctly and safely

During daily use of the car, it is very possible that one day your car suddenly "acts up" and won't start. With this phenomenon, most car users will immediately think that the battery is dead. This can happen for many reasons.

Using another vehicle to jump start the battery when it runs out of power is the most common method used by many people.

Common culprits include a weak battery, a bad alternator, or a worn alternator belt that needs to be replaced or repaired. But it can also be as simple as leaving your headlights on, or leaving your interior lights on, draining your battery overnight.

In this case, you need to jump start the battery so that you can take the car to a repair shop for further inspection. Here is what you need to know about jump starting or car battery.

One of the first lessons is to buy jumper cables (costs about 200,000 VND) and always carry them with you. The next lesson is how to use them.

Step 1: Get help from another car

If your car battery runs out while you are parked on the side of the road, you don't have to worry too much as you can ask for help from other cars on the road.

Battery jumper cables are usually 2 red and black wires.

In this case, many other car owners will be more than willing to help you. What you need to prepare is a set of jumper cables long enough, usually 2.5m or more, to connect between 2 cars easily. A normal jumper cable set has 2 colors: Red (connects to the positive terminal) and black (connects to the negative terminal or ground on the car).

Next, turn off the lighting system, entertainment system and electrical accessories on both vehicles except the air conditioner fan (to avoid sudden voltage surges), then apply the handbrake or electronic brake if available.

Step 2: Connect the battery jumper wires

After the above steps, now open the car hood and identify the battery terminals by color, usually the positive terminal is red and the negative terminal is black, corresponding to the color of the battery cables.

But sometimes, not all cars have such rules, so you should look for the positions with (+) or (-) signs to determine the battery terminals. At this time, remember the order of connecting the battery jumper wires according toserial orderas follows:

The order of connecting the battery jumper wires between the support vehicle and the dead vehicle.

1. Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead car battery.

2. Connect the other end of the red battery cable to the positive terminal of the support vehicle battery.

3. Connect one end of the black battery cable to the negative terminal of the support vehicle battery.

4. Connect the other end of the black battery cable to a metal surface.unpaintedsuch as the pin or bracket at least 10-15cm away from the dead car battery, pay attentionnot negative.

Step 3: Start the car

First, start the support vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes. Next, start the dead vehicle, then let both vehicles idle for a few minutes.

Distinguishing the positive and negative poles of a battery can be based on color or symbols (+), (-).

After the car with a dead battery has started and run stably for about 3-5 minutes, turn on the air conditioning system or heating mode to ensure the generator is operating at maximum capacity. Finally, you start removing the connectors in the reverse order of the way you connected them (4-3-2-1).

Drive the car for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. Do not turn the engine off until you are somewhere safe, in case the battery fails to charge. If your car battery is several years old, it is best to replace it as soon as possible.

Currently, in addition to using another car's battery to support, if possible, you can also buy yourself a portable battery booster with prices ranging from 1-3 million VND, in case the car dies in deserted places with little traffic.

Portable electric jump starter is considered a lifesaver when the car breaks down in deserted places.

The cost is a bit high, and may be used very rarely, but when needed, battery boosters can show their full value.

Notes during battery charging process that users often make mistakes

- Even if there is a backup vehicle and the car with dead battery still cannot be started, continue to wait for a few minutes and then start the car again.

- When connecting the battery, the car owner must wear protective gloves (can be purchased for a few thousand dong) to avoid contact with leaked acid solution which can cause burns.

- Only use 12V voltage, as for higher, incompatible voltage levels, it can damage the electrical system and equipment on the car, causing great damage.

- When connecting the battery, you need to be careful not to touch the car with your hands. If you touch the car with your hands, the electricity will pass through your body and you may get an electric shock.

- When removing the cable ends, be especially careful not to let the cable ends touch anything, especially metal or other clamps.