Jump Starting or Boosting Your Vehicle? – Know the Best Way to Do it!

You may go without jump-starting or boosting your vehicle for years if you take care of it properly. However, you'll eventually have to jump-start or boost your car towards its battery's lifespan. If you have trouble starting the engine, you will know your vehicle needs jump-starting. While the alternator can also be faulty, you can check the indicators on the dashboard. You'll notice an illuminated battery warning light when the battery is faulty. However, the dashboard lights and headlights are dimmer than usual when the alternator is defective. Also, the engine will die soon after jump-starting the vehicle. 

Jump Starting or Boosting Your Vehicle? – Top Things to Know

Jump starting a vehicle requires another car to provide the jump to a dead battery. However, using sound judgment and ensuring your safety when seeking help is vital, especially if you get it from strangers. Here are the things to know before you jump-start or boost your vehicle. 
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• Read the owner's manual to know what the manufacturer recommends, especially sensitive electronic circuity.

 

• Avoid jump-starting the battery if frozen.

 

• Avoid jump-starting a leaking or cracked battery- You need a new battery, meaning you must seek help from a friend or tow truck service.

 

• Avoid jump starting a dry battery - Check cells for fluid level and add it if necessary.

 

• Use aluminum foil or wire to clean the battery if it has corrosion in the form of greenish or white powdery stuff.

 

• Hook the cables, ensuring the hook-up clamps don't touch each other.

Adhering to these safety tips will help you jump-start your vehicle safely. Nevertheless, consult your mechanic if you encounter challenges.

Steps to Jump Start or Boost Your Vehicle

Jump starting a vehicle requires jumper cables and another car with a battery. A friend or stranger can help you jump-start your vehicle. Once you have jumper cables and another battery or car, follow these steps to jump-start your vehicle.

1. Connect the red cable to the dead battery's positive terminal. 
2. Connect the red wire to the donor battery's positive terminal
3. Connect the black wire to the donor battery's negative terminal
4. Connect the black wire to the dead battery's negative terminal
5. Start the donor vehicle
6. Start the car with the dead battery
7. Disconnect the batteries in reverse sets 4, 3, 2, and 1.

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Always ensure you've parked both vehicles and shut off the donor vehicle. Most importantly, ensure the clamp heads don't touch each other during the process.

What if the Car Fails to Start?

You may have to call a mechanic or do some troubleshooting if the car fails to start. Here's what to do if you have challenges boosting your vehicle.

• Listen to the sound the vehicle makes when you try to jump-start it. If it makes a clicking noise, the starter might be faulty. 
• Check the electrical system to see if it's turning on. If it does, the ignition switch, starter, fuse, or battery might have an issue. 
• If the vehicle dies immediately after jump-starting, try again and leave it running after jump-starting to help the battery recharge fully.

If your efforts to boost or jump-start your vehicle fail, you can call a reliable towing company for help, schedule a professional battery inspection, or get a replacement.