For every new car, there is always a certain level of confidence that the driver has. You feel invincible and protected from any form of danger as you continue to use your vehicle. But what happens as you continue to use the car and the season’s change.
You would notice that things might get a little bit different during winter, and your car battery might decide to be non-responsive on a perfect winter morning. What do you do when you are faced with such a situation?
This is precisely the moment you have to prove that you understand some necessary repairs and also to show that you know how to use jumper cables.
How to Use Jumper Cables
Unlike every other course in college, this cannot be learned except you pay attention and are faced with a real-life situation.
We understand that at times when you need such training, you should get the best, and we have reached a guide to help describe how to use jumper cables in the way they are meant.
Now, to go into the details of some of the steps required in using the jumper cables correctly involve the information below, please read on to have a better understanding.
Prerequisites
There are certain things you must have in place first before you think of using the jumper cables.
The need to use the wires only plays out when there is a situation that needs to be met or rectified, and as such, you need to get some things done first.
Part of what you need to get initially done is to either get a car battery or a car that you will use for the process.
Then you can either take the battery closer for the procedure to start and if not, you can drive the car you want to use to jumpstart your vehicle close enough to reach the terminals, once this is done, you can then get your cables.
About the cables
You should have a good pair of wires in your car that you can keep there for the times you need them the most.
If you are seeking to purchase a new pair of cables, then you should look for something that has a size of four to six gauze and a length of about 20 feet.
The thicker the cables, the more your chances of you having them last over a long period. It would also give you the firmer connection.
All you need to do is to get an excellent fit for these jumper cables and place them in the trunk. You can never tell when exactly you will need them.
Connecting the jumper cables
When you hold a typical jumper cable, you will see two terminals, the red and black.
Make sure that none of those sides touch each other at any point in time. You should be confident of proper handling first, before any other thing.
It would be an excellent idea for you to have another person with you so you can hold a point at the cables and the other person can hold the other terminal in place.
Make sure the clamps do not touch each other when they are hot. This could cause a dangerous spark and other effects you might not be able to envisage.
Once you are sure the car to be used to connect, your vehicle has a good battery and is parked beside your car.
Once this is done, you should open the hood of your car and the car to be used; then, you will need to find where the battery is located.
For most cars, the battery terminals are always protected with a cover; then, you can remove the lid and find which part of the terminal is positive and negative.
Once this is done, place the clamp on their respective terminals.
Please bear in mind that you will need to create a firm connection for both terminals, so you should ensure that the dirt and any impediment on it.
Essentially, the positive terminal usually has a red post on it while the negative has a black, but to be sure, make sure it is written on it.
Rev Your Engine
After you have firmly placed your clamps on both vehicles, you should first start the working car; then, you can proceed to start your car.
If all things are normal, then your car should start immediately. But if it doesn’t start, there are a number of things that can cause it not to work.
First, you should secure the connection and make sure it is firmly placed on the terminals, and you can try again.
If the light for the controls in your car comes on and you hear the sound of your engine turn over but still doesn’t start, then it means you are faced with a different kind of problem.
In the same manner, if you hear a ‘click click click’ sound when you start the engine, the chances are that your starter is wrong and needs replacement.
To be sure your battery is in good condition, you should make use of the multimeter to read the battery voltage.
For an average working battery, once it is turned off, it is meant to read a little over 12, this could vary according to vehicle types, but above 12 volts is the ideal range.
If you get lucky and your car starts after you start the engine, then it means you can safely remove the cables.
Again, take precautions that the clamp must never touch themselves. Safely remove the cables from your car and the working car.
Then you should return them safely to where you picked them from. Be sure to leave your car running till you get to the destination you have in mind.
The period between starting your car and getting to your destination should give you a good time to charge your battery so that you do not fall victim to the same ordeal.
While you are advised to get always take jumper cables in your car with you at any point in time, you can also have an alternative, which is portable jumper packs for cars. These packs come with enough power to start your vehicle.
All you need to do is charge the pack and use them correctly on the terminals, and it will produce the same result as jump-starting with a car battery, only make sure the car is pack is fully charged.
In conclusion, we have been able to cover the proper use of the jumper cables as well as explain the process of jump-starting your car too.
With this information, you should be able to have an excellent experience even as a first-timer. All you need to do is duly follow the instructions, and you should be fine.