What gauge wire should be used for car jump-starting cables?

[Erica]

For car jump-starting cables, it is recommended to use national standard pure copper wire with a cross-section of 25 square millimeters. Always use dedicated automotive jump-start cables for this purpose. If substituting with ordinary wires, be sure to use large-gauge pure copper national standard wires to ensure effective jump-starting and prevent damage to both vehicles. Below are instructions for car jump-starting: 1. Connect the cables with both vehicles turned off. First connect the positive terminal, then the negative terminal. Start the functioning vehicle first, then attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. Once the vehicle is fully started, quickly disconnect the battery cables, removing the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal. 2. After successful jump-starting, the battery needs to be recharged. Let the vehicle idle for 3-4 hours or drive for 3-4 hours to fully charge the battery. Turning off the vehicle too soon will prevent the battery from fully charging, making it impossible to start the vehicle again later.

[MacAllie]

I've driven quite a few cars myself and have had plenty of experience jump-starting vehicles for friends. To be honest, the thickness of the jumper cables is crucial—it's best to use 4-gauge or 6-gauge copper wires. When jump-starting my small car, 4-gauge cables are sufficient, but make sure they're not too short; at least 3 meters long, otherwise, it's inconvenient to connect. If the cables are too thin, the current won't transfer properly, the car won't start, and the high resistance can cause the cables to overheat, which is extremely dangerous. Once, I borrowed a thin cable, and it didn't work at all—the battery even started smoking. For safety, always connect the positive terminals of both cars first, then attach the negative cable to a metal part of the engine to avoid sparks. Don't reverse the connections and cause a short circuit. When buying cables, opt for high-quality copper ones—they're not expensive, around 30 yuan for a set that includes insulated clamps. For long-term use, maintain them by checking that the insulation isn't cracked.

[VanessaRose]

From a technical perspective on jumper cable size, as an avid car enthusiast who loves tinkering, I believe the key is to match the current requirements. Simply put, compact cars with smaller engines can use 6 AWG cables, while larger SUVs or trucks require 2 or 4 AWG, as they typically handle currents of several thousand amps. Cables that are too thin may overheat or even melt. Copper cables are the best choice due to their higher conductivity efficiency. Thicker cables also help reduce voltage drop, ensuring a smaller voltage difference between the two car batteries for quicker starts. Based on my own tests, 4 AWG cables work fine for starting regular cars, but thicker cables are more reliable for cold starts in winter when current demands are higher. Length is also crucial—3 to 5 meters is a safe distance to avoid short circuits. For safety, avoid low-quality cables and opt for branded ones with protective sleeves, replacing them before they deteriorate.

[LeVictoria]

Safety first! Always use thick enough cables for jump-starting. As an experienced driver for many years, I recommend No. 2 or No. 4 gauge cables for maximum safety. Thin wires will overheat and smoke when conducting current, which could potentially cause a fire if ignited. When helping neighbors jump-start their cars, I always remind them not to skimp on cable thickness - use at least 2 meters for safe connection. During operation, first connect to the positive terminal of the rescue vehicle's battery, then to the dead vehicle's positive terminal. For the negative connection, attach it to the metal chassis instead of the battery terminal to reduce spark risk. Wear gloves to prevent electric shock. It's best to keep a set in your car for emergencies, and avoid jump-starting in rainy conditions to prevent electrical leakage.