What is the correct way to jump-start a car with a dead battery?
3 Answers
The correct way to jump-start a car with a dead battery is: 1. Position the working car close to the dead car, with their front ends facing each other; 2. Open the hoods of both cars and take out the jumper cables; 3. Locate the batteries of both vehicles, attach the negative clamps to the negative terminals of both batteries, and attach the positive clamps to the positive terminals of both batteries; 4. Start the working car, let it charge for a few minutes, then start the dead car. The functions of a car battery are: 1. When starting the engine, the battery supplies power to the starting system, ignition system, and electronic fuel injection system; 2. When the engine is off or idling at low speed, it powers the car's electrical devices; 3. When the generator's output is insufficient, it provides power to the electrical devices; 4. It mitigates voltage surges in the electrical system, protecting the car's electronic equipment; 5. It stores excess electricity generated by the alternator.
Jump-starting a Car: As someone who often helps neighbors with this, here's my advice. Ensure both car engines are off and the vehicles are close but not touching. First, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (marked with a plus sign) of the dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the working battery. Next, attach one end of the black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery and the other end to an unpainted metal part of the dead car's engine block to avoid spark risks. Start the working car and let it run for 3-5 minutes to supply power, then attempt to start the dead car. Once successfully started, remove the black clamps first (from the dead car’s end first), followed by the red clamps (same order). Afterward, drive the car for at least 30 minutes to recharge the battery. Avoid reversing the cables to prevent fuse damage. Regularly checking battery voltage, especially in winter, can prevent such issues.
I remember last month when my friend's car broke down, I helped jump-start it quite smoothly. First, make sure both car engines are turned off and parked close but not touching each other. Connect one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other to the positive terminal of the working battery. Attach one black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery and the other to any unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine, like a bolt. Start the engine of the working car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the current to flow. Then try starting the dead car, which usually fires up quickly. After it starts, don't rush to disconnect the cables—remove the black clamps first (starting with the dead car's side), then the red ones. Take your time during the whole process to avoid short circuits. Finally, remember to drive for a while to recharge the battery and prevent future issues.
