what wires can you use to start up a car

[MacRicardo]

You can only use dedicated jumper cables with thick, insulated copper wires and sturdy clamps to start a car. Using anything else, like household electrical wire, is extremely dangerous and can cause severe damage to the vehicle's electrical system or even a fire. The critical factor is the wire's gauge, which indicates its thickness. For jump-starting, you need thick cables with a low gauge number (typically 4 to 6 gauge) to carry the high electrical current required by the starter motor safely.

Thin wires, like those from a household extension cord, will overheat, melt the insulation, and fail to deliver sufficient power. Proper jumper cables are designed for this specific task, with heavy-duty clamps that bite into the battery terminals for a solid connection. The quality of the clamps is as important as the cable itself; cheap, plastic-clad clamps can break and don't always make good contact.

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard is what you should look for. Here’s a quick reference for choosing the right jumper cables based on your needs:

Cable Gauge (AWG)	Typical Length	Best For	Key Consideration
1 or 2 Gauge	10-25 feet	Large trucks, diesel engines, extreme cold	Maximum power delivery; heaviest and most expensive
4 or 6 Gauge	12-20 feet	Standard V6 and V8 cars, SUVs	Ideal balance of performance and manageability for most users
8 or 10 Gauge	10-16 feet	Small 4-cylinder engines, mild weather	Lighter and cheaper, but may struggle with larger engines
12 Gauge or Higher	< 10 feet	Powering accessories, not for jump-starting	Avoid for jump-starts; too thin and will overheat

Beyond the cables, the procedure is critical for safety. Always connect positive to positive (+) first, then attach the negative (-) cable to a clean, unpainted metal part of the dead car's engine block, not the negative battery terminal. This prevents sparks near the battery, which can emit flammable hydrogen gas. After the car is running, disconnect in the reverse order. For ultimate safety and convenience, a modern portable jump starter is a fantastic alternative, as it eliminates the need for a second vehicle and reduces connection hazards.

[DianaAnn]

Look, just grab a set of proper jumper cables from any auto parts store. Don't even think about using some random wire from your garage. You need those thick, black and red cables with big metal clamps. The thicker the cable, the better—it'll say a number like "4-gauge" on the package. Thin wires will get hot and won't get the job done. Hook up the red clips to the positive terminals on both batteries, then the black clip to the good car's negative terminal. For the dead car, clamp the last black clip to a bare metal bolt on the engine. Start the working car, then try starting yours. It's straightforward if you have the right tool.

[VonBryce]

As someone who's been stranded before, the right wires are a lifeline. I always keep a booster pack or portable jump starter in my trunk now. It's a small battery pack with built-in cables, so you don't need another car. It's safer and easier. If you must use traditional cables, invest in a quality set. The wires should be as thick as your pinky finger, not like speaker wire. The clamps should be heavy and metal, not partly plastic. Using undersized wires is a recipe for getting shocked or damaging your car's computer. A good set is cheap insurance.

[LaLeila]

Safety is the number one priority. The only acceptable wires are rated jumper cables or a portable jump-starting device. Using incorrect wiring poses significant risks: electrical shorts, damage to sensitive Electronic Control Units (ECUs), battery explosion from spark-induced hydrogen ignition, and melting insulation causing fires. The correct cables are engineered to handle the immense cranking amps needed momentarily by the starter motor. When connecting, the final negative clamp should be attached to an engine ground point, not the dead battery's negative post, to keep sparks away from potential battery gases. This simple step is a critical safety measure.