If you drive a car, you need to know how to use a pair of jumper cables. DonNichols/Getty Images Show What could be worse than walking out to your car after a long day of work only to have a dead battery. Maybe you left an interior light on or your battery has simply reached the end of its life. Either way, car batteries don't typically give you signs of trouble until it's too late, and then your car just won't start. So no matter how old (or new) your car is, owning a working set of jumper cables — and knowing how to use them — is a must. First you need the right pair of cables. When you really need them, any set is better than none at all, but if you're buying new jumper cables, Popular Mechanics suggests ones that are 4 to 6 gauge and at least 20 feet (6 meters) long. Those extra-long cables will come in handy and make connecting batteries easier if you can't put two cars directly next to each other. Also look for jumpers with thicker cables and heavy clamps. They'll be more durable and last longer. Of course, when it comes time to jump your battery, it's very important to handle the cables properly. Always keep the red and black clamps from touching, and be sure the cables stay apart when you're getting set up — especially once you have the clamps connected to a live battery. If the clamps touch when they're "hot," it could short out one or both cars and will definitely create some sparks. Since using jumper cables incorrectly can be dangerous, follow every step precisely. Most jumper cables have an instruction card or label so you can make sure you're connecting them the right way. Connect the Cables
Start the Engines
It's best to keep your car running for a good while to help recharge the battery, but you should also consider having its voltage checked to be sure it doesn't need replacing. Originally Published: Jul 7, 2011 Jumper Cables FAQCan I get jumper cables at gas stations?While small cables may be available for purchase at gas stations, they’re often not the best solution. This is especially true if you have an SUV or truck. It’s recommended that you use the thickest cables available, making sure that they are able to conduct the energy required to jumpstart your car. What are jumper cables used for?Also known as jump leads or booster cables, jumper cables are insulated wires. They come in pairs and have alligator clips that are used to connect a car battery to another energy source. These sources can either be other vehicles, or batteries that have the same voltage as the car that needs to jumpstart. Why do I need heavy-duty jumper cables?Heavy-duty jumper cables will be thicker and have a higher gauge, allowing more electricity to pass through quickly to jumpstart the vehicle. This ensures that you can jumpstart your car in the worst conditions, like if it’s cold out and you’ve got a severely drained battery. Do I need to turn off my car before disconnecting the jumper cables?Yes! Don’t touch the cables if your vehicle is running. Both the car and auxiliary source must be turned off prior to connection or disconnection. Otherwise it can cause vehicular damage and potentially electrocute a person. How do I connect jumper cables?First, make sure the vehicles are both turned off. Then, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery (often marked with a “+” symbol). Next, connect the other end of the same red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery (or the source that is being used to jump-start the car). Attach the black connector to the negative terminal of the “donor” power source. Then attach the black connector at the other end of the cables to a metal part of the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery. When the cables are connected, start the working car, while remaining in park. Let it run for a minute or two, then try to start the other vehicle. When jump starting a car which cable goes first?First the clamp of the red cable is connected to the positive terminal of the assisting vehicle. The other end of the red cable is connected to the positive terminal of the broken down vehicle. Then the black clamp is connected to the negative terminal of the assisting battery.
|