When driving around Silver Spring, MD, it’s essential to know how to jump-start a car. In all likelihood, your Volkswagen won’t develop a dead battery, as its advanced systems will warn you that the battery is failing. Knowing how to jump a car means you’ll be able to help a friend or family member get their car started, however.
Driving in Silver Spring, MD: How To Jump-Start a Car
What You Need
The only item you need to jump-start another car is a good set of jumper cables. Jumper cables are readily available in stores, and we advise always keeping a set in your trunk. In the event of an emergency, you can help to get someone back on the road. When choosing cables, it’s best to select the longest cables available. You may have to park behind the other car, and longer cables will allow you to connect to their battery.
A second important consideration when choosing jumper cables is the level of current they can transmit. If a cable can’t transmit sufficient power, you won’t be able to jump-start another car.
How Do You Jump-Start a Car?
Position the Cars
Ideally, position the two cars so that your car’s hood faces the hood of the other car. The two vehicles should also be as close together as possible. Once you’re in position, switch off the engines of both vehicles and open the hoods.
Connect the Cables
Your battery has a positive and negative terminal. The cables must be connected precisely to prevent any damage to your battery or the other car.
Connect the Positive Cables
The positive cable is red, and the negative cable is black. The first step is to connect a red cable to the positive terminal on the other car, then click the second red cable to the positive terminal on your battery.
Connect the Negative Cables
Once the positive cables are connected, connect one of the black cables to the negative terminal on your battery. The final black cable must be connected to any unpainted bolt in the other car’s engine. This negative cable is never connected to the negative terminal, which can result in severe damage.
Start Your Engine
Once all the cables are connected and secured, start your engine and allow it to idle for several minutes. Power from your battery will flow through the cables into the other car’s battery. After a few minutes, try and start the other car’s engine. Once the other car’s engine starts, its alternator should begin recharging the battery.
A car battery will wear out over time. To ensure your battery is always in good condition, call us at DARCARS Volkswagen, and we’ll test it for you.
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