The latest instalment from the SE4x4R training team.
And now with added video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJWGCnghf6o
Jump leads are a handy way of recharging a flat battery, but they can cause real damage to both cars and people if they’re not used properly.
Important safety information
Batteries produce flammable gases, so:
never try to jump start a battery that looks damaged or is leaking
don’t use jump leads that are damaged
stop using the jump leads if they get hot. Switch off both engines and allow the leads to cool to avoid a possible fire
never smoke or allow naked flames anywhere near either battery
don’t let any metal objects come in contact with the cars’ batteries, as these could cause a spark and possibly make the battery explode. That includes rings, necklaces, watch straps, hand tools, clips, stray wires etc
Don't remove the jump leads while the cars’ engines are running. This can cause serious damage to the cars’ electronics
Before you start, remove any loose-fitting clothing – like a scarf or tie – as these could get caught up in the moving engine parts
A step-by-step guide
Find someone with a car who’s happy to help. Their car must have a fully charged battery with the same voltage as yours (usually 12 volts)
Park both cars so their batteries are within easy reach of one another (without the cars actually touching). Keep the handbrakes on and the ignitions off
Use the red jump lead to connect the working battery’s positive (+) terminal to the flat battery’s positive (+) terminal
Take the black jump lead and attach it to the negative (-) terminal on the working battery. Then attach the other end to an earthing point (unpainted metal on the engine block or chassis) well away from the flat battery and fuel system
Keep both engines off and wait for three minutes, then start the working car’s engine and let it run for a minute
Start your car
Leave both cars to idle, at a fast pace, for around 10 minutes
Turn off both cars’ engines and carefully disconnect the leads in the reverse order to the way they were connected (i.e. remove the black lead from your car first and finish with the red lead from the other car). Make sure the leads don’t touch one another, or either car, as you remove them
Restart your car
If your car won’t start there’s probably a more serious problem requiring professional help
