3 Simple Mistakes You'Re Making When You Jumpstart Your Car
A dead car battery can be a major inconvenience, especially if you're in a rush. To avoid waiting for roadside assistance and save time, money, and hassle, many opt to jumpstart their cars by themselves.
Unfortunately, there are several mistakes you could make that may cause your car more harm than good. Read on to learn more.
Wrong Cable Connections
One of the most common mistakes people make when jumpstarting their cars is connecting the cables to the wrong terminals.
The positive cable (red) should always be connected to the positive terminal, and the negative cable (black) should be connected to ground or an unpainted metal surface on your car. The positive terminal will usually have a "+" sign, and the negative terminal will typically be labeled with a "-" symbol.
If you accidentally connect the cables to the wrong terminals, you could cause serious damage to your car's electrical system. This will cause a spark, which can damage the computer and other electrical components.
To avoid this, double-check that each cable is connected to the correct terminal before turning on the car.
Tip: Only use cables that are designed for jumpstarting cars. Ordinary cables are unsuitable since they cannot transfer enough current.
Not Allowing Sufficient Time for Your Battery to Recharge
Once you've connected the cables, the next step is to start the car. However, after you've started your car, it's important to allow sufficient time for your battery to recharge. This will ensure that there is enough power in your battery so that you can start your car again in the future without relying on a jumpstart.
Immediately after the car starts, it can take a few minutes for all the electronics and sensors to re-calibrate. Some components are actually very sensitive and require time to reset, so it's important to allow your car to run for a couple of minutes before turning it off.
Other times, the battery may not have charged enough to sustain your car. If this is the case, then you will need to jumpstart your car again if you turn it off too soon.
Jumpstarting a Frozen Battery
If the temperature is extremely cold, then your car battery will be more likely to freeze. Trying to jumpstart a frozen battery is a huge mistake since it can cause permanent damage or even an explosion.
If you suspect that your car battery is frozen, have it checked by an expert first. If the battery is indeed frozen, then try to use other means of de-icing such as heating pads or warm air blowers. Once you've successfully thawed out the battery, it should be safe to jumpstart your car.
Contact a car jumpstart service if you're ever in doubt about jumpstarting your car. With the right equipment and expertise, they can help get you back on the road quickly and safely.