Dead vehicle? How to jump-start safely…

You’ve done everything from packing the bags and choosing the music, to paying for the accommodation. But then, on your way to your holiday destination, your vehicle seems to just ‘die’ and you need to keep jump-starting it after making resting stops.

According to Battery Centre, jump-starting the vehicle is the standard solution for a flat battery. But what most people don’t realise is that they could be doing it wrongly – and this could have dangerous consequences.

Before hauling out the cables, consult Battery Centre’s step-by-step guide on how to jump-start your vehicle the right way:

1. Safety check
Firstly, read the vehicle manual. Some vehicles have specific procedures for jump-starting. This may include information on the location of the battery (it may not be in front). Some newer models don’t allow jump-starts at all and you could risk voiding your warranty if you attempt it.

If you can, wear gloves and eye protection. Vehicle batteries contain sulphuric acid and other chemicals that can be dangerous. Keep a torch shining on the engine if you’re jump-starting in the dark, to ensure cables and any other parts are kept out of harm’s way when the engine turns on.

2. Use quality jumper cables
Use only high-quality cables that are in good working condition, colour-coded and at least 2,5 metres long. Cables in poor condition can cause sparks and fires.

3. Prepare the vehicles
Once both vehicles are ready, prepare to hook up the cables. Make sure the vehicles aren’t touching (this can create a shock) but are parked close enough for the cables to reach both batteries.

Switch off electronics in both vehicles, including radio, aircon and any accessories that drain the battery. Turn off the ignition in both vehicles – this prevents electrical overload.

4. Hook up the cables
Hook up the cables in the right sequence. Start by identifying the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals on each car’s battery. Double-check this before you actually connect the cables, or you could cause serious damage to the vehicles’ electrical systems.

Once the cables are prepared, connect a red cable to the positive (+) post of the flat battery and connect the other end of the cable to the live battery’s positive (+) post. Also connect the end of the black cable to the live battery’s negative (–) post and connect the other end to the flat battery.

Move away from the open hoods and start the engine in the live vehicle first. Wait a few minutes, then try to start the other car. If the vehicle doesn’t start, switch off and re-check the connections. Once you get a start, leave the car running for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.

5. Consult the specialists
If your vehicle fails to start after a few attempts, it could mean your battery is faulty or needs to be replaced. This could be a broken fuse, corrosion or a faulty alternator, or start connection. Most vehicle batteries last for three to five years and should be replaced regularly thereafter.

• Source: Battery Centre