Jump starting the correct way

Cars have become powerhouses in more ways than one. We charge our phones in the car, we use powerful infotainment and GPS systems which use considerably more battery power than one often assumes.

It is thus imperative that your car’s battery performs at its optimum and that, when you do replace it, you buy the best that you can afford.

The sophisticated electronics in modern cars prohibit one from just jump-starting left, right and centre.

There may be specific jump-starting methodologies for your car and if not adhered to, an extra jolt of electricity may leave you with a hefty repair bill. So always refer to the manufacturer’s manual first, before you jump-start the car.

Possible reasons why your car will not start:

• When you turn the key and you are met with absolute dead silence, check the battery terminals and cables. Should the terminals be corroded or loose, you will have to clean them first and then tighten them properly.

• The engine cranks over but it still will not start: check the fuel supply. Should this be good, it may be a plug that is not firing.

• When you turn the key, you hear a clicking noise but it will not start: this, more often than not, means the battery is dead. •

Should your car not want to start on rainy days, there may be moisture in the distributor cap – if it is fitted with one. This can be cleaned out with some Q20 or a similar product.

• Should the engine start but immediately die again, check that the choke is open or closed. With fuel-injected cars, you will need assistance from an expert.

There is not always a clear answer as to why and when a battery will fail.

To avoid becoming stranded as a result of battery failure, follow these suggestions:

• Clean the battery terminals on a regular basis.

• Ensure that your vehicle’s charging system performs as it should.

• Ensure that the battery is securely mounted.

• Be sure to fit the correct capacity battery for your car.

• Avoid the use of jumper cables as it may damage the battery terminals.

• Ensure that there are no short circuits on the system that may drain the current.

• Do regular checks at your battery centre to ensure that the electrolyte levels are correct.

If you have no alternative but to jump start, this is how to do it:

•  Park/position both the dead and the donor vehicles such that your jumper cables will comfortably reach both batteries. Engage the handbrakes, ensure that the vehicles do not touch and are in neutral.

•  Ensure that the ignition keys of both vehicles have been removed.

•  Connect the one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

•  Connect the other end to the positive terminal of the donor battery.

•  Connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of the donor battery.

• Connect the opposite end to the engine block of the stalled car.

• Now try to start the dead vehicle with the donor car while the latter is still switched off.

• If unsuccessful, run the donor engine for five minutes and try again. If successful, disconnect (do not switch off your car) the cables in reverse order and then go drive your car around for at least 15 minutes before switching it off.

• If still not successful, the battery may have to be replaced. Disconnect the cables in reverse order and call a battery specialist.

And remember – buy the best you can afford and do a battery inspection at least twice a year.