The most common is that people use jumper cables in the case of a dead car battery. To be able to use jumper cables you do need an assistance car. The starter cables need to be connected to the battery of this auxiliary car, the power is passed through the cables to the empty battery. Finally, the car with the empty car battery will be able to start.
Which jumper cables
We defintely recommend to have a set of jumper cables in your car. Whenever you have a dead car battery, you will be able to start the car again. When you start using jumper cables to start your car, make sure you use the correct jumper cables and connect them correctly. Heavier engines (diesels) with a high starting current require thicker starter cables (25 mm). Lighter motors require approximately 15mm cables.
Use jumper cables
To use and connect jumper cables, you can follow the steps below:
- Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the assisting car's battery;
- Connect the remaining red clamp to the positive terminal (+) on the battery of your car;
- Then connect one black / blue clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the assisting car;
- The other black/blue clamp must be placed on bare metal in the car with the dead battery;
- The assisting car then turns on the engine, run it for at least 5 minutes;
- Try to start the engine of the car with the dead battery, but do not immediately disconnect the cables, leave it for a while.Did the car start? Let it run for about 5 minutes. This gives the car battery the time to charge;
- Then, while both cars are still running, remove the jumper cables properly. The battery of the requesting car will not yet be sufficiently charged to be able to start under its own power so keep it running.
- After you have removed the cables correctly, you will have to drive the car for a while to charge the battery properly. Otherwise, the car will not start again the next time.
Buy jumper cables
You can buy a set of jumper cables quickly and easily at Winparts. You can choose from specifications such as cable thickness, cable length, starting power and material. At Winparts you can also find other tools and car parts such as battery chargers, battery boosters, spark plugs, alternators and starter motors.