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How to jump start your car?

How to jump start your car when car battery dies?

A car with a flat battery can be a real pain. Maybe you left the interior light on overnight, you go to start the car to go to work in the morning but nothing happens. You haven't got time to wait to call a mechanic or breakdown service, you need to be at that important meeting. This is where it comes in handy to always have a set of jump leads in the boot. Especially in a place like Dubai where most cars are automatic and it's not possible to simply push start them. If you haven't already got a set and are going to purchase some, make sure you buy good quality ones made from heavy welding cable. Some of the cheaper, light leads can overheat, melt, short and start a fire which will only add to your misery. If you spend the money on a decent quality item, it should last you for the rest of your days.

Park both cars close to each other so the jump leads will reach both batteries without being stretched but do not let the cars touch.

Ensure both vehicles are in neutral with the handbrake on or in park if automatic. Also ensure both vehicles are switched off with the keys out of the ignition.

Check the terminals on both batteries for corrosion or damage. If there is a problem it will need to be addressed. 

Attach one end of the red lead to the positive terminal on the battery of the dead car then attach the other end to the positive terminal on the battery of the good car.

Attach one end of the black lead to the negative terminal of the battery on the good car and attach the other end to an unpainted metal part under the bonnet of the dead car such as a large bolt or engine bracket.

You're almost ready to jump start the dead car. First check that the ends of the cables are all secure and that they will not get caught in any moving parts such as fan, alternator belt etc.

Start the engine of the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes whilst keeping a light rev on then try to start the car with the bad battery. If it starts, all is well and good. If it doesn't, let the car with the bad battery run for another few minutes and try again. If it still doesn't work, check your connections and if it still doesn't work, you may need to change the battery or call a mechanic.

With both engines running, disconnect the leads in reverse order from which you connected them. 

If the battery in the car which was previously dead is ok, the alternator will charge it up again fairly quickly but if you're still having starting problems, you will need to address them.

 

**Disclaimer** I accept no responsibility for any harm or damage caused by anyone jump starting their own car. This is merely a simple guide on how to do it.





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