The correct way to jump

Getting stuck with a dead car battery can be a frustrating experience, even with modern vehicles. As temperatures drop, many drivers are discovering that their cars don't start as easily as before. To prevent being stranded, Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), emphasises the importance of knowing the correct way to jump-start your vehicle.

While the jump-starting procedure is generally the same for all vehicles, improper boosting can cause severe damage to the electrical system and computer. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your car's owner's manual for specific instructions and locate the jump-start terminals in your vehicle before proceeding.

Once you have gathered this information, here's what you need to do:

Position the dead vehicle as close as possible to another vehicle with a booster battery. Both cars should be turned off, with the handbrakes engaged and the gear selector in neutral or park position.

Before connecting the cables, ensure that all headlights, indicators, car radios, air conditioners, radar detectors, and cellphones are turned off or unplugged. Remove all accessories from the power sockets and take out the keys from the dead car's ignition until the jumper cables are connected. Failure to follow these precautions can result in equipment damage due to the high voltage transient when the batteries are connected.

Familiarise yourself with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of both car batteries to identify the correct connections. Clean off any corrosion around the dead battery terminals and, if possible, loosen the wires, clean them, and retighten them securely to the posts.

Connect the car battery jumper cables in the following order:

After jump-starting your car, it is advisable to have the electrical system checked by a registered MIWA service technician. They can inspect for any damage, clean battery terminals, replace the battery if necessary, or examine the charging system.

Don't risk damaging your vehicle by improperly jumpstarting it. Follow these steps precisely to ensure a safe and effective jumpstart, avoiding unnecessary inconveniences and costly repairs.

Source: Cathy Findley PR