Have you ever forgotten to switch off your car’s lights, only to find a drained battery the next morning? Or even worse, have you left home, just to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery?
Jumpstarting a car can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Just like knowing how to change a tyre, it is a skill all motorists should have, just in case.
In the frenzy and panic, time is of the essence and the knowledge of how to jump-start your car is the most valued item in your toolbox.
After learning how to change a tyre, this should be your next priority.
Battery Centre’s franchise manager, Jason Ravenscroft said motorists should only jump-start their car when it is completely necessary.
“When they do so, they must start by ensuring there are no signs of damage to the battery. Attempting to jump-start where there is damage, can cause significant damage to the vehicle,” he said.
Ravenscroft added that there was one item that should belong in every motorist’s emergency travel kit - a jump starter power bank.
“You can jump-start your car safely with the right tools. Many motorists have a jump starter power bank in their kit,” he said.
He added: “If not, we recommend you get one.”
If you do not own a power bank, you need to own a set of jumper cables using the power from a car close by with a working battery.
How to jump-start your car
Ravenscroft said it was important to check your car’s specific instructions first.
“Then park both cars close to each other, in neutral. Leave your handbrake on, but switch everything off,” he said.
Attach the cables in the following order:
1. Connect the red clamp to the positive post of the battery that's not working.
2. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive post of the working battery.
3. Connect the black cable to the negative post of the working battery.
4. Attach the other black cable to the engine block of the car whose battery is not working.
5. Switch the car with a working battery on, let it idle for a few minutes, and then switch it off before starting the other vehicle
If there is no problem starting your car, remove the cables and let the engine run so that the battery can charge.
“Always connect and remove the cables in the correct order. Remove them in the reverse of how you connected them,” Ravenscroft said.
Stand a chance to win a Battery Centre voucher valued at R2500
1. To enter, SMS ‘WABattery’, followed by your name, and email address to 33258.
2. The competition opens today and closes on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 at 9 am.
3. Winners will be notified via email.
4. SMS costs R1.50.
5. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
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