A Guide on How to Use Jumper Cables Safely

Posted on: Jun 7, 2024 | 2 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

A Guide on How to Use Jumper Cables Safely

Car insurance, along with jumper cables, are handy tools that are used when facing a dead battery situation. One of the skills every car driver should have is knowing how to use jumper cables. Let us learn more about this for more safety and confidence on the road.

How to use jumper cables?

Jumper cables are used to connect your car's battery to another car's battery so that you can start your engine using the needed electric charge when it runs out of power. While using them is a temporary solution, the best advice is to go for comprehensive insurance to get yourself covered.

Having third party insurance is mandatory as per law but that does not cover any damage to your vehicle or replacement of parts.

Here's our step-by-step guide on how to use jumper cables:

1. Locate a charged car

Look for a car nearby that has a fully charged battery, and place it close to your vehicle so that you can link the batteries using the jumper cables.

2. Identify terminals

Go ahead and identify positive as well as negative terminals. Find both positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. Make certain before continuing both cars are switched off.

3. Connect the wires

Take one end of the red jumper cable and fasten it onto the positive terminal of your dead battery; after which connect the other end to your live battery’s plus terminal. Thereafter, take the black jumper cable and attach its one end to the working battery’s negative terminal. Lastly, secure the last end of the black wire of the jumper cable on any exposed metal surface on your engine block (e.g., bolt or bracket).

4. Start up the working vehicle

Turn over that car which has a fully-charged battery, then let it run for several minutes.

5. Start the dead car

Attempt to start your car with the dead battery. If the vehicle starts, allow both cars to run for a couple more minutes.

6. Disconnect the cables

Safely disconnect the cables in the reverse order you connected them.

Conclusion

Jumper cables should be used with caution, and it is always recommended to consult your vehicle's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure of the process or the safety precautions involved. While third party insurance is mandatory, be covered and get car insurance with a comprehensive insurance coverage that can provide essential protection in different situations.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

On nuts and bolts: Car Parts you didn’t know about

Consequences of Using Duplicate Spare Parts for Your Car

A Comprehensive Guide about Revving a Car

Improve your Car Insurance with Accessories Cover

Benefits of Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance