Here are the steps for to boost a car battery:
Step 1: Connect the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Step 2: Connect the other red jumper cable end to the positive (+) terminal of the donor battery.
Step 3: Connect the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the donor battery.
Step 4: Connect the other black jumper cable end to unpainted metal on the dead car away from the battery.
Step 5: Start the engine of the donor vehicle.
Step 6: Attempt to start the engine of the dead vehicle.
Step 7: Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order – black from dead car’s metal, black from donor battery, red from donor battery, red from dead battery.
Following these steps in order will safely jump start the dead battery using the donor car battery to boost power.
Is Boosting a Car Safe?
Though jump starting can get a car going again, it may damage sensitive electronics and lead to costly repairs according to CTEK. They warn that the traditional method of jump starting or boosting a vehicle can also cause lasting harm to the battery.
Instead of jump starting, CTEK advises using their Safe Start product to restart vehicles safely. The Safe Start system provides a controlled power boost that is much gentler on electronics and the battery compared to jumper cables and rapid surges. By turning over the engine without high current spikes, Safe Start helps avoid short circuits and component damage. CTEK promotes their intelligent product as a safer alternative to protect your investment and battery life while getting you back on the road.
Does Boosting a Car Hurt the Battery?
Jump starting another car can put some strain on your battery and alternator. However, in most situations, this process is harmless to your vehicle. A healthy battery will be unaffected by providing a jump start, and your battery will recharge during normal driving after the fact.
Still, there are some risks if the jump start is done incorrectly. Improper connections can potentially damage electrical components in your vehicle. But as long as you follow jump start procedures carefully, using proper cables and battery connections, the brief electrical stress is usually harmless to your car’s battery and systems. Taking basic precautions will allow you to safely jump other vehicles when needed without causing harm to your own.
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