Expert urges drivers to unplug devices when jump starting car this winter
The used car retail platform MOTORS has urged drivers to stay safe when jump starting a car this winter after revealing a list of tips to revive a dead battery quickly and easily.
As the temperature drops, older car batteries can wear out quicker, leading to some drivers finding their vehicle struggles to start.
Steven Edwards, used car expert at MOTORS, warned motorists that they should not jump start their vehicle using an electric or hybrid car.
He advised: “Jump starting a car involves temporarily connecting your vehicle to the battery of another car.
“Despite how desperate you might be to get on the road, if you have a petrol or diesel car, you should not use an electric or hybrid vehicle to jump-start your vehicle – unless the owner’s manual clearly states it’s safe to do so.”
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MOTORS also noted that drivers should start by turning off all the electrical systems in the vehicle that is being jump started.
The company warned that jump starting a vehicle with devices such as the headlights, heater or radio still powered on could lead to damage due to a surge in power.
Drivers should also remember to unplug devices from the cigarette lighter, such as phone chargers and satnavs.
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Steven added that drivers must also check that the dead battery is not damaged, in order to avoid putting themselves in danger.
He added: “Before jump starting your car it’s important to give the battery and the jump leads a thorough inspection. If there’s any obvious damage to either the battery, or the jump leads, don’t risk attempting a jump start.
“Instead, contact a professional to be on the safe side. Common signs your car battery will need to be seen by a professional include corrosion on the connector, signified by a blue-green powder caked on the terminals, or a warped battery case.”
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Finally, Steven also highlighted that drivers must remember to connect the jump leads to both vehicles in the correct order.
He explained: “The red jump lead is used for the positive terminals. You should therefore connect the working battery’s positive (+) terminal to the flat battery’s positive (+) terminal.
“Follow this step for the black jump lead but attach it to the corresponding negative (-) terminal on the working battery. Finish by attaching the other end to an earthing point (unpainted metal or the engine block or chassis) well away from the flat battery and fuel system.”
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