How to start a car fast
Content
What every driver of a vehicle is likely to experience is starting the car from an external source, whether for you or another driver. Like changing a tire, jump starting a car is one of the most useful things a driver should know. In this article, the Performance Muffler team will help you understand why your vehicle needs a jump start, what it takes to jump start, and how to jump start your vehicle.
Why does my car need a jump starter?
There can be several reasons why a car needs to be jump-started, but the most common is a weak or dead battery. Replacing a car battery is often overlooked by drivers because a new battery is usually not needed for three years. As such, it may be helpful to check with your mechanic regularly.
Other reasons your car needs a jump start include a faulty starter, clogged or frozen fuel lines, faulty spark plugs, or a faulty alternator. Your engine is a complex system, and the car battery is another element that keeps it running properly. If you ever need to jump start your car, you should have the battery or engine checked as soon as possible.
What does it take to start a car?
For a quick start, you will need a few items:
- Connecting cables. They are essential, and the longer they are, the easier it will be to start your car.
- Other vehicle. Of course, another external power source is needed to turn off a dead battery, so you'll need to find another vehicle nearby or call a family member or friend to help you. Use common sense when seeking help from others, especially those you don't know.
- Heavy gloves. Gloves will help keep you safe and clean while you start your car.
- flashlight. Depending on the time and place of your jump, a flashlight will always come in handy. You don't want to use your phone's flashlight while fiddling with the hood.
- Instructions for use. Keep this in your glove box so you can always go back to it when you have a mechanical issue.
How to start a car: step by step guide
- When you have another car to help you, you want the hoods of both cars to be next to each other.
- Turn off both machines.
- Open the hoods of both cars.
- Find a battery for each car. The user manual can help if you can't find it quickly.
- Locate the two terminals on the battery: one is POSITIVE (+), usually red, and the other is NEGATIVE (-), usually black.
- Attach the POSITIVE clip to the POSITIVE terminal of the dead vehicle. When connecting cables, make sure they are securely fastened.
- Attach the POSITIVE clamp on the other end of the cables to the POSITIVE terminal of the live battery. Both machines must be turned off.
- Connect the NEGATIVE clip on the same end to the NEGATIVE pole of the working battery. At this stage, the 3 ends of the connecting cables must be connected to the battery terminals.
- Attach the NEGATIVE clamp on the opposite end of the jumper cables to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the vehicle with the dead battery. It can be a metal nut or bolt. This grounds the electrical current.
- Start the auxiliary machine (running machine) and let it run for a few minutes. After waiting, try to start a dead car. If everything is working properly, your car should start. If it still won't start, wait another 5-10 minutes and try starting it again.
- If your car starts, disconnect each clip in reverse order, and then both you and the assistant machine are ready to go.
- If your car won't start, stop trying to start it and disconnect each clip in reverse order. At this point, you need to seek professional help.
Final thoughts
Jump starting a car is an easier process if you've done it a few times, but now with this step-by-step guide, you're not afraid to try it yourself. I hope, however, that this does not become a problem that you or your family member will face in the near future. Especially if you follow regular car maintenance, you should avoid common car problems like breakdowns, dead batteries, and more.
About Performance Muffler - Your Trusted Automotive Professionals
Performance Muffler is a premier exhaust and auto shop that has been serving the Phoenix area since 2007. We can help you modify your vehicle, improve its performance, repair it and much more. Contact us today for a quote to get your vehicle in top shape.
