How is power supplied when the battery is low?

With the change of quarantine restrictions, motorists have the opportunity to take a car somewhere outside the city. But for those who were on self-isolation and did not travel for several weeks, this may require a little preparation.

The most common problem with a long idle car (especially if the alarm was active), of course, is associated with the battery. During a long stay, its charge may drop to such an extent that the car will not start if the locks open at all.

This situation depends on many factors: the condition of the battery, the presence of small leaks in the electrical system, the presence of large differences in ambient temperature.

If the battery is dead, you have two options: remove and charge it using the charger at home. The second option is to “light” from another car. The second procedure is faster and safer, because in newer cars removing the battery can lead to all kinds of computer errors and even the need to visit a service center to reset them.

Here are the steps for recharging from another car.

1 Check voltage

Park two cars facing each other so that cables easily reach up to two batteries. It is important that the cars themselves do not touch. Make sure that the voltage of both batteries is the same. Until recently, the vast majority of cars on the roads used 12V, but in recent years there have been exceptions.

2 Turn off all appliances

Make sure that all power consumers - lights, radios, etc. - are turned off in both cars. Active equipment will put undue strain on the donor's battery. Clean the terminals of both batteries if there is any patina or dirt on them.

3 Cables

It is good to have a set of power cables in each car. They are not expensive, but still, before buying, pay attention to their quality and thickness. The cross-section should be at least 16 mm for cars with gasoline engines and 25 mm for diesel engines, whose batteries are more powerful.

4 Plus first

The red cable is for the positive terminal. First, attach it to the positive of the dead battery. After that - to the plus of the battery, which will supply current.

5 Connection minus

Connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the strong battery. Connect the other end of the cable to the ground of the car with the dead battery - for example, to the cylinder block or any metal surface, but at some distance from the battery.

Direct connection of the minuses of the two batteries also works, but can lead to power outages.

6 Let's try to run

Start a car that will supply electricity. Then try to start another motor. If this does not work right away, do not try to “get” the engine to work. It still won’t work.

7 If the starter does not crank

Let the machine with a strong battery run for a few minutes. You can lightly step on the gas to keep the car at higher speeds - about 1500 rpm. This makes charging a little faster. But don't force the engine. It still doesn't get any faster.

8 If the procedure did not work

Usually after 10 minutes there is a "revival" of a discharged battery - each time the starter turns faster. If this time there is no response from the injured car, either the battery received permanent damage or a malfunction elsewhere.

For example, the starter turns, but the car does not start - it is quite possible that the candles were flooded. In this case, they must be unscrewed, dried and try to start the unit again. If the car starts, let it run.

9 Turn off the batteries in the reverse order

Without turning off the car, disconnect the cables in the reverse order - first black from the ground of the car being charged, then from the minus of the charger. After that, the red cable is disconnected from the plus of the charged car and, finally, from the plus of the charger.

Be careful that the cable clamps do not touch each other. In addition to a bright flash in the car, serious malfunctions due to a short circuit can occur.

10 20-minute ride

It is wise to let a car with a dead battery charge well. It's more effective on the go than on the job - make a circle around the neighborhood. Or drive a long distance. The trip should last at least 20-30 minutes.

11 Alternatives

In addition to the above option for emergency engine start, you can buy a device designed for such cases. In fact, this is a large battery with cables. Professional ones cost about $ 150. There are many cheaper options, but keep in mind that not everyone works efficiently. Check out reviews about the specific model you are targeting.

And finally: before starting the movement, check the tire pressure and coolant level. It will also be nice to move slowly for the first time, without exposing the engine to stress until it is well lubricated.