Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you get in your car, slip the key into the ignition, turn the key, and then nothing happens. No noise, no lights, and no ignition. Your battery was dead. We are all only human. Sometimes we leave the headlights on and sometimes we leave the dome light on. Accidents happen. But, when you are faced with a dead battery, it is best to be prepared so you can be back on your merry way with only a small inconvenience.
The next time you unfortunately encounter a dead battery, follow these steps to get back on the road:
Step 1: Make sure to keep jumper cables in the back of your vehicle.
Step 2: Find a fully functioning car and enlist its help. Have them pull up right next to your vehicle so the jumper cables will reach between batteries. Then turn off the vehicle and make sure both vehicles are in park.
Step 3: Pop the hood and locate the batteries.
Step 4: Connect the jumper cable clamps in the following order:
- Red on dead battery +
- Red on working battery +
- Black on working battery –
- Black on bare metal of the dead battery vehicle
Step 5: Start the working car and rev the engine for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 6: Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery while the jumper cables are still on. If the vehicle still does not start, readjust the jumper cable clamps and try again a few more times. If the vehicle never starts, then it is probably a bigger issue than just a dead battery.
Step 7: Remove the jumper cables in this order:
a. Black from bare metal of the dead battery vehicle
b. Black from working battery –
c. Red from working battery +
d. Red from dead battery +
Step 8: Drive and/or idle the vehicle for at least another 20 minutes before shutting of the engine to recharge the dead battery.
Batteries do not last forever. As they get older, they start to lose their charge. Jiffy Lube of Indiana has several Battery Maintenance Services and will also check your battery charge as part of the Signature Service Oil Change. Jiffy Lube of Indiana has you and your battery’s back.
Photo Credit: “FailedImitator”
