145th & Industrial 402-334-7100
109th & Maple Street 402-933-9600
41st & Leavenworth Street 402-551-6000
Lake Manawa 712-256-8100
4645 S 84th Street 402-609-4009
14800 Davenport Street 402-255-3403
We are driving less due to the pandemic, often leaving our cars parked for days or even weeks. As a car sits, the battery drains. This is especially true for relatively new vehicles with various electronic systems. These electronic systems continue to consume energy even when the car is parked. Subsequently, at one time or another, almost all motorists will need to jump-start their car. When that time comes, we want you to know how to jump-start your car safely and properly.
Jump-starting a car used to be a simple affair. However, since cars have become more complex there are new risks. Therefore, you should be cautious if you jump-start a dead car battery.
If you must jump-start your vehicle on your own, get out your car manual. This should have step-by-step instructions on the proper way to jump-start your vehicle.
Jumper cables usually have a set of clamps, one marked red for positive and the other black for negative. Battery terminals are usually marked with a + for the positive terminal and a – for the negative terminal. You might need to wipe off some grime to see the markings if your car battery is dirty.
When jump-starting a vehicle, it is best to clamp the red cable to the battery positive terminal first. Then, install the black negative cable to the negative post. When removing the cables, remove the power cable first, then the black ground cable.
If it still doesn’t start, there may be another problem.
Cars need to be driven regularly to allow the alternator to maintain the battery’s charge level. Car batteries typically last three to five years, depending on use and temperatures. Extreme weather, hot or cold, will affect your battery. To avoid being stranded, you should be diligent about servicing and replacing your car’s battery. You can have the battery load tested. A battery load test will check the battery’s ability to hold voltage while being used. The results of a battery load test will let you know when it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.
It can be difficult sometimes to pinpoint the nature of an electrical problem in your car. Whether it is the battery or the alternator, testing the battery is the best way to figure out if it is the problem. Call Mike at 402.551.6000 and he can get you set up with a Charging System Test which will check the charging capacity of the alternator as well as test the battery’s overall state of health diagnostic for only $36!
Additional Reading: How a Car Battery Charger Can Keep Your Vehicle Ready to Go
At Great Plains Auto Body shop Omaha and Council Bluffs, we’re committed to giving you an unmatched level of service. As a company that’s been family-owned and operated for more than 26 years, we’re dedicated to treating our customers as we would treat members of our own family. We’ll keep you informed throughout the entire repair process and make sure you’re satisfied when the job is complete. From estimating and detailing to collision repair and paint services, our ASE-certified mechanics and technicians make sure the job is done right and on time.