Vehicle Acceleration: Insight into the Launch Aid Function!
Jump starting a car can be a lifesaver when your battery dies unexpectedly. Here's a guide to help you through the process safely and effectively.
Firstly, it's important to note that after jump starting, a few kilometers of overland driving are needed to fully recharge the battery. Short city trips have little effect on battery recharging.
To jump start a car, follow these steps:
- Ensure both vehicles are parked close enough for the jumper cables to reach between them.
- Turn off both engines and engage the parking brakes.
- Connect the jumper cables. Start with the positive (red) cable and attach it to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Connect the negative (black) cable. First, remove any loose or dangling metal parts from the dead car's engine to prevent sparks. Then, attach the black cable to the negative terminal of the working battery. Finally, attach the other end of the black cable to a grounded, unpainted metal surface on the dead car, away from the battery.
- Start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
- Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn't start, check if the jumper clamps are properly seated or if the poles are corroded/dirty. Clean the poles with a battery pole and terminal cleaner or some sandpaper if proper contact is not achieved.
- Once the car with the dead battery starts, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order of connection: first the black cable, then the red cable. Be aware that high voltage can occur when removing the jumper clamps, which can damage electronics.
- Drive the car for a few miles to allow the battery to recharge fully.
It's usually recommended to connect the battery to a charger in a workshop after jump starting. A professional check is necessary to prevent the problem from recurring after the next trip.
When jump starting a car, do not mix up the poles. Connecting the minus poles can cause sparks and ignite hydrogen gas during overloading of lead-acid batteries. To balance voltage peaks, high-power consumers like the rear window defroster should be turned on in the car with the dead battery.
Remember, if even cleaning the poles doesn't help, there may be other damage to the car that prevents the engine from starting. And if the jump start cables have too small a cross-section or are faulty, the car may not start.
The recommended cables for jump-starting a car were tested and recommended by AUTO ZEITUNG on July 18, 2025.
Stay safe and drive responsibly!
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