Jump Start in Winter: How Drivers Can Avoid Costly Mistakes

In winter, the car battery is particularly challenged: lights, heating, windshield wipers – all of these consume energy, while low temperatures further reduce the battery's performance. "If the battery is too weak, the engine won't start," says ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl. This also applies to electric cars: They also have a classic 12-volt battery, which can fail in the cold.

Electric Cars Need (and Provide) Jump-Starts

Whether combustion engine, hybrid, or electric – help is needed when the 12V battery is dead. Important: "Electric cars can also function as donor vehicles – provided the manufacturer's instructions are followed," explains Kerbl.

For those who want to be on the safe side, a power bank for cars is the way to go: portable battery packs that allow vehicles to be started easily and safely – especially ideal for electric cars. These devices can often also charge smartphones or other electronics. However, according to the ÖAMTC, those who want to use jumper cables should be particularly careful.

How to Jump-Start with Jumper Cables

Check voltage:
Both batteries must have the same voltage – usually 12 volts. Turn off power consumers like the radio or lights in the donor vehicle. The cars must not touch each other. Ideally, the cables should have overvoltage protection.

Connect correctly:
Red: first to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the donor battery
Black: first to the negative terminal of the donor battery, then to an unpainted metal part (e.g., engine block) of the recipient vehicle
Important: Do not connect directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery – risk of explosion due to explosive gas!

Start the engine:
Start the donor first, then the recipient. Maintain the connection for about 30 seconds – this protects the electronics.

Charge:
Then remove the cables in reverse order. Afterwards, drive for at least an hour outside the city area to properly charge the battery – provided it is still intact.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.