How to crank car battery

A dead battery is a common problem for car owners, especially during the winter when the weather is cold. If you find yourself in a situation where the battery has gone dead and your car won’t start, you can use the process of cranking to give it the necessary jolt.

Cranking a car battery involves attaching a set of jumper cables to a working battery in another car and using the energy from that battery to jumpstart your dead battery. While this process is simple and straightforward, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely and effectively crank a car battery. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent the battery from dying in the first place and what to do if the battery fails to revive after the initial attempt.

Safety precautions to take before cranking car battery

1. Wear protective gear

Before you even attempt to jump-start a car battery, you must make sure you’re properly attired. You must wear safety goggles, to protect your eyes from acid splashes or sparks. A pair of gloves made of rubber or latex is essential too, to prevent skin contact with battery acid which can cause serious skin burns.

2. Use the right equipment

You’ll need safe equipment to jump-start a car battery. Make sure the jump starter is the right one for your car. Don’t use a 6V starter for a 12V battery and vice versa. Check all cables, clamps, and connectors for damage or wear before starting the process.

3. Choose the right location

Select a safe, well-ventilated area to jump-start a car battery. Ensure that the ignition is turned off and the headlights, radios, or other electronic devices are not operating. Move any flammable material away from the battery before beginning the process.

4. Follow the correct procedure

Make sure you follow the right jump-start procedure. Connect the positive clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, and the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the live battery. Then, connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the live battery and connect the other end to a non-painted metal surface in the engine compartment of the car with the dead battery. Finally, start the engine of the car with the live battery and then try to start the car with the dead battery.

5. Be aware of possible risks

Be aware of possible risks during the process. Explosions, fires, and acid burns can occur if you aren’t careful during jump-starting. Never smoke near a battery, and always make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Be cautious, and never leave the jump starter connected for too long, as it may cause the battery to overcharge, which can lead to serious damage or even an explosion.

6. Seek professional help

If you’re unsure about how to jump-start a car battery safely, it’s best to seek professional help. Contact a mechanic or a battery specialist who can guide you through the process or provide the service for you.

What you need for cranking car battery

Battery cables

The most essential thing you need for cranking a car battery is jumper cables or battery cables. These cables are essential to start your vehicle. They are usually red and black in color. You may have to purchase these cables if you don’t already have them.

Another vehicle or a jump starter

You will also need a secondary source of power to start the battery. This can either be another vehicle or a jump starter. A jump starter is a portable device that uses its own power to jump-start a dead battery. This is a handy tool to keep in your car at all times in case of emergencies.

Protective gear

While cranking a car battery, safety precautions should be followed. For this, it is recommended to wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses because there is a chance of the battery exploding or leaking. This is essential to keep yourself safe.

A solid surface

You need to park both vehicles on a solid and level surface during the process of jump-starting. This is because the process requires both the car and the secondary power source to be connected with each other so that the flow of charge is not interrupted.

Clean and corrosion-free terminals

Before you start, make sure that the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion. You can use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean and remove any corrosion or buildup on the terminals.

• Battery cables
• Another vehicle or a jump starter
• Protective gear
• A solid surface
• Clean and corrosion-free terminals

Step by step guide on how to crank car battery

Step 1: Safety First

Before attempting to crank your car battery, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Always wear protective eyewear and gloves to avoid any sparks or acid burns. Make sure the car is in park and the emergency brake is engaged to prevent any accidents.

Step 2: Locate the Battery

The car battery is usually located under the hood of your car. You may need to remove a cover or insulation to access it. Once you have located the battery, you should inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion.

Step 3: Prepare Jumper Cables

Now it’s time to prepare your jumper cables. It’s important to ensure that both vehicles are turned off before you begin. Attach one end of the positive cable (usually red) to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, attach the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the live battery.

Next, attach one end of the negative cable (usually black) to the negative terminal of the live battery. Finally, attach the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the car with the dead battery. Do not attach the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this can cause a spark.

Step 4: Start the Car

Once the cables are correctly connected, start the car with the live battery and let it run for a few minutes. This will help to charge the dead battery. Then, start the car with the dead battery and let it run for a few minutes as well. You may need to rev the engine of the car with the live battery to provide enough power to start the dead battery.

Step 5: Disconnect the Cables

After a few minutes, turn off both vehicles and carefully remove the jumper cables in reverse order. Start with the negative cable from the unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the car with the dead battery, followed by the negative cable from the live battery, then the positive cable from the live battery, and finally the positive cable from the dead battery.

Remember to keep the cables off the ground and away from the engine to avoid any sparks or damage. Once the cables are safely disconnected, you can close the hood and start your car as normal.