How to use the car's clamps

Using the car's clamps to charge a battery from a vehicle that does not start is a relatively simple operation, but it involves risks of damage to the electrical system or the alternator, so you should be well informed in advance about how it is done. You have to take a series of precautionary measures so that the process is carried out successfully. In .com we explain in detail how to use the car's clamps.

one

First of all, it is necessary to explain that the function of the clamps is simply to transmit the energy from a charged battery to an empty one, with the aim that the car without a battery can start. In this way, the two batteries involved must be of the same voltage.

two

The first recommendation on how to use the clips is related to the body of the two cars that come into play, both the one that has run out of battery and the support. These bodies should never be in contact during the process, so that sparks are not generated or there is a short circuit.

3

Then, turn off the contact of the two cars and check that both have the handbrake on, to avoid any unwanted movement during the transfer of the battery charge when using the clamps.

4

Access the batteries of the two cars now. These are the most common locations:

• In the engine compartment.
• Under the back seat of the car.

5

Now, the process itself begins. Grab one of the clips of the red cable and place it on the positive terminal, the one with the "+" sign, of the car battery that is charged.

6

The clamp on the other end of this red cable must be located, then on the positive terminal of the car battery that has been discharged.

7

The next step is to properly place the black cable clamps . One of the clips you have to place on the negative terminal of the charged battery. And, attentive, because the other clip of the black cable you have to put it in the car that has the battery discharged, but on some metal part of the chassis or body.

8

Before starting the transfer, check that you have placed the clips correctly, in the right places and that they are well fixed, as well as that they do not make contact with any element such as cables. Now, you can go to the car that has the charged battery and start the engine, accelerating smoothly, for a few minutes.

9

Now, turn off the car and see who had the battery discharged, to turn it on. Keep the engine running for a few minutes, so that the battery starts charging. Then, turn it off and remove the clips, in the reverse order of how you put them on and preventing them from coming into contact with metal parts of the car.

10

Using the car's clamps is a simple operation, but it has some risk so if you do not feel qualified it is better to leave it in the hands of professionals. For the battery to be fully charged, drive at least half an hour with the car after the charging process.