How to charge a car battery with cables: All steps

Unfortunately this is a situation that all motorists face at least once in their life: you get in the car, put the lock key to start the engine, turn the key and do not start the car. LThe engine will not run because the battery is flat. Let’s see how to recharge it without calling for help.

What to do if the battery is low

You hear it when you turn the key on the ignition switch Strange noise It comes from the starter, which then means the battery is low. On the other hand, if the dashboard lights do not come on, the battery is disconnected or suddenly fails.

If there is not enough amperage for the car’s energy needs, the car battery can be discharged, which can affect the operation of the engine and the air conditioner, power steering, and radio. Be careful never to leave the stereo or lights on and do not use the car for a long time: In these cases the battery will discharge very quickly.

How to recharge the battery with cables

If the car battery is low, identify its location and get another car to open the hood at your next location. How to proceed:

1. Start the car with a charged battery by turning off the lights, radios and all users;
2. Connect one end of the red cable to the (+) positive pole of the charged battery and the other end to the positive pole of the discharged battery;
3. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative pole of the charged battery (-) and the other end to the exhaust car’s chassis, a piece of machine or body. Warning: Never connect the cable to the negative pole of the discharged battery to avoid risk of spark;
4. Start the charged car and hold the engine for a few seconds at 2000/2500 rpm;
5. Replace the system with a discharged battery and leave it with the cables connected for about ten minutes;
6. Disconnect the cables in reverse order of how they were connected;
7. Turn off all applications and run for at least twenty minutes, thus recharging the transformer battery.

That means if the car does not start with cables The battery needs to be replaced.

What to do if you do not have cables: Bush ignition

The Push mode This is undoubtedly very tiring, but the only effective one if you do not have cables or another vehicle to connect (always keep this as a ‘last resort’). How to do:

1. Disable radios, lights and all users;
2. Turn the ignition key;
3. Press the clutch and engage in second or third gear so that the car stops low;
4. Do not touch the handbrake and brakes;
5. Push the car (or should be pushed);
6. When the car picks up enough speed, release the clutch and press the accelerator lightly;
7. Car, if not flooded, It should light up.

How long does it take to recharge the battery

It only takes a few minutes to charge the car battery with cables. You can connect everything as we explained, and then, once the car is unloaded, connect the two cars 10 minutes Then disconnect the cables starting from the negative ones.

With the push start, on the other hand, it is necessary to keep the engine running About 30 minutes All other components are turned off.

When the battery needs to be replaced

A car battery It should be replaced every 5-6 years Over time it gradually loses its ability to maintain its charge.