Introduction
Push starting, also known as bump starting or jump starting, is an emergency procedure used to start a car that has a dead battery. It requires another working vehicle and jumper cables to transfer energy from the working battery to the dead one. This method should only be used when absolutely necessary, as it can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
The first step in push starting a car is to gather the necessary tools. The most important tool is a set of jumper cables. Jumper cables are two insulated wires with clamps on each end that are used to connect the dead battery to the working battery. It’s important to make sure the cables are in good condition and are long enough to reach from one car to the other.
The next tool you’ll need is another car with a working battery. This car will act as the source of power for the dead battery. Make sure that the working car is turned off and the keys are removed from the ignition.
Check the Battery
Before attempting to push start a car, it’s important to make sure that the battery has enough charge to be jump started. If the battery is completely dead, then push starting won’t work. To check the battery, use a multimeter to measure the voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, then the battery is too weak to be jump started.
Place the Car in Neutral and Turn Off Any Accessories
Once you’ve gathered the necessary tools and checked the battery, the next step is to place the car in neutral and turn off any accessories. This includes the radio, lights, air conditioning, and other electrical components. This will ensure that the battery has enough power to start the engine.
Have One Person Get in the Driver’s Seat, While Another Stands Outside the Car
Now that the car is in neutral and all accessories are turned off, one person should get into the driver’s seat, while the other person stands outside the car. The person inside the car will be responsible for pressing the clutch and turning the key, while the person outside will be responsible for pushing the car.
Push the Car Until It Reaches a Speed of About 5 mph
The next step is to push the car until it reaches a speed of about 5 mph. This will give the engine enough momentum to start. Once the car has reached this speed, the person inside the car should press the clutch and turn the key to start the engine.
Have the Driver in the Car Take Control of the Steering Wheel and Accelerate
Once the engine has started, have the driver in the car take control of the steering wheel and accelerate. This will help keep the engine running and prevent it from stalling. It’s also important to turn off any electrical components that were previously turned off.
Conclusion
Push starting a car is an emergency procedure that should only be used when absolutely necessary. When done correctly, it can be a reliable way to get a car started. However, it’s important to follow the steps outlined in this article and use caution when doing so. If done incorrectly, it can cause damage to the car or even lead to injury.
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