The proper way to jump start a car: but why?

[chubbychu]

So, I've always had this irrational fear of jump starting cars. partially due to the sparking and potential for really getting hurt.

I think maybe finding out WHY we have to do it a certain way would help.

So i believe the correct order is:

1)positive - dead car
2)positive - Alive car
3)negative - Alive car
4)Chassis - dead car

What is the reason for this? why cant we just hook up the cables any which way?

Also, in regards to step 4, why do we have to hook it up to the chassis instead of the negative terminal of the dead car?

and one last question aside from jump starting. When we connect and disconnect the battery...which goes first. and why? (does it have to do with gasses potentially leaking out and exploding due to terminal spark?)



Thanks.

[The new Paul03]

I always hook up the negatives first then the positive of the good car then the positive to the dead car just so if I drop the positive cable it dosent arc on anything. I have had a battey explode on me before from my retarded brother hooking the terminals backwards on the dead car. Always do it by yourself to make sure its right I dont trust anyone any more.

[SPAM&RICE]

were 2x4 gloves youll be ok:confused:

[Evil J]

Also, in regards to step 4, why do we have to hook it up to the chassis instead of the negative terminal of the dead car?


If I'm wrong, someone correct me...

But the Chassis is the best "ground" point available. Even hooking it up to the negative terminal is essentially hooking it up to a ground anyways.

[beechstreet]

this is what i remember from a pontiac owners manual from several years back:

when connecting cables:
1. positive cable (dead battery)
2. positive cable (live battery)
3. negative cable (dead battery)
4. negative cable (live battery)

when disconnecting:
1. negative cable (live battery)
2. negative cable (dead battery)
3. positive (live battery)
4. positive (dead battery)

Dont know how correct that order is though

[Evil J]

this is what i remember from a pontiac owners manual from several years back:


This is probably the best proof that it's the accurate method.