Knowing how to jumpstart a dead battery is one of those life skills you may one day be really glad to have; after all, dead batteries leave millions of people stranded every single year. If you know how to breathe new life into a dead battery, you could truly be someone’s hero.
Yet attempting to jumpstart a battery incorrectly can be dangerous—both to your own health and to the health of your vehicle. In fact, bad jumpstarts can often overload and effectively destroy your alternator, which will only make your automotive problems worse.
With the following infographic from Meineke, you can learn to jumpstart a dead battery the right way—without risking your safety or your alternator. And if these tips don’t work, you know the battery is likely beyond repair, and you can plan to have it towed to the nearest auto mechanic.
Note that the average battery lifespan is about four years. Battery life is sapped by everything from corrosion to heat to bad alternators. Most commonly, they’re drained simply by old age. Bad habits—like leaving your lights on when the vehicle is not in use—can also shorten your battery’s lifespan.
The bottom line: Sooner or later, you’re probably going to end up with a dead battery. And when you do, knowing how to jump it can be a lifesaver. Learn that invaluable skill today with these tips from the auto experts at Meineke, and don’t ever get stranded again!
Photo: Dion Hinchcliffe
