Fitment Centre Feature
Prevent serious
damage by
jumpstarting a
vehicle the right way
While the jumpstarting procedure is
relatively standard for all vehicles on the
road today, boost starting can cause serious
damage to a vehicle’s electrical system
and computer if not done correctly. It’s
therefore imperative that technicians first
consult the owner’s manual for any specific
boost starting instructions and to ensure
that the different locations are identified for
the jumpstart terminals in the car. “In many
modern cars these terminals are placed
at strategic areas of the vehicle due to the
battery being fitted in awkward locations”,
says McMaster.
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Once the terminals are located and jumper
cables are on hand, he advises lining up the
car with the flat battery as close as possible
to another vehicle with the booster battery.
Next make sure both cars’ handbrakes are
up, that the gear selector is in Neutral or
Park position, and that both cars are turned
off and not touching each other before
connecting the cables. “It’s important to
remember that over 300 volts goes through
the system when the two batteries are
connected and the transients can destroy
equipment. To prevent that make sure all
headlights, indicators, car radios and air
conditioners are off and radar detectors and
cell phones are unplugged. Also unplug all
accessories from cigarette lighters and other
power sockets from both cars and remove
the keys from the flat car’s ignition until
jumper cables are hooked up,” he explains.
Usually the Positive battery cable is red or
orange, and the Negative, or ground cable
is black – but always check for yourself just
to be sure, he stresses. Remember that the
cables must be connected in the correct
order. Then do the following:
•
•
•
•
First connect one positive end of the
jumper cable to the positive terminal of
the dead battery.
Then connect the other positive end
of the jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the good battery.
Next connect the one negative end
of the jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the good battery.
Connect the other negative end of the
jumper cable to a shiny nut or bolt on
the dead vehicle.
This will need to be a grounded piece
on the engine or on the frame of the
vehicle. You should only connect to
the negative terminal on the dead
battery as a last option to avoid an
explosion by spark.
Now, as the car batteries are hooked
together, let them run for a minute or
two before you try to start the dead
vehicle. Once the dead vehicle starts,
remove the cables in the reverse
order that you connected them.
says Tiger Wheel & Tyre marketing
executive, Joe du Plooy. To minimise
this risk, the company offers motorists
this advice for avoiding and dealing with
potholes.
•
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After that is done, have
the electrical system checked.
The battery may just need
to have corrosion removed
from the battery terminals, or
•
the vehicle may need a new
battery or have the charging
system inspected,
•
Mc Master concludes.
And some more farrier tips from Tiger
Wheel & Tyre:
Avoid the Pitfalls
of Potholes
Heavy rainfall and widespread flooding
have left a trail of potholes in their wake.
While road crews are working frantically
to repair the damage across the country,
Tiger Wheel & Tyre warns motorists to
drive cautiously in affected areas. “In
recent months our workshops have seen
extensive damage to tyres and wheels,
caused by potholes, and while these can
be repaired or replaced, potholes pose
an even greater risk to motorists. A big
enough pothole, hit at sufficient speed or
the act of swerving into oncoming traffic
to avoid a pothole can be life threatening,”
| words in action
19
may 2014
•
Increase your following distance. Give
yourself more than the legal following
distance. If you’re too close to the
car in front and that driver swerves
to avoid a pothole, there’s no chance
you’re going to see it in time to avoid
it.
Drive at or below the speed limit.
The limit is set with ideal conditions
in mind and that’s not currently the
case. Drive even slower at night. You
need extra time to scan the road
for potholes, especially in unfamiliar
areas
Approach puddles with extreme
caution and avoid driving through
them, if possible. They may be
potholes in disguise.
Slow down when approaching a
pothole and use your hazards to warn
the drivers behind that you’re dealing
with a situation. Assess if you can
safely drive over it (not through it) or if
you need to stop and wait till it’s safe
to drive around it.
Report potholes. Don’t assume
someone else will do it. The way to
do this is by contacting your local
municipality
Hitting a pothole usually
results in damage to tyres, though
it’s not always obvious to the
untrained eye. Add speed to the
equation and you’ll likely incur
damage to your wheel and maybe
even your suspension too,
adds du Plooy.