Nine steps to use jump leads safely as car batteries drained in cold weather

CAR experts have revealed the nine steps to use jump leads safely as car batteries could be drained in cold weather.

As the UK experiences chilly temperatures, motorists should know how to jump-start their vehicle if their battery has been drained.

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Handily, experts at Road Angel have issued simple guidance on how to use jump leads to start a car if the battery has been completely depleted by freezing temperatures.

It’s essential that drivers own jump leads – and that they know how to use them.

If drivers don’t follow the steps in the correct order, they are at risk of serious electric shock or permanent damage to their car.

Here are the steps to use jump leads safely.

1. Park the car with a live battery alongside the car with a run-down battery, turn off the engine and pop open both bonnets.

2. Attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery.

3. Attach the other ends of the red cable to the positive terminal on the live battery.

4. Attach the black cable to the negative terminal on the live battery.

5. Attach another end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the live battery.

6. Start the engine of the car with the live battery.

7. Attach the other ends of the red cable to the positive terminal on the live battery.

8. Disconnect all cables, taking care to do so in reverse order.

9. Disconnect all cables, taking care to do so in reverse order.

Gary Digva from Road Angel said: “With the UK currently shivering through a period of cold weather, many motorists may find their car battery is flat when they attempt to start it in the morning.

“Twenty years ago, most drivers would’ve been competent with a pair of jump leads but the improved reliability of modern vehicles means many of us now don’t possess the skills required to get our cars moving again.

“Jump leads can be purchased for around £10 to £15 online and are safe to use when connected in the correct order.”