Jump leads for your car

Jump leads are used to start an engine when the car battery is dead. They are two stranded cables with alligator clips on both ends. Used as a source of energy are jump starters or donor vehicle batteries.

Types of jumper cables

By insulation material:

• Polymeric. Inexpensive but tend to lose their elasticity and crack when it’s freezing.
• Rubber. Flexible. Easy to use and store. However, in the course of time, they lose tightness.
• Silicone. Resistant to subzero ambient temperatures. Do not melt when heated.

By material of conductors and starting current:

• Copper. Quality and reliable. Expensive. Designed for 1,000 A.
• Copper-clad aluminium. Cheap. Withstand up to 400 A.

These components also differ by length, cable cross-section, and output voltage.

Alligator clips of the wires can be removable or soldered. The latter ones are considered to be more reliable. Besides, these elements can be:

• Non-insulated. Made either from copper or its combination with steel. You should be very careful when using these devices to avoid a short circuit.
• Insulated. These are safer as they reduce the risk of getting burnt due to inappropriate use.

Operating instructions for jumper wires

• You must always attach the black clip to the negative battery terminal and the red one to the positive terminal.
• Connect the jumper cables one after another, starting with the donor vehicle. Positive contacts are the first to be connected, then attach the negative ones. Remove the cables in reverse order.
• You should only attach the wires with the ignition switched off on both engines.
• Prevent the clips from getting in contact. Do not touch them with naked hands to avoid injuries.
• Before you start, make sure there are no streaks of electrolyte or oil on the battery body. If there is a spark they might catch on fire.
• You should always check the insulation and make sure that the clips are securely attached.

Professional help from Buycarparts.co.uk

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