A car that doesn’t power on can be a frustrating experience. In most cases, it will need a jump-start. While this common fix can quickly get you back on the road, it can also cause further damage to the vehicle if done incorrectly. To ensure you keep your car in good condition, avoid the following errors some drivers make when doing this task.

What to Avoid When Jump-Starting Your Car

1. Turning on the Ignition

Although the assisting vehicle should remain running, all features from the inoperative one—from the hazard lights to the radio—should be off. The problematic battery needs time to charge, so leaving the ignition of both cars on will cause damage to all automobiles involved. Therefore, always make sure your vehicle is off before jumping the battery.

2. Ignoring Cracks

The battery’s condition will indicate whether you should even perform a jump-start. If there are cracks, the part is experiencing a much deeper problem than a weak charge. 

Potentially dangerous gases can leak during and after the process, so put your safety first and call a towing service instead. In this case, restore your vehicle by having a mechanic install a new battery.

3. Jump-Starting an Iced Battery

A car parked outside in subzero temperatures can experience a frozen battery. While the part is in this state, avoid trying to jump it. Otherwise, gases can become trapped, and the acid inside may explode and lead to serious injury. For these reasons, you should wait before jump-starting if you’re dealing with a frozen battery.

If you’ve never jump-started a vehicle before or aren’t sure you’re doing it right, it’s easy to miss a step or perform the process incorrectly. Instead, contact Ron’s Service & Towing in Fairbanks, AK, to handle the task. Offering statewide towing services since 1963, they have the experience to get you back on the road safely. Aside from jump-starts, they provide other forms of roadside assistance, including fuel delivery and tire changes. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help you, or call (907) 456-4224 to speak with a team member.