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Is Sparking While Jump Starting A Car Safe Or Not?

ByTsukasa Azuma-December 09, 2023

Regardless of the cost you have spent on your car, you have to jump-start it sooner or later. However, jumpstarting a car is quite easy but, there can be certain issues such as sparking that arise while jump-starting your car. Sparking while jump starting a car is always a fishy situation. Whether it’s the jumper cables sparking or anything else, the reason behind the spark and its consequences are important to be known before it’s too late.

So, let’s explore whether the spark is safe or not.

Is Sparking While Jump-Starting A Car Safely?

There could be numerous reasons behind the spark when you are trying to jump-start your car. You have to be very careful when connecting the terminals of the battery with the cables. And, facing such a situation while doing this can result in some hazardous circumstances.

1. Sparking- usual or strange?

When you are standing in front of the car battery by holding those cables, even a little spark can result in bigger danger. The sparking while jump-starting a car is worse than anything else you would want to see in your car. Follow every step of the jump-starting the car method and try not to leave any loophole in between the steps. The sudden spark might astound you and the chances of you to knock your head on the hood are higher. In addition, emitting hydrogen is the natural phenomenon of the battery. A little spark can result in a blast that can explode the acid on everything including you.

Few Points Nobody told you in Sparking while jump-starting a car. (Photo: Popular Mechanics)

Additionally, the spark at the joints is a consignment of dead battery that exceeds approximately 10A, which is dangerous for volt barbs. If the spark is on the detachments, the situation could be worse than you think. The inductance may have crumpled when the power supply is turned off and can generate a hundred-volt spark.

In any phase, you get the spark while pursuing the jump-start, carefully clasp up the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the fine battery and the other to the positive terminal of the bad battery. Now, clasp the black cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and the other cable to the ground point of the bad battery.

2. The right way

If it’s still sparking, let it. Some car models have this feature where the ground point in the battery is meant for sparking. It’s not dangerous at all. Whether you are doing the jump-start for the first time or numerous times, the right method must be followed in every possible way. In case you are not sure about the procedure, contact the experts right away. They will handle the situation and you will discover a few maintenance tips as well.

Guidelines for Sparking while jump-starting a car. (Photo:  jarih /Getty Images)

Following the steps below to learn about this process: 

Use the appropriate cable

Using heavy-duty and high-quality jumper cables specifically designed for jump-starting vehicles. Cables must be adequately insulated and in good condition.

 Turned off your vehicles

Turn off both vehicles before connecting the jumper cables, including all electrical parts such as radio or headlights which prevents power surges and limits the risk of sparking.

Connect the cable

Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the jumper cable to the order of terminals of the dead battery and good battery. It is important to connect them in the correct order and ensure a secure connection.

 

Keep the cables away from moving parts

Make sure the jumper cables are clear of any moving parts, such as the engine fans or belts. Ensure they are positioned away from hot surfaces or areas that may cause damage or create a safety hazard.

Maintain a safe distance

Once the cables are connected, stand clear of the engine compartments and keep bystanders at a safe distance. If a spark occurs, it is best to be away from the immediate area to avoid any potential injury.

Start the donor vehicle

Start the engine of the donor vehicle (the one with the good battery) and let it run for a few minutes. This will help charge the dead battery.

Start the disabled vehicle 

Attempt to start the disabled vehicle. If it starts successfully, leave it running for a while to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Disconnect the cables

Once the disabled vehicle is running, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of connection (negative first, then positive). Avoid letting the cable clamps touch each other or any metal surfaces.

Remember, if you are unsure about jump-starting a car or if there are any safety concerns, it is always best to seek assistance from a professional or a roadside assistance service.

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The Verdict

The battery becomes inefficient with time. So  replace the old battery with the new one until you face the sparking while jump starting a car situation all over again. So, be careful and stay safe with the right guidelines.

Tsukasa Azuma is an awesome car blogger of Car From Japan. He owns a car repair shop at downtown Osaka, and he put all that experience to good use in his sharing posts. Tsukasa’s blog is one of the best resources for information about keeping your favorite imported car running smoothly. Moreover, because of being passionate to learn about the recent happenings in auto industry, he doesn’t only provide great car maintenance tips, he also always updates latest trends in among car brands and share them in his own interesting viewpoint.

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