koda2000
Explorer Addict
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This is something I see all the time, so I think it's worth mentioning...
It's smart to keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle, if not your your sake to help someone else. If you go to the auto parts store (or Walmart, for example) you'll see several different grades of jumper cables at various price points. Do yourself a favor and do not skimp on this purchase. Cheap, thin-gauge cables are next to worthless when you need them. Rather than carrying the amperage load from the good battery to a dead battery they just get hot. The clamps on cheap cables also don't grip tight enough either, adding to the problem. When buying jumper cables, look for the thickest gauge wire you can find with the largest, strongest clamos. They may cost twice the price of the cheap set, but they work sooo much better and (unless you lend them to someone who doesn't return them) will last you a lifetime.
Tip: When attaching jumper cables, put the positive lead on the dead battery's positive post, but do not attach the negative lead to the battery's negative terminal. instead attach the negative cable to the engine block, away from the battery. Dead batteries give off an explosive gas. Connecting the jumper cables will create spark, which can cause an explosion and cover you and your vehicle in battery acid. Personally I make the final jumper cable connection on the vehicle with the good battery so as to not get any spark near the dead battery.
FYI, The lower the gauge number the thicker the cable. I'd recommend a minimum of 2 gauge, which can be had for $40-$50. 1 gauge is even better. 4 gauge and 6 gauge cables are junk.
It's smart to keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle, if not your your sake to help someone else. If you go to the auto parts store (or Walmart, for example) you'll see several different grades of jumper cables at various price points. Do yourself a favor and do not skimp on this purchase. Cheap, thin-gauge cables are next to worthless when you need them. Rather than carrying the amperage load from the good battery to a dead battery they just get hot. The clamps on cheap cables also don't grip tight enough either, adding to the problem. When buying jumper cables, look for the thickest gauge wire you can find with the largest, strongest clamos. They may cost twice the price of the cheap set, but they work sooo much better and (unless you lend them to someone who doesn't return them) will last you a lifetime.
Tip: When attaching jumper cables, put the positive lead on the dead battery's positive post, but do not attach the negative lead to the battery's negative terminal. instead attach the negative cable to the engine block, away from the battery. Dead batteries give off an explosive gas. Connecting the jumper cables will create spark, which can cause an explosion and cover you and your vehicle in battery acid. Personally I make the final jumper cable connection on the vehicle with the good battery so as to not get any spark near the dead battery.
FYI, The lower the gauge number the thicker the cable. I'd recommend a minimum of 2 gauge, which can be had for $40-$50. 1 gauge is even better. 4 gauge and 6 gauge cables are junk.