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People are often in a rush when they must jump-start the battery on their car.
They sometimes forget that batteries produce explosive gases. Battery acid, when blown into the eyes, can cause permanent damage and even blindness.
You should always consult the owner's manual for instructions before jump-starting the battery on a car.
Following these additional safety precautions will reduce the 6,000 eye injuries caused by battery accidents each year:
- Always wear eye protection.
- Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from the battery.
- Don't lean over the battery during jump-starting.
- Be sure the vent caps on the battery are tight and level.
- If available, place a damp cloth over the vent caps.
- Make sure the cars are not touching.
- Be sure both cars' electrical systems are the same voltage.
- Don't jump start a car if the fluid is frozen.
Accidents which occur while jump-starting a car battery are sometimes covered under auto insurance policies. Other types of battery accidents may be covered under homeowners' insurance policies.
When jump-starting your car, the National Society to Prevent Blindness suggests that you attach the jumper cables in the following order:
- Clamp one jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery wired to the starter or solenoid. Do not allow the positive cable clamps to touch any metal other than the battery terminals.
- Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Connect one end of the second cable to the other terminal [negative (-)] of the good battery.
- Make the final connection of the second cable on the engine block of the stalled engine (not the negative post), away from the battery, carburetor, fuel line, any tubing, or moving parts.
- Stand back from both vehicles. First start the car with the good battery and then start the disabled car.
- Remove the cables in reverse order of connections beginning by first removing the cable from the engine block or metallic ground.
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