If My Starter Is Bad Can I Jump It?
I was driving home from work late one night when my car suddenly stalled. I tried to restart it, but it wouldn’t turn over. I was stranded on the side of the road, and I didn’t know what to do. I called a friend, and he came to help me. He said that my starter was probably bad. He hooked up his jumper cables to my car, and he was able to get it started. I was so relieved, and I was able to drive home. But I started wondering, if my starter is bad, can I just keep jumping it?
The answer is yes, you can jump-start a car with a bad starter. However, it’s not a permanent solution. A bad starter will eventually need to be replaced. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to keep your car running:
How to Jump a Car
Check the battery.
Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. If the terminals are corroded, you can clean them with a wire brush. If the battery is dead, you will need to replace it before you can jump-start the car.
Connect the jumper cables.
Connect the positive terminal of the good battery to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the negative terminal of the good battery to a metal surface on the frame of the car with a bad starter. Do not connect the negative terminal to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this can cause sparks.
Start the car with the good battery.
Start the car with the good battery. Once the car is running, let it idle for a few minutes to charge the dead battery. Then, you can disconnect the jumper cables.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips for jumping a car with a bad starter:
- Use jumper cables that are in good condition.
- Make sure the connections are tight.
- Do not let the jumper cables touch each other.
- Do not start the car with the dead battery connected to the jumper cables.
If you have to jump-start your car frequently, it’s a sign that your starter is going bad. You should have the starter replaced as soon as possible.
FAQ
Q: Can I drive my car with a bad starter?
A: Yes, you can drive your car with a bad starter. However, it’s not a permanent solution. A bad starter will eventually need to be replaced.
Q: How long will a car battery last when jump-started?
A: A car battery will typically last for about 30 minutes when jump-started. However, this will vary depending on the size of the battery and the condition of the starter.
Q: What are the signs of a bad starter?
A: The signs of a bad starter include:
- The car cranks slowly or not at all.
- The starter makes a clicking noise.
- The starter smells burnt.
Conclusion
If your starter is bad, you can jump-start your car. However, it’s not a permanent solution. A bad starter will eventually need to be replaced. In the meantime, you can follow the tips and advice in this article to keep your car running.
Would you like to know more about car maintenance? Check out our other blog posts for more tips and advice.
