Most motorists have experienced a flat battery at some point or another and the experience can be very stressful. This scenario is most likely to occur in periods of cold weather when your battery’s requirements are stretched to meet other demands, such as heating, so we’d recommend you always keep a pair of jump cables in your car in case this issue was to arise. The majority of motorists are fully capable of jump-starting their car when equipped with cables, but when you find yourself stranded with no access to jump-leads, things can get a little trickier. Citroen-Peugeot Specialists always aim to make any car malfunctions much more bearable, which is why we’ve compiled this guide on how to jump-start your car without cables to get you on your way again.
In order for this technique work, the car must be manual rather than automatic as a clutch pedal is needed and, unless you are situated on a decline of a hill, you will require friends or passers-by to assist you.
Reasons for a flat battery
If your battery has run flat, it might be a good idea to assess what has caused the battery to drain – your battery dying can indicate much larger problems within your vehicle such as:
- A fault with your vehicle’s charging system
- A fault with the battery itself
- Excessive vibration
- Corrosion
Common reasons for flat batteries include lights being left on and draining the battery, a very short journey or lack of use. The latter causations can result in the battery undercharging and sulphation occurring – this reduces the battery’s ability to retain a charge.
If you do experience a flat battery, it is best to have your car checked over by a mechanic to ensure that the fault is assessed and repaired.
Steps:
Step 1 : Hold down the clutch and keep it pressed down until step 4.
Step 2: Put the car into second gear and turn the keys in the ignition.
Step 3: Looking out for traffic, have your friends/passers-by begin to push the car. If you are on a hill, simply release the brake and allow the vehicle to roll down the hill.
Step 4: Once you reach 5mph, release the clutch to allow the engine and gearbox to connect. The wheels will pull the now connected engine along and start the engine’s combustion.
Step 5: Make sure you leave the engine running for at least 15 minutes before you switch it off.
Citroen-Peugeot specialists have 32 years’ experience at the forefront of our industry and offer fast, efficient servicing at competitive prices. Our dedication to our customers and rigorous testing means that your car is always in safe hands. For more information on our services, contact us here.