So, can you jump a car in the rain? Long drives in the rain are a source of fun for people fond of driving. Traveling to a faraway place just in the rain seems quite impressive. One can sit and relax the breathtaking views just by putting the foot to acceleration. The cherry on the top is the petrichor, those rain droplets on the windscreen, and the damp roads that offer the best driving experience.
It might appear romantic in the first instance, but it is not so. Driving in heavy rain may provide pleasure, but it can get hazardous.
How Does Heavy Rain Effect Driving?
Pouring rain on the windscreen lowers the visibility. The chances of skidding a car in the rain increase as the driver may lose control of the acceleration. Due to hydroplaning, a vehicle in the rain becomes prone to skidding. At this moment, it won’t matter if the driver is fully concentrating or have years of experience.
Water gets clogged between the tires and makes the road even more slippery. In addition, if the vehicle is not in control due to high speed, it is at risk of colliding. Thus, to get rid of serious issues, safety precautions are necessary.
How Can a Car Battery Die?
Besides skidding, other dangers related to car batteries can arise at any time. So let us look at some issues about how can a dead battery affect your driving experience in the rain.
A car designer designs a car with precision so that the electrical components used in the car remain safe from external damage. The case is the same for the car batteries. A car battery uses a covering case to ensure safety and resist water damage.
The case has polypropylene resin that prevents the car battery from moisture damage. It may overcome drizzles, but it may not withstand exposure to heavy rain. Rain causes the battery terminals and lid to submerge in water.
As a result, the battery can get discharged. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a battery charger with you so that it comes to the rescue if the problem arises. We have understood in brief the reason that causes issues in battery terminals. So let us proceed with more ideas about can you jump a car in the rain or how to jump start safely.
What Do You Mean by Jump Starting a Car Battery?
A jump start is a process in which a dead car battery becomes functional when connected to external electricity. The battery recharges when it receives positive or negative charges from an external source using jumper cables.
Jumper cables are nothing but insulated wires. These insulated wires have attached clips to their end to connect the dead battery to a supplementary electric source to recharge it. The car’s battery gets restored to its original functionality. Marking on the clips indicates the negative terminal and positive terminal.
Can You Jump Start a Car in the Rain?
A question that may arise about whether we can jump-start our car in the rain follows a simple answer. Yes, we can jump-start a car. It is perfectly safe to do so. But for that, we need to know some basic stuff. Since the entire process relates to the electrical system, minimal precautions can help to do the task safely.
The initial thing is to have jumper cables in fair condition. Then, it is advisable to check whether the jumper cables are perfect. If the jumper cables are in a bad state, the chance of short-circuiting is high. Therefore, while working with battery terminals, wearing gloves is necessary as a preventive measure.
Is It Safe to Jump Start a Car in the Rain?
The conventional beliefs make us fear the process of jump-starting a car in the rain. The myths revolve around the idea that the engine may stop working if one does that. But before beginning with jumping, one must have prior experience.
A four-wheeled vehicle functions in DC 12 volts. It is higher in big vehicles as they use DC 24 volts. The car battery ranges from 48 Ah to 50 Ah. The battery has a low voltage making it harmless to jump start.
Now you may ask why it is safe? Experts claim that the resistance power of humans is up to 10,000. Due to very low voltage, it fails to impact the human body. The only thing to remember while jumping is that water droplets shall not touch the charging terminals. It is the way to avoid injury from short circuits.
How to Jump Start a Car in the Rain?
We have looked at some vital aspects that concern jumping. Now let us concentrate on the steps an individual shall follow to jump-start a car’s battery.
Step 1
The first step involves a vital move. An individual trying to jump-start must disconnect the electrical system. It includes switching off the lights and radios. Next, it is advisable to open the window for air passage.
Step 2
In the second step, you must ensure that you have parked the dead car close to the electric source. If the external electric source is another car, an individual must keep a safe distance between the two. It aims to ensure that the jumper cables reach the terminal end of the battery.
Step 3
While charging with jumper cables, cover the top with a water-resistant cover. It is advisable to avoid plastic materials as they may lead to danger.
Step 4
Double-check the ignition keys and car engine. Remove the keys and switch off the engine.
Step 5
The fifth step is recharging a dead battery. Finally, you must attach the red clamp of the jumper cable to the positive terminal on the flat battery. The other end of the red clamp must fit the positive terminal of the external electric supply.
Step 6
Now it’s time for the black clamp.
You should attach the black clamp of the jumper cable to the negative terminal of the car’s electrical system. Then, plug in the other end to the dead battery’s negative terminal. The black clamp gets attached to the earth point acting as an engine block.
Step 7
Restart the spare car. But make sure you do not press the acceleration. Leave the engine in running mode for a few minutes. Let the dead battery restore the recharge.
Step 8
Try starting the dead car’s engine. If it starts, then congrats, you have completed the recharging procedure. But it is advisable to wait for 15 minutes so that the battery holds on extra backup.
Step 9
It is the final step. In this, you shall disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order. Then, finally, you are ready to start your engine and travel to your destination.
Final Words
Driving in itself is a stress-relieving activity. But when you are out on travel and the weather seems to betray you, forget not to get hold of the red and black cables. These two cables can make a difference in your journey. It reduces the risk of finding alternative car recharge centers.
All you need is the help of another vehicle that will provide you with as minimum as 15 minutes. A portable jump starter is an ideal option to maintain good battery life. Whether dry weather or wet, to safely jump-start your car in emergencies, choose the insulated wires to arrive at an instant solution.
It is necessary to discard the myths that jump-starting can harm your car. Before believing such claims, you should do your research. Jump starting will not damage your vehicle if you know the correct process.
