Being stuck with a dead car battery is bad enough to add some rain to the equation and panic can set in. But here’s the good news: you can safely jumpstart a car in the rain if you follow the right precautions. Let’s unpack the myths and talk about how to do so safely.
Can You Jumpstart a Car in the Rain?
Contrary to popular belief, jumpstarting a car in the rain isn’t signing your death warrant. Modern car batteries operate on 12 volts, too low to electroshock you. But if you’re sloppy, you can still short-circuit or spark. The trick is to take safety precautions and use common sense.
Safety First: Precautions for Jumpstarting in the Rain
Before you reach for those jumper cables, tick off these boxes:
- Check for exposed wires or cracks. If damaged cables come into contact with metal or water, they can spark.
- Protect connections from moisture, by using an umbrella or your hand.
- Safety goggles and rubber gloves protect against sparks and battery acid.
- Do not attempt to jump the battery if it is frozen, cracked, or leaking. This can lead to an explosion.
- While rain alone is manageable, lightning can be deadly. Wait for extreme storms if possible.
How to Jumpstart a Car in the Rain: A Simple Guide
What You’ll Need:
- Jumper cables are in good condition.
- A donor car with a working battery.
- Rubber gloves, and safety goggles.
Steps:
Position the Cars
- Position the donor car as near as possible so that cables can reach but do not touch the dead car.
- Turn off both engines and engage the parking brakes.
Connect the Cables
- Red(+) Clamp (Donor): Attach to the donor battery’s positive terminal.
- Black (-) Clamp (Donor): Attach to the donor battery’s negative terminal.
- Red (+) Clamp (Dead Car): Connect to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Black (-) Clamp (Dead Car): To an unpainted metal surface (i.e. engine block) to prevent on-spark.
Start the Donor Car
Allow it to run for 3–5 minutes to recharge the dead cell.
Start the Dead Car
- If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes before trying again.
Disconnect in Reverse Order
- Remove the black (-) clamp from the dead car, and then the donor car.
- Always remove the red (+) clamps last.
These steps will ensure that jump-starting a car in the rain isn’t an exercise in misguided and dangerous foolery. Also, keep dry, stay safe, and remember to keep a spare jumper cable handy!
