Should You Rev the Engine When Jumping a Car?

When jumping a car, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damaging the battery or other components. One question that often arises is whether or not you should rev the engine while the other car is providing power.

The Benefits of Revving the Engine

There are a few potential benefits to revving the engine while jumping a car:

• Increased alternator output: Revving the engine increases the speed of the alternator, which in turn produces more electrical current. This can help to charge the dead battery more quickly.
• Reduced strain on the battery: Revving the engine reduces the amount of current that the battery needs to provide, which can help to extend its lifespan.
• Faster starting: The increased electrical current produced by revving the engine can help to start the car more quickly.

The Risks of Revving the Engine

However, there are also some potential risks associated with revving the engine while jumping a car:

• Overcharging the battery: If the alternator is producing too much current, it can overcharge the battery, which can damage it or even cause it to explode.
• Damage to the alternator: Revving the engine can put excessive strain on the alternator, which can damage it.
• Damage to the starter: Revving the engine can put excessive strain on the starter, which can damage it.

So, Should You Rev the Engine?

The decision of whether or not to rev the engine while jumping a car is a difficult one. There are both benefits and risks associated with doing so, and the best course of action will depend on the specific circumstances.

In general, it is not necessary to rev the engine while jumping a car. The alternator will produce enough current to charge the battery without the need for additional input. However, if the battery is very dead or if the alternator is weak, revving the engine may be helpful.

If you do decide to rev the engine, be sure to do so carefully. Avoid revving the engine too high, and do not hold it at a high RPM for extended periods of time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Jumping a Car

1. Park both cars close together, facing each other. The front of the cars should be within reach of the jumper cables.
2. Turn off both engines.
3. Open the hoods of both cars.
4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries. The positive terminal is usually marked with a red cap, while the negative terminal is usually marked with a black cap.
5. Connect one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
6. Connect the other end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the negative jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the chassis of the car with the dead battery. Do not connect the negative cable directly to the negative terminal on the dead battery, as this could cause sparks.
9. Start the engine of the car with the good battery.
10. Rev the engine of the car with the good battery to about 2,000 RPM.
11. Attempt to start the engine of the car with the dead battery. If the car starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them.
12. If the car does not start, wait a few minutes and try again. If the car still does not start, there may be another problem that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

Jumping a car is a relatively simple procedure, but it is important to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging the battery or other components. The decision of whether or not to rev the engine while jumping a car is a difficult one, and the best course of action will depend on the specific circumstances.