It can be an unpleasant surprise to meet a dead battery when you slide behind the wheel of a hybrid car. While most drivers are familiar with jumpstarting a traditional car, it might seem like a daunting task to jumpstart a hybrid car. This is mainly because of the unique combination of powertrains in a hybrid vehicle.
But before you drift into panic mode, know that it is entirely possible to jumpstart a hybrid car. To get your eco-friendly vehicle up and running, let’s get into the details of how to do it.
How to Jumpstart a Hybrid Car
If you are in the middle of nowhere and run flat on a hybrid car battery, it is important to know how to handle it. To get started with jumpstarting a hybrid car, first, let’s understand the basics of a hybrid car battery.
How Does a Hybrid Car Battery Work?
Hybrid cars, mostly HEVs, have two types of batteries; a smaller 12-volt battery and a high-voltage battery. The smaller one helps to start a hybrid vehicle. Whereas, the high-voltage battery either works with or takes over the fuel engine for efficiency. The presence of a 12-volt battery makes it easier to jumpstart a hybrid car.
While driving, hybrids can switch seamlessly between the two power sources. The combustion engine helps to recharge the high-voltage battery. It also recharges through regenerative braking which is the phenomenon of generating energy from each wheel upon braking.
Now that you know how a hybrid car battery works, let’s jumpstart your hybrid car the right way.
Process of Jumpstarting a Hybrid Car
You can jumpstart a hybrid car with a dead battery just like you do it for any standard car. Following are the steps with which you can easily jumpstart a hybrid car keeping yourself and your car safe.
Step 1: Park the hybrid car and the donor car on a flat and dry surface.
Step 2: Presumably, the hybrid car might already be off since the battery is dead. Make sure both the donor car and hybrid car and all their electrical components are turned off. Engage the parking brake.
Step 3: Locate the correct battery, that is, the smaller 12-volt battery to recharge it. In some cars, it is located under the car’s hood or in the trunk.
Step 4: Attach the red clamp (+) to the positive terminal of the dead battery or positive jump post.
Step 5: Place the other red clamp on the positive terminal of a working battery (the donor car).
Step 6: Attach the black clamp (-) to the negative terminal of the dead battery or negative jump post. Some vehicles do not have a negative terminal, in that case, connect the negative clamp to a stationary, unpainted metal point under the hood.
Step 7: Attach the other black clamp to the negative terminal of a working battery (the donor car).
Step 8: Start the donor car’s engine and let it run for a few minutes before charging the dead battery. Revving up the donor car’s engine can help speed up charging as well. Here is how you can rev a car easily.
Step 9: Now try starting the hybrid car after a few minutes. If it doesn’t work instantly, try starting it again after a little more time.
Step 10: Once the battery is charged, turn off both vehicles again.
Step 11: Disconnect all the clamps carefully in the reverse order of connection. That is, first remove the negative clamps and then the positive clamps.
Although jumpstarting a hybrid car is a skill drivers must have to avoid unpleasant surprises. However, there are some precautions you must take to prevent potential damage.
Precautions to Jumpstart a Hybrid Car
As hybrid cars have an electric motor you must exercise certain precautions during the process. By following these precautions, you can safely jumpstart your hybrid car and get back on the road without any worries.
Consult the Owner’s Manual
Read the owner’s manual to understand the manufacturer’s instructions related to jump-starting.
Use Correct Cables
Make sure that you use adequate jumper cables designed for use with hybrid vehicles.
Match Polarity
Failing to match polarity while jumpstarting a hybrid car can cause electrical damage to sensitive electronic parts.
Never Connect to the High-Voltage Battery
Before attempting to jumpstart a hybrid car, know your car batteries correctly. Never connect the jumper cables directly to the high-voltage battery as it is dangerous and highly powerful.
Moreover, if jumpstarting a hybrid car doesn’t work as it should or you are not confident about the process, it is better to seek assistance from an auto mechanic. There are many hybrid car problems which you cannot deal on your own and need professional help with.
FAQs
Can you jumpstart another car from a hybrid car?
Yes, jumpstarting a car battery from a hybrid car is no different than doing it with a standard car. If the 12-volt battery of a hybrid car is charged and in working condition, it can easily jumpstart another car.
Can you jumpstart a car without another car?
Yes, you can jumpstart a car without another car simply by using a jumpstart box or the push-start method.
That’s a wrap on how to jumpstart a hybrid car. Learning the proper way to jumpstart a hybrid car is crucial to prevent damage. Having the skill on hand can be a lifesaver in times of need. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s always best to leave the task to trained professionals. You may want to go through this guide for tips to buy hybrid cars in the UAE and save yourself from future costly repairs.
Moreover, make sure that your hybrid car is well-maintained as it is more complex and expensive than standard cars. Also, protect the hybrid car battery from heat to prevent its depletion before its life span ends. That said, if your car battery is posing recurring issues or frequent breakdowns, it is better to switch to another car. Browse these used cars for sale in the UAE and find your ideal one.
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