Is 2 gauge or 4 gauge better?
Mechanics generally recommend a 4 gauge jumper cable for full-size, intermediate and compact cars. The thicker wire in a 2 gauge cable will, however, be better suited to the needs of vans, pickup trucks and sports cars.
What gauge is best for car jumper cables?
4 gauge
Are 10 gauge jumper cables OK?
Gauge and Width Hint: a higher number gauge is not better! A 10 gauge cable will not get you enough juice to jump your vehicle, and a 6 gauge should give you plenty of oomph unless you need to jump-start a dump truck. The lower the number, the faster it will charge and the more power that passes through.
Does the gauge of jumper cables matter?
The jumper cables’ gauge should match the size of the vehicle. A large truck, RV, or SUV might require 1- or 2-gauge cables for maximum benefit. A standard passenger sedan can be jump-started safely with 4- or 6-gauge cables.
Does revving engine help jump starting?
RAY: So by revving your engine up to 2,000 rpm or 2,500 rpm and holding it there while the other car tries to start, you’re increasing the output of your alternator and giving your battery a little bit of extra power, which it can donate to the other car. …
How long should I let car run after jump start?
If your car does start, let it run for a few minutes to help charge the battery further. Unhook the clamps in the reverse order of how you put them on. Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge.
Can jumping a car ruin your alternator?
No jump start cannot kill an alternator as long as the jump start voltage is correct. If you use a 24 V to jump start a car of 12v you will blow the alternator and the electricals. Originally Answered: Can jumpstarting a car damage the alternator? Simply.
What happens if you connect the jumper cables wrong?
Hooking the jumper cables up backwards can create disastrous results. Possible outcomes include irreparable damage to the battery, fried electronics, and even serious personal injury.
Do jumper cables ever go bad?
But as the vehicles are used, those weakened components will eventually fail. And since those failures may be weeks or months later, you’ll probably never realize that it was caused by your use of conventional jumper cables.
How much does it cost to repair the alternator?
Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350 depending on make and model. Most vehicles will fall into the $350-400 range for the total job of alternator replacement if no other parts need to be replaced. If the serpentine belt gets tacked on, add another $20 to $50 to your bill.
How long can you go with a bad alternator?
How long can you drive a car with a bad alternator? The answer is as long as your battery has power still stored. Once your alternator has stopped working, your vehicle starts to take the energy it needs from the vehicle’s battery.