Can you jump-start a car without cables?

By Chad Lückhoff

It's one of those inevitable situations. You walk out to the car in the morning - this will usually be a chilly morning where you are already running late for work. You put the key in the ignition and turn it. Nothing happens, or if it does, it's happening very slowly and the engine just won't fire. You have a dead or dying battery.

Over time, a battery will lose its ability to retain charge and when this happens, you may be faced with quite the predicament. How will you get your car running again?

You'd be able to give the battery a temporary boost by connecting it to a car that has a fully functioning battery, but this requires jumper cables and naturally, another car. But what if you don't have jumper cables, or another car?

There are two solutions here, and sadly, only one of them is easy – provided you have planned for this eventuality.

A Booster Pack

A booster pack is a readily available lifesaver that can get your car up and running in a matter of minutes. They're available in all shapes and forms, with prices ranging from as little as R700 upwards. Your local auto parts store should be able to supply you with one and the automotive isles at the local Game / Pick n Pay may even have them on the shelves.

With a booster pack connected, you should be able to crank the engine until it takes, at which point the alternator will take over and keep some charge flowing into the battery, allowing you to get to work.

Booster packs are compact and easy to use, a worthwhile investment even if you don't need it right away.

Push/roll-starting

This one will only benefit cars with manual gearboxes as the clutch is needed to engage and disengage the engine from the gearbox and drivetrain. You may need assistance here as it is not advisable to try push the car as well as steer it, while operating the pedals!

The car will need to be positioned on a level surface or, ideally, a decline with enough space to be able to get it up to around 15km/h.

With the car in second gear, the clutch depressed, and the ignition switched to the ‘on’ position, the vehicle must be pushed forward up to a speed of approximately 15km/h (here the decline comes into play).

Once the vehicle is up to speed, the clutch pedal is released, connecting the drivetrain to the engine and turning the engine over. This will most often result in the engine firing up.

Remember to depress the clutch again to prevent the car from running away. Give it a few minutes just above idle to get some charge into the battery before setting off on your journey.

This is a temporary fix and you will still need to have your battery checked and possibly replaced.

Unfortunately, this only benefits manual gearbox cars and if you have an automatic and no booster pack or jumper cables, you'll have to call your roadside assistance to come and help you.