HELP ME PLEASE!! HOW DO I CHARGE A CAR BATTERY!

[daisycat01]

I was doing really well for a monday morning. Left the house on time with all baggage, but then the car wouldnt start. The battery light flashed on and off and there was a strange electrical ticking sound. I am presuming that the battery is dead as I havent driven it for over a week. I really dont know a lot about cars, and am not registered with the AA and my husband is away for a few days. We have moved out of our home while work is being done and now live 8 miles from the school so I really need the car! I also dont know anyone local who can help me.

My mum is driving over this afternoon with her car, and I am presuming that I need jump leads and can take some power from her battery to mine.

Where do I start though?? DO all jump leads work on all cars?? I have a 1995 VW polo...

Once I have got the jump leads what do I do?? I am a little wary about electricuting myself!!

TIA

[LadyOfTheCauliFlowers]

I am not sure exactly which way the jumps go on, but they have crocodile clips and you connect your battery to hers and she starts her engine and leaves the engine running, then you start yours and it should start.
Then you need to, ideally, take your car for a drive to 'charge' the battery. You can leave it running but I think you can now get fined for doing this?! lol
DH is a mechanic and I can't remember which way the leads go on....

[Iota]

advice from thr AA re using jump leads

[daisycat01]

Thanks, that is as far as my knowledge goes, just read the Haynes manual and I now feel a little scared!! Am worried about doing it wrong and killing myself!!

[Iota]

How old is your battery? You may need to get a new one.

I had my car taken to a local garage on a low loader when it wouldn't start ( didn't realise that the battery was flat as the central locking went haywire).
It cost £40 for the recovery service.

[daisycat01]

ooo thanks Iota!!

[nannyL]

for now just get your car started with the jump leads (its easy )

then tke the car for a good drive.... 20mins plus ideally on a fast A road / motorway.

[daisycat01]

yeah think I will need a new battery soon, although its never been a problem before, just need to keep it ticking over!