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

Read you car's manual, if you have one. Otherwise take a look at this

HTH!

Rather than get two cars together (which can be a faff), you can just get one of these from Argos.

Mine died last week, I just took it off and charged it over night with one of the chargers above - it was fine after.

ermmm

how do I know what voltage my car is????

At risk of asking the bleeding obvious - have you tried lifting the bonnet and seeing what it says on the battery? Or do you have a manual?

You should also be sure that your car can be jump started and that use your mums car can be used to jump yours. This isn't advisable with some modern cars. If you don't have a manual, get your mum to niip you down to the library and have a look at the Haynes workshop manual for your car. It should tell you. Once you get your car going, take it for a good long run to allow the alternator to charge the battery.

Also, your car is more than likely 12 volts.

If still not sure, call your local Halfords or garage and they should tell you.

Thanks for all your help. SOrry to sound really stupid!! Went to Halfords and got jump leads and then followed instructions and it was actually very easy! Just got a bit scared when attaching and removing the leads that I would get electrocuted. Went for a long drive afterwards and it all seems fine now!!

Thanks again!!