- If you accidentally connect a cable to the wrong terminal (reverse polarity), the integrated safety system will automatically detect the mistake and an error light will turn on.
Jump-starting guide
How to jump-start a car battery
If your car isn’t starting because your battery is flat, there are 2 ways to get your vehicle up and running again: you can boost your battery with starting cables or a jump starter.
Starting cables vs. Jump starter How to boost in 7 steps
Starting cables
Starting cables allow you to boost a battery using another battery from a rescue vehicle. When the rescue vehicle’s engine is running, the battery inside can be used to boost the flat battery. The alternator then takes over to recharge the boosted battery.
Although starting cables are affordable, they have a few downsides and can even be risky to use:
Connecting a starting cable to the wrong terminal
or on the wrong side of the fuse can damage some of
the vehicle’s electric components, make the battery
explode or even cause a fire.
If you have an SUV or a pick-up, a small rescue car
may not be powerful enough to start up your
vehicle.
You always have to rely on a second rescue
vehicle.
Why we recommend you use a jump starter
Whether it’s -30°C outside, or you’re far from home, you’ll always have peace of mind with a jump starter. Here’s why :
It’s safer
It’s easier to use
- With a jump starter, you don’t have to rely on a second vehicle.
- You don’t need specific training or knowledge to use a jump starter safely.
How to jump-start your battery in 7 steps:
Inspect the battery
Since batteries contain harmful chemicals, it’s important to check that your battery isn’t damaged/deformed, and that there are no odours coming from the battery before jump-starting it.
Turn off your accessories
To ensure an effective jump-start, make sure that all your accessories (lights, radio, fan, etc.) are turned off.
Connect the jump-starter clamps to the battery
terminals
- Ensure that the terminals are clean and rust-free. Clean them if needed.
- Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal +
- Connect the black clamp to the negative terminal -
Press the ON button on the jump starter
Wait 20-30 seconds before trying to start up the
engine
When the engine is up and running, remove the
clamps from the terminals
If the battery doesn’t start on the first attempt, wait 30 seconds and try to start the vehicle again. If that doesn’t work, another issue may be at cause, such as loose/corroded connection cables, or a problem with the starter/alternator. It’s also possible that your battery has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced.
Recharge your jump starter every time you use it
3 signs it’s time to change your car battery
- You’ve had it for 4 to 5 years
- It’s lacking power when you start up, even after having recharged it
- You have previously had to boost it several times
Our experts are here to help
You can check the state of your battery by visiting us in store.
Find a store
Need a new battery?
To maximize your investment, it’s important to choose a battery that’s specially adapted to your vehicle and lifestyle.
Check out our buyer’s guide
PRODUCTS APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC
GBX45 BOOST X 12V 1250A JUMP STARTER
FOR LEAD ACID BATT
10-141-10016
CA$199.95
/ unit
GBX55 SURVOLTEUR BOOST X 12V 1750A
POUR BATT AU PLOMB
30-301-10070
CA$129.95
/unit
GB40 SURVOLTEUR GENIUS BOOSTSPORT
12V 1000A LITHIUM ION
10-141-10007
CA$169.99
/ unit
GB70 SURVOLTEUR GENIUS BOOSTSPORT
12V 2000A LITHIUM ION
10-141-10008
CA$314.95
/ unit
GBX75 BOOST X 12V 2500A JUMP
STARTER FOR LEAD ACID BATT
40-411-20027
CA$79.95
/ unit
TC-1700 HEAVY DUTY JUMP STARTER 12V
1700AMP
10-141-10002
CA$339.95
/ unit
QC604063-001 JUMP STARTER RESCUE
2100 12/24V
10-141-10005
CA$499.95
/ unit
GBC003 PINCES PRECISION BOOST HD
12V CABLE 23''
10-135-90096
CA$38.95
/ unit
