Jump leads.

[TeamG]

I bought a set of the thickest ones Halfords did in the early 90’s. I was once stuck at the local council tip when their large lorry was blocking the one-way system with a flat battery. I lent them the jump leads to jump it off their large excavator - both 24V. The leads certainly got hot, but if they could start that, they’ll do any car I ever own.

[george57l]

Originally Posted by green van man

retail price £35 they were good value, better if you know someone with a trade card when they come down to £29.

If you are a Volvo Owners' Club Member there's a 10% discount voucher for use at Halfords, too.

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by TeamG

I bought a set of the thickest ones Halfords did in the early 90’s. I was once stuck at the local council tip when their large lorry was blocking the one-way system with a flat battery. I lent them the jump leads to jump it off their large excavator - both 24V. The leads certainly got hot, but if they could start that, they’ll do any car I ever own.

I'd best start with the disclaimer Please don't try this at home children
On one occasion I managed to get enough boost from my car to get a truck with low batteries to start, and I did once jump start my car from a truck at work, given that trucks are 24v and cars just 12v a number of people were convinced I'd blow up the car, the trick is to connect to just one of the batteries on the truck. In contrast I was recently asked to jump start a truck at work and when the shunter came to 'help' me he nearly shorted the batteries of the running truck as he was going to put the leads to the either end of the wire connecting the two dead batteries in series.
So again, if you don't know exactly what you're doing don't try this at home

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

So again, if you don't know exactly what you're doing don't try this at home

sage comment,, sadly those that Need it ASSume they do and "frying tonight"

i DO wonder how many of them have seen a lead acid batter go "pop",,,,,

they'd bloomin well learn fast if they did :P

[Welton]

I was once warned about jump starting modern Fords with 'smart charge' alternators.

These alternators can put out 18 volts to charge a cold discharged battery and this voltage spike can cause damage to both the flat battery car and the donor car!