There’s nothing worse than turning the key in your car’s ignition and hearing nothing but silence. Dead batteries happen to the best of us, and knowing how to jump start a car can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to take some safety precautions. Ensure both vehicles are turned off and in park or neutral, and you’re in a safe, traffic-free area. Wearing protective gloves and safety glasses can provide an extra layer of safety.
Gather Necessary Tools
You’ll need a set of jumper cables or a jump starter. If you’re using jumper cables, you’ll also need a second vehicle with a good battery. If you’re using a jump starter, make sure it’s fully charged and ready to go. Check out our reviews of the best jump starters here.
Positioning the Vehicles
Position the vehicles so that they are close enough for the jumper cables to reach both batteries, but make sure the cars are not touching.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
- Attach one end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the live battery.
- Attach one end of the negative (black) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the live battery.
- Attach the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the dead car, away from the battery.
Starting the Car
Start the engine of the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes. Then, attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.
Removing the Jumper Cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them:
- Negative cable from the grounded part of the dead car.
- Negative cable from the live car.
- Positive cable from the live car.
- Positive cable from the dead car.
Aftercare
Keep the recently jump-started car running for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. If the car doesn’t start after several attempts, it may be time to check the connections or consider that the battery may need replacing.
Conclusion
Jump-starting a car is a valuable skill that can save you in an emergency. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively jump start your vehicle. Explore our top-rated jump starters to find the best one for your needs.
