Worst thing in the world is a dead car battery when you’re in a hurry. But don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. Jump starting a car seems tricky but with the right steps you’ll be back on the road in no time. Let’s go through how to do it safely and effectively.
1. What You’ll Need
Before you start you’ll need two things:
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Jumper cables
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Another car with a working battery
That’s it! Make sure the working car has enough juice to lend you.
2. Safety First
Safety first when working with car batteries. Here’s what to remember:
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Turn off both cars: Before you connect the jumper cables, make sure both cars are off.
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Park the cars close together: Cars should be close enough that the cables reach, but don’t let them touch.
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Check for damage: Make sure your cables aren’t frayed or damaged. Bad cables can spark or even catch fire.
3. Connect
Now connect:
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Red to dead battery: Take the red (positive) cable and clip to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
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Red to good battery: Now clip the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
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Black to good battery: Take the black (negative) cable and clip to the negative terminal of the working battery.
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Black to metal: Instead of clipping the last black clamp to the dead battery, clip it to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, like a bolt. This reduces the risk of sparks.
4. Start the Good Car
Once everything is connected, start the car with the good battery. Let it run for a minute or two. This will give the dead battery a chance to charge up.
5. Start the Dead Car
Now it’s time! Try starting the car with the dead battery. If everything is connected right it should start. If not, give it another minute or two and try again.
6. Disconnect
Done! Now it’s time to safely disconnect the jumper cables:
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Black from metal: First, remove the black clamp from the unpainted metal surface on the dead car.
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Black from good battery: Then remove the black clamp from the working car’s battery.
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Red from good battery: Now remove the red cable from the working car’s battery.
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Red from dead battery: Finally remove the red clamp from the dead battery.
Don’t let the cables touch while disconnecting.
7. Let the Car Run
Let the car run for at least 10-15 minutes. You may want to take it for a spin too.
8. If It Doesn’t Work
If the car still won’t start, it could be a sign of a bigger issue, like a bad battery or alternator. In that case, you might need a new battery or professional help.
Final Tips
- Always keep jumper cables in your car. You never know when you'll need them.
- Regularly check your battery for any signs of wear or corrosion.
- Ask for help if you're unsure. There’s no shame in calling a friend or roadside assistance if you’re not confident.
With a little know-how and some jumper cables, you can easily jump-start your car and get back on your way. Just remember to follow these steps carefully for a safe and smooth process.
