Jump starting a car can be tricky but not too hard with the right steps. But safety first. Here’s a simple no nonsense checklist to keep you safe while bringing your car back to life.
1. Check Your Gear
Before you start make sure you have a good pair of jumper cables. They should be clean, rust free and long enough to reach between both cars.
2. Turn Everything Off
Turn off both cars completely. This includes the lights, radio and even the AC. It prevents electrical damage when you hook up the cables.
3. Park Safely
Park both cars so they’re facing each other but not touching. They need to be close enough for the cables to reach but safety first.
4. Connect the Cables in the Right Order
First connect the red cable to the dead car’s positive terminal. Then connect the other end to the positive terminal on the working car. Next connect the black cable to the working car’s negative terminal. Finally clip the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery!).
5. Start the Working Car First
Turn on the car with the good battery and let it run for a minute or two. This gives the dead battery a chance to charge.
6. Try Starting the Dead Car
After a couple of minutes try starting the dead car. If it works great! If not wait a few more minutes before trying again.
7. Remove the Cables Carefully
Once the car starts disconnect the cables in reverse order. Start with the black cable from the metal surface, then the black cable from the working car, then the red cable from the working car and finally the red cable from the dead car.
8. Let the Engine Run
Once your car starts let it run for at least 15 minutes. This will give the battery time to charge.
9. Drive Safely
Take your car for a short drive to give the battery a full recharge. Keep an eye on your dashboard to make sure everything is good.
With this simple checklist you’ll be back on the road in no time and most importantly you’ll do it safely.
