Jump-starting a car is a useful skill to have in case your vehicle's battery dies or you find someone that needs help. If you don't know the correct way of jump-starting a vehicle, you are in the right place - it's simple but you have to keep a few things in mind. Follow these steps to safely and effectively jump-start a car:
Step 1: Get the Right Equipment
You will need a set of jumper cables and a second vehicle with a working battery. Make sure the batteries have the same voltage (usually 12 volts).
Step 2: Position the Vehicles
Park the second vehicle close enough to the dead vehicle so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries but not so close that the vehicles are touching. Make sure both cars are in park or neutral and the parking brake is engaged.
Step 3: Connect the Cables
Connect the red cable to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery, then connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the working battery. Next, connect the black cable to the negative (-) terminal on the working battery. Finally, connect the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the vehicle at no charge.
Important: Make sure one of the clamps is connected to unpainted metal on the vehicle with no charge. Otherwise, it will not work!
Step 4: Start the Working Vehicle
Start the second vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
Step 5: Start the Vehicle With The Dead Battery
Try to start the dead vehicle. If it doesn't start, wait a few more minutes and try again. Keep in mind that if the dead battery is very old or damaged, it may not be able to hold a charge and will need to be replaced.
Step 6: Disconnect the Jumper Cables
Once the dead vehicle is running, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were connected. Start with the black cable on the previously dead battery, then the black cable on the working battery, followed by the red cable on the working battery, and finally, the red cable on the previously dead battery.
Old Or Dead Battery?
If your vehicle needs a battery replacement, visit us, and we will be happy to help! Bud's Auto Repair and Transmission is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and even better mechanics. Our team performs all repairs and services your car needs, so give us a call!