Jump-starting a car is a very useful skill to have. Whether using it on your own car or helping out a friend, it can save you from being stranded. But it isn't as simple as it looks. You can mess up your whole electrical system if you don't do it correctly and in the right order. But don't worry, because we are here to help! Below you will find steps you can follow to ensure you jump-start a car correctly.
1. Park The Cars
Park the working car next to the car with the dead battery and secure them in place. This will make sure the cables reach both of them. Also, leave them in neutral and/or park mode.
2. Locate The Batteries
Locate the battery on both of the vehicles and remove anything covering the terminals or the battery itself. Make sure they are free of corrosion and are not broken.
3. Connect The Positive/Red Cable
Connect one of the clamps of the wire to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then do the same to the working battery.
4. Connect The Negatives/Black Cable
Before you do anything, it's different from the positive terminals. Connect the negative terminal of the working battery. Find a spot with bare and unpainted metal, then connect the other end. Do not connect it to the dead battery!
5. Start The Car With The Good Battery
Start the working car - it will allow for electricity to go through the cables and start charging the dead battery.
6. Wait For A Few Minutes
Waiting for a few minutes (5-15) will ensure that there will be enough power in the dead battery for at least a start-up.
7. Start The Car With The Dead Battery
Try starting the car, and if it doesn't work, wait a few minutes. If it doesn't start again, you probably need a replacement.
8. Get The Cables Off
When it has started, disconnect the cables in the exact opposite order. Starting with the black cable, then the red one.
Need A New Battery?
If the steps above didn't help, you are probably in for a battery replacement. The problem might also be in the electrical system, so keep that in mind as well. Whichever the case may be, visit us at Auto DR, and we will be happy to help!