How Do I Jump-Start my Car?

Steps to Jump-Start a Vehicle with a Dead Battery

A car with a dead battery is always an inconvenience. It seems to happen at the most inopportune moments. One solution is to have a portable jump-starter, which can charge your battery without assistance from another vehicle. However, most people reply on help from another vehicle to jump-start their car. Follow these steps to jump-start a vehicle with a dead battery with the help from a second vehicle.

Tips Before Jump-Starting Your Vehicle

Before you attempt to jump-start your vehicle, there are a few things you will want to check. Look at the battery to ensure it does not have any cracks or leaks. If it does, do not attempt to jump-start it. A new battery will have to be installed. If the battery is frozen or dry, do not jump-start it. If your vehicle has been having issues starting, you may want to consider having the battery tested. It is possible the battery is old and not holding a proper charge. You should also check the owner’s manual of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to jump-start it.

Read More: Where can I find a vehicle for the winter?

Steps to Jump-Start a Dead Battery

Follow these steps the next time you need to jump-start a dead battery:

1. Place the vehicle with the dead battery and the donor vehicle side-by-side and open the hoods. Turn on the parking brake for both vehicles.
2. Attach the red, positive alligator clip to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
3. Place the positive clip onto the positive terminal on the donor battery.
4. Connect the black, negative clip to the negative terminal on the donor battery.
5. Attach the final, negative clip to an unpainted metal part of the car with the dead battery. This should not be near the battery. A recommended spot is one of the struts holding the hood open.
6. Start the donor car and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
7. Test the lights in the vehicle with the dead battery. If the lights turn on, there may be enough of a charge to start the vehicle.
8. Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If the car starts, allow it to run for another 15-20 minutes. This will allow the battery to further charge. Consider taking the vehicle for a drive rather than let it idle.
9. If the vehicle does not start after several minutes of charging, the battery may need to be replaced.
10. Remove the clips in the opposite order in which they were placed on the vehicle.

Read More: Will your vehicle’s battery die if you don’t drive it enough?

Sharing is caring!