How to Jump a Car with Jumper Cables

Dead car batteries can happen to anyone at any time. Knowing how to jump start a car using jumper cables is an essential skill for all drivers. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can get back on the road safely and quickly.

What You’ll Need:

• Jumper cables
• A working vehicle
• Safety gloves (recommended)
• Safety glasses (recommended)

Step 1: Position the Vehicles

Park the working vehicle close to the car with the dead battery, ensuring the batteries are within reach of the jumper cables. Turn off both vehicles and engage their parking brakes.

Step 2: Locate the Batteries

Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate their batteries. Some cars may have covers over the battery terminals which you’ll need to remove.

Step 3: Identify the Battery Terminals

Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries. The positive terminal is usually red and marked with a plus sign, while the negative terminal is typically black and marked with a minus sign.

Step 4: Connect the Jumper Cables

Always connect the jumper cables in this specific order to prevent sparking:

1. Attach one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
3. Attach one black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface in the engine bay of the car with the dead battery (not to the negative terminal).

Step 5: Start the Working Vehicle

Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.

Step 6: Attempt to Start the Dead Vehicle

Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes before trying again.

Step 7: Remove the Jumper Cables

Once the dead vehicle starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them:

1. Remove the black clamp from the formerly dead car’s engine bay.
2. Remove the black clamp from the good battery.
3. Remove the red clamp from the good battery.
4. Remove the red clamp from the formerly dead battery.

Step 8: Keep the Jumped Vehicle Running

Allow the jumped vehicle to run for at least 15 minutes to give the battery time to recharge.

Safety Precautions:

• Never let the clamps of the jumper cables touch each other when any part is connected to a battery.
• Ensure that the jumper cables are clear of moving engine parts before starting the vehicles.
• If you notice any signs of corrosion on the battery terminals, use caution as this can indicate a potential leak of battery acid.

Jumping a car battery is a straightforward process when done correctly. However, if you’re unsure about any step or encounter difficulties, it’s always best to seek professional help. Regular battery maintenance can help prevent unexpected failures, so consider having your battery checked during routine vehicle services.

Remember, driving habits can impact battery life. Avoid leaving lights or electronics on when the engine isn’t running, and consider investing in a portable jump starter for added peace of mind on the road.

While jumping a car can get you back on the road quickly, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the battery failure. Don’t leave it to chance – bring your vehicle to Ian’s Auto for a thorough inspection of your battery and alternator. Our experienced technicians will ensure your electrical system is functioning properly, helping you avoid future breakdowns and extending the life of your vehicle. Call us today to schedule an appointment and drive with confidence knowing your car is in top condition.