Jump starting your car is something that most drivers will have to deal with at some point. Whether your battery dies unexpectedly or you accidentally leave your headlights on overnight, knowing how to jump start your car can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
However, if done incorrectly, jump starting your car can also be dangerous. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to jump start your car safely and effortlessly.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items:
- Jumper cables: You'll need a set of high-quality jumper cables that are long enough to reach the other car's battery.
- Another car: You'll need another car with a good battery to jump start your car.
- Protective gear: You should always wear protective gloves and eye goggles when jump starting a car.
Step 1: Position the Cars
The first step in jump starting your car is to position the two cars so they are facing each other with the batteries as close as possible.
- Make sure both cars are in park or neutral with the parking brakes on.
- Turn off the ignition and all electrical systems in both cars.
Step 2: Attach the Jumper Cables
Next, attach the jumper cables in the following order:
- Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach the other end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface of the dead car, such as a bolt or bracket.
Make sure the jumper cables are securely attached to the battery terminals and that the clamps are not touching each other.
Step 3: Start the Good Car
Start the car with the good battery and let it idle for a few minutes. This will allow the battery to charge up the dead battery.
Step 4: Start the Dead Car
Once you've let the good car idle for a few minutes, turn the key in the dead car's ignition to start it. If the battery is completely dead, you may need to give it a little gas to get it started.
Step 5: Remove the Jumper Cables
Once the dead car is running again, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order:
- Remove the black jumper cable from the unpainted metal surface of the dead car.
- Remove the black jumper cable from the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
- Remove the red jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Remove the red jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Tips and Precautions
Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind when jump starting your car:
- Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery. Let it thaw out first.
- Make sure the batteries are of the same voltage before attempting to jump start the car.
- Avoid smoking or using open flames near the battery.
- If the jump start is unsuccessful, you may have a dead alternator or starter motor. Call a tow truck.
Conclusion
Jump starting your car is a simple process as long as you take the proper precautions and follow the correct steps. By using this guide, you can jump start your car safely and effortlessly the next time you find yourself with a dead battery.
