How to attach jumper cables

Picture this: it’s a chilly morning, and you’re already late for work when you realize your car won’t start. Panic hits as you try to remember the last time you even checked your battery. Luckily, a kind neighbor offers a jump start, but you’re unsure how to correctly attach the jumper cables to avoid any mishaps. In this moment of urgency, knowing exactly how to attach those cables could save you time and get you back on the road.

To attach jumper cables, first park another vehicle with a working battery close enough so that the cables can reach both batteries. Ensure both cars are turned off. Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then attach the other end to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (this acts as a ground). Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then try starting your car.

1. Preparation: Before you begin, gather your materials: a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a fully charged battery. Make sure both cars are parked close enough for the cables to reach, but not touching each other. Ensure that both vehicles are turned off as a safety precaution.

2. Identify Battery Terminals: Locate the battery on both vehicles. Each battery has two terminals: a positive (+) terminal and a negative (-) terminal. The positive terminal is typically marked with a red cover or a plus sign, while the negative terminal may have a black cover or a minus sign.

3. Attach the Red Cables: Start by connecting the red (positive) jumper cable. Attach one end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, take the other end of that cable and secure it to the positive terminal of the good battery.

4. Connect the Black Cables: Next, take the black (negative) jumper cable. Connect one end to the negative terminal of the good battery. The other end should be attached to a bare, unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the dead vehicle. This acts as a ground and helps prevent sparks near the battery.

5. Start the Working Vehicle: With everything connected, start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes. This will charge the dead battery.

6. Attempt to Start the Other Car: After allowing a few minutes for charging, try to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a minute or two, and try again.

7. Disconnection: Once the dead car starts, you can begin to disconnect the cables in reverse order of how they were connected: first remove the black cable from the ground on the dead car, then the black from the good battery, next the red cable from the good battery, and finally the red from the previously dead battery.

8. Wrap Up: Finally, let the revived vehicle run for a while to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged, and make a note to check that battery for any underlying issues.

By following these steps carefully, you can safely jump-start a car and get back on your way with minimal hassle!