How to jump start car

Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation where your car just won’t start? Maybe you’re in a parking lot after a long day at work or at home on a chilly morning, and you suspect it’s the battery that’s given up. You’re not alone; a dead battery is one of the most common car troubles. In moments like these, knowing how to jump-start a car can save you time, stress, and a costly trip to the mechanic.

To jump-start a car, you’ll need a working vehicle, jumper cables, and a safety-first approach. First, park the working vehicle close to the dead car without letting them touch. Turn off both engines and connect the cables: red to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the working battery; black to the negative terminal of the working battery, and finally to a grounded metal surface on the dead car. Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then try starting the dead car. If it starts, remove the cables in reverse order and keep the revived vehicle running for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.

When jump-starting a car, it’s crucial to ensure that you follow the right sequence when connecting cables. Start by placing the working vehicle and the dead vehicle close enough for the jumper cables to reach both batteries. Park them with their hoods facing each other but take care to not let the two vehicles touch. Put both cars in park (or neutral, if manual) and turn off the ignitions. Begin with the red (positive) jumper cable and attach one end to the positive terminal of the dead battery, which is usually marked with a “+” or red cover. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.

Next, take the black (negative) jumper cable and secure one end to the negative terminal of the working battery, followed by connecting the other end to an unpainted metal surface or a grounding point on the dead vehicle–this is often a bolt on the engine block–rather than to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This prevents any sparks from igniting battery gases. Once everything is connected, start the engine of the working vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle. If successful, carefully remove the cables in the reverse order of connection, ensuring that they do not touch each other. Keep the revived car running for at least 20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. Always prioritize safety and consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions if you’re unsure.