Wondering how to jump-start a car? It’s a simple and quick way to get you back on the road if your battery has failed, and you’ve ended up stranded. However, it’s possible to cause serious damage and injury if not done properly. Luckily, we’ve put together this quick guide to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
How to Jump-Start a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Equipment
The only important piece of equipment you’ll need is a set of jumper cables, which are an essential bit of kit that every driver should have. If you don’t have them already, they are a very good investment, as finding somewhere to buy a set when you’ve broken down could be very difficult, if not impossible. You’ll also need a vehicle with a battery and alternator that’s working correctly. However, don’t attempt to jump-start from an electric or hybrid vehicle, as it could cause damage to the motors and3 batteries.
When you’ve found someone that’s happy to help you get back on the road, check your battery carefully. If it’s leaking or looks damaged, don’t touch it! Batteries produce flammable gasses and contain harmful chemicals, so you’ll need to get a professional to replace it.
Park Both Vehicles Close Together
Most jumper cables aren’t super long, so you’ll need to position the working vehicle, so the cables can reach from their battery to yours. This will depend on where your batteries are. They’re usually either in the trunk or under the bonnet, so make sure the cables reach comfortably. Sometimes, you may be able to position the two vehicles side-by-side, so long as the cables can reach comfortably.
Ensure Both Vehicles Are Safe
Shut off the ignition in both vehicles, place them in neutral, and engage parking brakes.
Connect The Cables
Make sure to connect the cables in this order:
Carefully attach the red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. It should be red, have POS or a + written on it, or be larger than the negative terminal. Connect it to the positive terminal of the other battery. Then, connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the other battery. Connect the other end to an unpainted metal surface that’s not near the battery. The struts that keep the hood open work well for this.
Start The Working Vehicle
Let the engine run for about 10 minutes, to make sure your battery is charged enough.
Attempt to Start Your Car
Try and start your car. Hopefully, it’ll fire right up. If it doesn’t, double-check the cables are connected correctly, and that the connections are strong. Wait another five minutes or so. If your engine still doesn’t start, then your battery might be beyond help, and you’ll need to call a tow truck.
If you find yourself with a dead battery, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a professional, otherwise, it could happen again. Take your car into Rochester Mazda today, and one of our factory-trained technicians will be more than happy to take a look.
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