Get Moving Again with Hires Automotive Center
Knowing how to jump start your car keeps you from being stranded. Whether you’re at home or stuck in a parking lot, follow these steps to restart your engine safely.
Gather the Right Tools
How to jump start your car begins with having the right tools. You need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. If possible, wear gloves and safety glasses. A portable jump starter also works if another vehicle isn’t available.
Position the Vehicles Correctly
Park the working vehicle close enough so the jumper cables can reach both batteries. Make sure the cars do not touch. Turn off both cars, put them in park (or neutral for a manual transmission), and engage the parking brakes.
Hires Automotive Center Explains How to Connect Jumper Cables in Order
- Attach the red clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal (+).
- Connect the other red clamp to the good battery’s positive terminal (+).
- Attach the black clamp to the working battery’s negative terminal (-).
- Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, such as a bolt or engine block. Never attach it to the dead battery’s negative terminal to avoid sparks.
Start the Working Car and Then the Dead Car
How to jump start your car successfully requires patience. Start the working car and let it run for at least five minutes. Then, turn the key in the dead car. If it doesn’t start, check the cable connections and wait a few more minutes before trying again.
Remove the Cables and Let Your Engine Run
Once the car starts, remove the cables in reverse order. Let the engine run for at least 15 minutes to recharge the battery before driving. If your battery keeps dying even after multiple jump starts, it may be time for a replacement.
Jump-starting a car is a simple process, but taking the right precautions ensures your safety and protects your vehicle’s electrical system.
Call Hires Automotive Center at (260) 489-5734. Follow us on Facebook. Keep this guide handy for whenever you need to remember how to jump start your car.
