It can be inconvenient when our car won’t start, especially when we need to be somewhere. However, I have found in many cases, a dead battery is often the culprit. There are other cases where a car will not start or even situations that directly cause a dead battery, but I have found that a simple jump will allow me to get from point A to point B – where point B is generally a mechanic or being able to get to Advance Auto Parts or Autozone to check out the battery for free. Knowing how to jump a car is a skill every driver should know, along with how to change a tire. You could say it is first-aid for your car.
While I am not a mechanic by trade, I have had to jump a couple cars. So I am going to detail the steps necessary for you to jump a standard gasoline car. With that said, it is always a good idea to consult any safety instructions for your jumper cables.
1. Locate another power source
Locating another power source typically means finding another car, maybe a friend or family’s car, or even a neighbor’s car. Another option out there is smaller batteries meant for use when jumping a car. You can find these batteries on Amazon if you feel you will be in a place with little access to other vehicles.
2. Locate jumper cables
It is a good idea to always have a set of jumper cables in your car. I place mine in my trunk. It is not a good idea to assume someone else will have them. You will want cables that are long enough to connect each vehicle’s batteries together. If you are using the small battery meant to help with jumps, they typically come with jumper cables.
3. Park and turn off both cars.
It is best to start attaching the cables once each vehicle is off. It is also a good idea to make sure each vehicle is parked, especially on inclines so as one does not roll away while jumping a car.
4. Attach the red clips
Attach a red clip to your positive (+ or POS) lead on your battery. Attach the other red clip to the positive (+ or POS) lead on the other car’s battery.
5. Attach the black clips
Attach a black clip to the negative (-) lead on the other car’s battery. Attach the last black clip to a grounded un-painted metal on your car that is not the battery.
6. Start the vehicle that is working
Once the vehicle that is working has started, let it run a couple of minutes.
7. Try starting your vehicle
After waiting a couple of minutes, try starting your car. If it does not start, check that the clips are connected properly and that there is no corrosion getting in the way. After, have the working vehicle run its car for five more minutes. If your car still will not start, the battery may be beyond help, or there may be another issue. It may be best to call a tow truck.
If the car does start, make sure you drive it around about fifteen minutes to recharge the battery. If you know it is an old battery or the battery has previously had issues starting, it is a good idea to drive it to a mechanic or auto parts store to get the battery checked out. Also, if your car will not start the next time after having been driven for fifteen minutes, there is likely another issue, and you will need to take it to a mechanic.
Jumping a car is a skill every car owner should have. If you do find yourself without another available working car, or jumper cables, then before calling a tow truck, check to see if you have a AAA membership or insurance tow package. Oftentimes they can send help and it will be cheaper than doing it on your own.
Quote of the day: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin
