How to Jump Start a Car

What You’ll Need

• A set of jumper cables
• A vehicle with a working battery
• Safety glasses and gloves (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Position the vehicles: Park the working car close to the disabled car, but ensure they do not touch. Turn off both engines and set the parking brakes.
2. Identify the battery terminals: Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries.
3. Connect the jumper cables:
   • Connect one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   • Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
   • Connect one black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
   • Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the disabled car’s engine block (this is your ground).
4. Start the working car: Start the engine of the working car and let it run for a few minutes.
5. Start the disabled car: Try to start the disabled car. If it starts, let both cars run for a few more minutes.
6. Disconnect the cables in reverse order: Remove the cables in the exact reverse order you connected them, starting with the black clamp from the ground on the disabled car.
7. Drive the car: Keep the jumped car running for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Safety Tips

• Never allow the clamps to touch each other during the process.
• If the car doesn’t start after a few tries, there may be a more serious problem.
• Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for any specific instructions.