How To Jump A Car

Jump-starting a car is a common procedure used to start a vehicle with a dead or weak battery. Here are the steps on how to jump-start a car:

Materials you’ll need:

1. Jumper cables (also called booster cables)
2. A vehicle with a functioning battery (the “booster” vehicle)

Steps to jump-start a car:

1. Position the Vehicles:
   • Park the two vehicles close to each other but not touching. Make sure they are in neutral or park (for automatic transmission) and with their ignitions off.
2. Prepare the Jumper Cables:
   • Open the hoods of both vehicles.
   • Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. They are usually marked with red for positive and black for negative.
3. Attach the Jumper Cables:
   • Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   • Attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
   • Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
   • For the final black cable, do not connect it to the dead battery’s negative terminal. Instead, find an unpainted metal surface under the hood of the dead car. This will act as a ground and reduce the risk of sparks near the battery.
4. Start the Booster Vehicle:
   • Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
5. Attempt to Start the Dead Car:
   • Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, great! Let it run for a few minutes to charge the battery further.
6. Remove the Jumper Cables:
   • In the reverse order of attachment:
     • Remove the black cable from the previously dead car’s unpainted metal surface.
     • Remove the other end of the black cable from the negative terminal of the working battery.
     • Remove the red cable from the positive terminal of the working battery.
     • Finally, remove the other end of the red cable from the positive terminal of the previously dead battery.
7. Drive the Jump-Started Car:
   • After jump-starting the car, take it for a short drive to allow the alternator to charge the battery fully.

Remember that safety is essential when jump-starting a car. Follow these steps carefully, and if you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional or someone experienced with vehicle maintenance. Additionally, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any manufacturer-specific guidance.