The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

So, you think you know how to jump start a car battery? You might be surprised. The steps below outline how to properly jump start a car. Service may need to be scheduled if the car still won't start after doing everything below.

  • The proper way to jump-start a car starts with parking the vehicle with the working battery close enough to the other car so that the jumper cables reach from one battery to another.
  • Make sure both cars are turned off.
  • Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) post on the dead battery, then attach the other red clamp positive post on the good battery.
  • Attach one black clamp to the negative post (-) of the good battery.
  • Attach the other black clamp to the metal frame of the car with the dead battery.
  • Turn on the engine of the car with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes.
  • Try to start the other car.
  • If it won't start, let it charge for a few more minutes, then try again.
  • After the car has started, remove the cables, starting with the black ones, then the red.
  • Don't turn the car off right away. Let it run for a while or take it for a short drive to allow the alternator to charge the battery some more.

 

What If Your Car Won't Jump Start?

You may have carefully followed all the steps above on how to properly jump start a car, and it still won't start. You still may not need to call a jump start car service. Follow these steps if your car won't jump-start:

  • Make sure the jumper cables aren't loose.
  • Thoroughly clean the battery posts to make sure they aren't corroded.
  • Do you hear a clicking noise when you try to start the car? The starter might be broken, meaning the car will need to be serviced.
  • The battery may have permanently died.

Schedule Service at Greg May Honda

If you found this guide on how to jump-start a car to be helpful, check out our other service tips. And if you need any help at all with your vehicle our knowledgeable service experts are here to help. We're just a short drive away from McGregor or China Spring, but you can also schedule service online!