A car is one of our most essential needs, whether for commuting, running errands, or a simple joy ride. However, most people are unaware of the fundamentals of vehicle repair and maintenance. Do you know how to jump start a car? Here’s an easy guide.
What to Understand and Identify Before You Jump Start a Car
1. Turn on the ignition to determine if the battery is the reason the car is not starting:
- If the car does nothing – the battery is not working.
- If the engine is cranking, something else is likely wrong.
2. Jump-Starting Equipment Needs
- Jumper Cables with Clips (Alligator)
- Red Clips (Positive/POS)
- Black Clips (Negative/NEG)
- Power Source: Another Vehicle
- Car Battery Terminals: The two large nubs
- Positive Terminal (POS/+)
- Negative Terminal (NEG/-)
Easiest Way to Jump-Start a Car (Without Cables)
For standard transmission cars, jump start without using cables:
- 1. Look for a long, clear downhill road.
- 2. Fully depress the clutch and put the car in first gear.
- 3. Turn on the ignition.
- 4. Do not put your foot on the brake.
- 5. Leave the clutch fully depressed then roll down the hill.
- 6. Ride along the hill at 5 to 7 miles per hour.
- 7. Release the clutch quickly. By then, feel the engine starting.
- 8. If the engine doesn’t start, depress the clutch and release it again.
- 9. Repeat until the engine starts.
If you can’t locate a hill, accept help from people to push the car and follow the steps above.
Jump Start a Car with Jumper Cables
Jump-starting a car varies from car to car. Check complete details in an owner’s manual.
General Instructions:
1. Before attempting to jump-start a car, do the following:
- Protect hands, eyes, and body with protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection.
- Park both cars together, but confirm they don’t touch.
- Turn off the ignitions of both cars and remove the keys.
- Confirm both batteries are of similar voltages to avoid damaging electrical components.
2. Get jumper cables and connect them in the following order:
*The disabled car is with a dead battery. The helper car is with good battery.
- Start first with the disabled car. Take the Positive (Red) clamp and attach it to the disabled car’s positive terminal post (+ or red). Ensure clamps are firmly gripped.
- Next, the helper car. Take the Positive (Red) clamp at the opposite end of the cable (red cable) and attach it to the helper car’s positive terminal post (+ or red) battery.
- Take the Negative (Black) clamp and attach it to the helper car’s negative terminal post (- or black) battery.
- Take the last Negative (Black) clamp and attach it to a clean/non-painted metal surface on the main engine block of the car (like a bolt/metal nut) or find a grounding spot away from the battery (check the user’s manual).
Caution: To ground the electric current, make sure not to clamp to the battery, fuel systems, or any electrical moving parts. Always check the user’s manual to determine if a car requires a different process.
3. Once all connections are secured, start the helper’s car for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Try to start the disabled car. If it won’t start, wait several more minutes and try again.
5. If the disabled car starts, carefully remove the cables in reverse order:
- Detach the Negative (Black) clamp from the grounded surface of the disabled car.
- Detach the Negative (Black) clamp from the helper car.
- Detach the Positive (Red) clamp of the helper car.
- Detach the Positive (Red) clamp of the disabled car.
6. Keep the car running or driving for 30 minutes to recharge.
Caution: Check the instrument panel to see if the battery light is on. If so, the alternator is not charging the battery and the vehicle will not run long enough. Call the professionals ahead of time to avoid hassle and inconvenience.
7. If the disabled car does not start after so many attempts, stop. Detach the clamps in reverse order (same as above). Give thanks to the owner of the helper car and call in the professionals for help.
Safety Tips
- 1. Always read the User’s Manual before jump-starting. Some cars have sensitive circuitry and are not recommended to jump-start.
- 2. Never jump damaged batteries:
- Leaking
- Cracked
- Corroded
- 3. Do not jump frozen or dry batteries.
- 4. Do not allow the positive (red) clamp cables and the negative (black) clamp cables to touch.
- 5. When removing the negative (black) clamp from the grounded surface, do not allow it to touch anything.
Emergency Equipment
- Bottled Water
- Cable Ties
- Emergency Blanket
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Freezer Bag of Cat Litter (Oil/Fluid Spills)
- Gloves/Mechanical Gloves
- Jumper Cables/Jump Box
- Meal Supplement Bars
- Owner’s Manual
- Paper Coveralls
- Rain Poncho
- Reflector Roadside Hazard Triangle
- Screwdriver Set
- Spare Tire
- Solar Charger (Cellular Phone)
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Tire Jack
- Wet Wipes (Cleaning Up)
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- Towing Contractor
- Emergency Towing Services
- Boat Towing
- Car Towing
- Mini Bus Towing
- Motorcycle Towing
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- Truck Towing
- Van Towing
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