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How to Jump Start a Vehicle

Things You'll Need

  • Jumper Cables
  • A car with the same voltage battery as your car
  • Safety Goggles
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Wire & Battery Brush

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There are many reasons why car batteries lose their charge. The usual number one reason why this happens is because some interior or exterior lights were left on. If you find yourself with a dead battery, don’t be shy to ask fellow motorists for a jump start. You will find that there will be two types of motorists. One that have jumper cables and are willing to assist you and those who don’t have jumper cables and are usually in a rush.

The most appropriate action you can take to prepare for this situation is to have somewhere in your trunk a set of jumper cables. In this way, you drastically increase the chances of getting a jump start.

When purchasing cables at the local auto part store, be sure to buy heavy gauge cables. They should be somewhere between 4 to 6 gauge copper cables that are either 10’ or 20’ long. It would be best if they have a tangle proof design. Remember not all cables are the same and buying a high quality gauge will pay for itself the first time you find your car battery is dead.

Instead of waiting for the tow-truck, here's how you can jump-start your car battery yourself!

Warning: Do not smoke during this task.

Steps

  1. Make sure you check the battery first. Make sure that the battery is not cracked, leaking, or frozen. In some batteries there are vent caps that allow you to see if the liquid inside the battery casing is frozen or not. In other vehicle batteries there is an “eye”. If this “eye is either clear or yellow the battery is dead. DO NOT JUMP START THE BATTERY IF IT’S FROZEN OTHERWISE IT WILL EXPLODE!!!
  2. Check the battery terminals. If there are any types of colored powder similar to snow around them, clean them off with your wire brush. Be sure to wear your gloves while doing this because this substance is very acidic and can burn your skin. Note that if you observe this substance around your terminals it’s a sign that you require a new battery.
  3. Once you attain another car make sure the both cars have the same battery voltage. This will not be a problem with most cars now-a-days but if there is an older car like a 1965 Chevy impala, you might want to think twice about getting a jump start from them. Make sure the cars are not touching together, they are in neutral or park, and the ignition is switched off.
  4. Now attach the positive cable, usually the red handle, to the dead batteries positive terminal first.
  5. Attach the same positive cable to the starting vehicles positive terminal.
  6. Carefully attach the negative cable, usually the black handle, to the negative terminal of the starting vehicle.
  7. Attach the other end of the negative cable to the engine block of the dead battery vehicle. All you have to connect it to is an unpainted metal surface like the alternator bracket or the engine mount. DO NOT attach the negative cable to the dead battery!!
  8. Step back and make sure all connections are correct and add a damp rag over the vent holes on both batteries. Now start the car that’s providing you the jump and rev the engine a little bit. Wait about 5 minutes.
  9. Now start the car with the dead battery. If nothing happens, turn off the ignition and check to make sure the clamps are making contact. Try again after 30 seconds. If the vehicle does not start then, chances are low that it going to start.
  10. Once the vehicle running, turn off the helper car and disconnect the jumper cables in this exact order:
  • Take the negative cable, black handle, out from the dead car
  • Take the negative cable, black handle, out from the helper car. DO NOT LET THE TWO NEGATIVE CABLES TOUCH EACH OTHER OR ANYTHING ELSE!!!
  • Take the positive cable, red handle, from the helper vehicle.
  • Take the positive cable, red handle, from the dead vehicle.

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Tips

  • Before starting the replacement of the battery, make sure ignition is in the off position and all lights are turned off.
  • If the battery is cracked, frozen, or is bright yellow, do not attempt to jump start it. A frozen or damaged battery can explode if jump-started.
  • The jumper cable clamps should be in good condition, with rubber covers on the handles that do not expose any wire. Do not use any jumper cables which are in poor condition; getting your car started is not worth the risk of electrocution or personal harm.
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