It's a moment every driver dreads: you turn the key, and instead of the engine roaring to life, you hear a sad, slow clicking sound... or nothing at all. A dead car battery is a frustrating but common problem. The good news is that with a set of jumper cables and a little help, you can usually get back on the road in minutes.
This guide will walk you through the safe, correct way to jump-start your car. Following these steps in the right order is crucial to protect yourself and prevent damage to either vehicle's electrical system.
Step 1: Get Prepared and Stay Safe
Before you connect anything, take a minute to prepare.
What you'll need:
- A set of jumper cables.
- A second vehicle with a healthy, charged battery.
- Your car's owner's manual.
- Safety glasses and gloves (highly recommended).
Critical Safety Checks:
- Inspect the Battery: Look at the dead battery. If you see any cracks, leaks, swelling, or corrosion, STOP. Do not attempt to jump-start a damaged battery. Call for roadside assistance.
- Position the Cars: Park the "good" car close enough for the cables to reach, but do not let the vehicles touch. Turn both engines completely off and engage their parking brakes.
- Identify the Terminals: Open the hood on both cars and locate the batteries. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. The positive terminal is almost always marked with red and is often larger than the negative one.
Step 2: The Connection Sequence (The Right Way)
This is the most important part. Following this exact order prevents dangerous sparks. Think of the phrase: Red to Dead, Red to Good, Black to Good, Black to Ground.
- Attach one RED (+) clamp to the POSITIVE terminal of the DEAD battery.
- Attach the other RED (+) clamp to the POSITIVE terminal of the GOOD battery.
- Attach one BLACK (-) clamp to the NEGATIVE terminal of the GOOD battery.
- Attach the final BLACK (-) clamp to an UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE on the DEAD car. This is the "ground." A bolt on the engine block or a strut tower nut works well. Do not connect it to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this can create a spark right where flammable battery gases can accumulate. source
Step 3: Start the Engines
- Start the engine of the GOOD car and let it run for a few minutes. This sends a charge to the dead battery.
- Now, try to start the DEAD car. If it starts up, you're in business! If it doesn't start, let the good car run for another 5-10 minutes and try again. If it still won't turn over after a couple of tries, you may have a bigger problem, and it's time to call a pro.
Step 4: The Disconnection Sequence (In Reverse)
Once the car is running, you need to disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order to stay safe.
- Disconnect the BLACK (-) clamp from the UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE on the formerly dead car.
- Disconnect the BLACK (-) clamp from the GOOD battery.
- Disconnect the RED (+) clamp from the GOOD battery.
- Disconnect the RED (+) clamp from the now-running car's battery.
Be careful not to let the clamps touch each other or any metal surfaces while you are disconnecting them.
Step 5: Recharge and Get Checked Out
Don't turn your car off just yet! You need to let the engine run to rebuild the battery's charge.
- Drive your car for at least 20-30 minutes. This gives the alternator enough time to recharge the battery so it will start again next time.
- Get your battery tested. A dead battery can be a sign that it's at the end of its life. Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free to see if it can still hold a charge.
When To Skip the Jump and Call for Help
You should always call for professional roadside assistance if:
- You see any signs of battery damage (leaks, cracks, swelling).
- You don't have the proper equipment or don't feel comfortable with the procedure.
- The car does not start after a few attempts to jump it.
- You are in a location that feels unsafe.
Many auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance as an inexpensive add-on. It can be a lifesaver when a simple jump-start isn't enough.
Be Prepared for Anything
A dead battery doesn't have to ruin your day. Check your auto insurance policy to see if you have roadside assistance, and if not, consider adding it. Explore auto insurance options here.