How to jumpstart a car
If your car battery died then you may be able to use jumper cables to restart your car. You can do this with a help from a friend, a friendly passerby, or help from a road side assistance service. It is important that you know how to hook up the cables properly, because if you don’t it causes irreparable damage to your car. Read below to find out how to correctly jumpstart a car.
How to Use Jumper Cables
To safely jumpstart your car follow these steps:
Position the working car close to the car with a flat battery, but not touching. Both cars should be switched off and secured with the parking brake and in neutral.
Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery. It should have a “POS” or “+” label or it will be bigger than the negative terminal.
Attach the other red clip with to the positive terminal on the other car.
Attach one of the black clips to negative terminal on the working car.
Attach the other black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery. You can use one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.
Start the working car and wait a couple of minutes.
Try starting the car with the flat battery. If it doesn’t turn on after a few minutes, double check the jumper cables. If the cables are on correctly, then you may need to call a tow truck,
When Not to Use Jumper Cables
When you are using jumper cables it is important to know what type of ignition system is used in both cars, as well as if any alternative fuel is being used.
How to Jumpstart a Car with Electric Ignition
If the cars have a push start, these are the steps to take to get your car up and running:
Use a jump box, which is like a small car battery with a set of cables built in.
Attach the jump box to your car battery then use your key FOB to enter your vehicle.
Press the start button and it should start immediately.
Jennifer D'agostino
January 23rd, 2022