How to Jump Start a Car Battery (Safely)

What You’ll Need:

• Jumper cables

• Another vehicle with a working battery (same voltage)

• A safe location (off the road, in park, with hoods open)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Position the Vehicles

Park the cars close, but not touching. Turn both off. Put on the parking brake.

2. Open the Hoods

Locate both batteries. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.

3. Attach the Jumper Cables in This Exact Order:

• Red cable to dead battery’s positive (+) terminal

• Red cable to good battery’s positive (+) terminal

• Black cable to good battery’s negative (-) terminal

• Black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery!)—like a bolt or bracket on the engine block

4. Start the Working Car

Let it run for 2–5 minutes.

5. Start the Dead Car

Try turning it over. If it doesn’t start, wait a couple more minutes, then try again.

6. Once It Starts, Leave It Running

Let the revived car run for at least 15–30 minutes or drive it around to recharge the battery.

7. Remove the Cables in Reverse Order:

• Black cable from metal surface

• Black cable from good battery

• Red cable from good battery

• Red cable from revived battery

Bonus Tips

• If the car doesn’t start after a few tries, it might be more than a dead battery.

• Never let the clamps touch each other during hookup.

• Always check the owner’s manual for any special instructions.