How to Jump a Car with Jumper Cables
We all think we know how to jump a car, but when the hood is open, and you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to forget the correct order to connect the cables and how long you’ll need to let the jumped car run. Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced good samaritan looking to help fellow motorists, knowing how to jump a car safely is important.
Jump Starting a Vehicle In Just a Few Steps
If your car won’t start and the electronics are dead, it’s time for a jump. In addition to a set of jumper cables, you’ll also need someone to jump you. Contact a trusted friend or co-worker, and be careful not to give too much personal information to other drivers, even if they’re just trying to help.
With another vehicle parked near the front of your car or truck, here’s the correct way to jump a car:
Open both hoods and locate the batteries.
Find the positive and negative battery terminals, and remove the plastic caps, if present.
Connect the red jumper cable clamp to the positive post of the dead battery.
Connect the other red cable clamp to the positive post of the working battery.
Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the working battery.
Connect the final blank clamp to an unpainted metal component of the car with the dead battery.
Start the car's engine with the working battery.
Let the car run for a few minutes, then try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
How Long Does It Take to Jump a Car Battery?
It usually takes about 5-15 minutes to jump a car battery. The process usually goes faster if you’ve done it a few times. Cold weather, battery age, and connection issues may sometimes make charging the dead battery take a little longer. We recommend leaving the cars connected for about three minutes before trying to start the car with the dead battery and driving the jumped car for at least 10 minutes once it starts and you’ve disconnected the vehicles.
Related: How to Change a Car Battery
What Happens When You Jump a Car the Wrong Way?
Connecting cables in the wrong order or introducing another point in the circuit (like touching another part of the engine) can cause irreparable damage to the battery and vehicle electronics and possibly injury to anyone near the cables. One of the first signs of improperly connected jumper cables is smoke, which is usually caused by the rubber coatings of the jumper cables burning and melting. Burned jumper cables should be disconnected immediately; turn off both vehicles and remove the clamps wearing gloves. Dispose of burned cables once they’ve cooled off, and don’t try to use them again.
If Your Car Won’t Jump Start…
You may be facing a bigger issue than a dead battery.
If you don’t hear a clicking noise, it may be a faulty starter.
If other electrical components still turn on, like dome and dash lights, it’s likely a fuse or the starter.
If you’re experiencing recurring battery or starter issues, stop by to see us soon.
Automotive Service You Can Count On
Garfield Auto is Northern Michigan’s trusted automotive service center. We’ve helped keep drivers on the move for over four decades with old-fashioned service and quality repairs. Whether it’s an oil change or a new transmission, you’ll get the same attention to detail and top-notch customer service. Schedule your service appointment today!