One temporary way around a dead battery is by using jumper cables or a power pack. Be sure to follow the instructions very carefully and check your vehicle handbook before getting started.
Items you’ll need: Jumper cables or powerpack, a working car (with the a similar engine size as your own), and safety goggles.
(You can also use a portable power pack instead of jumper cables. These are very handy and save you having to borrow a car for the same purpose.)
Before Jump Starting
- If your battery is damaged, leaking or corroded, call in a pro do NOT attempt to jump start. We can also check your battery for you!
- Keep metal objects away from the battery. If they cause a spark it could be dangerous.
- Remove loose clothing in case they get caught in moving parts.
- Avoid flames and never smoke.
- Make sure headlights and other electronics are off – remove the key from the ignition.
How to jump-start a car using jumper cables
- Park both cars in neutral next to each other so that they’re close but not touching. Open the hood; the jumper cables should be able to reach both vehicles.
- Connect the first end of the RED positive lead to the positive terminal on the working battery. Do the same for the other end of the lead for the flat battery.
- Connect the BLACK negative lead to the negative terminal on the working battery. Attach the other end to a metal (earthing) point, such as a bolt or bracket, away from the dead battery. Some cars have negative jump-starting poles – check your handbook to see if yours does.
- Check that the cables are away from moving parts then start the engine of the working car.
- After about a minute, try starting the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t work, leave it a little longer, but switch off the engine if the cables get hot.
- Once you have your car running, leave the engine on for a couple of minutes to charge the battery.
- Remove the jumper cables in reverse to the way you attached them. Make sure they don’t touch together or any metal surfaces. You should then drive for at least 30 minutes or leave the engine running.
- If you can’t get the engine to start, unfortunately you have a bigger problem!
Jacksonville, FL Roadside Assistance
Contact us today and learn more about the roadside assistance services we offer. Our trained and friendly team is always happy and ready to answer any questions you may have. Take the worry out of tire changes or jump starts or other roadside issues, and give us a call today, so you’re prepared for the worst.
Levi Armstrong says
It’s great that you mentioned car owners should not attempt to jump start their own cars if the battery has become damaged or has leaked or corroded. Personally, I would also suggest that they call a professional if they have no experience and are only relying on internet tips. It would be safer and wiser to just call a jumpstart assistance service to avoid accidents. Great article!