How to Jump-Start a Car

What’s the Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car?

Cars that fail to turn on do so because their battery is either dead or the charge is too low. In order to get the car on again, you’ll need to jump-start your car. To jump-start your car, you’ll need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

1. Park the running car close to the non-running car and make sure the vehicle is off. The vehicle engines should be facing each other.
2. Find the batteries in both cars. Newer cars may have a plastic hood or caps that protect the battery terminals. Remove those for the next step.
3. Find the positive and negative terminals on the battery. Wipe them with a rag to remove any dirt or corrosion.
4. Put the red clamp on the positive terminal on the dead battery.
5. Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the charged battery.
6. Put the black clamp on the negative terminal of the good battery.
7. Place the other black clamp on an unpainted metal surface of the car’s frame.
8. Check to make sure each connection is secure. Turn on the vehicle with the good battery first, then the vehicle with the bad battery second.
9. The dead vehicle should jump-start with the connection to the good battery. Once the vehicle starts, carefully remove the cable in the reverse order that they were put on.
10. With both vehicles free of cables, close the hoods and allow the newly jumped vehicle to run for ten minutes before shutting it back off. This will ensure that the battery has had time to charge.

More Battery Tips and Tricks

If your car won’t jump-start, you may need a battery replacement, or it may be a sign of a more serious problem. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

1. If your car only clicks when you go to start it, you may need a new starter. Schedule service at New Carlisle Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram near Springfield to determine if you need a replacement starter or if your current one can be fixed.
2. If your dashboard and lights come on in your car but it doesn’t turn over, you could have a bad battery, ignition switch, or a fuse could be misaligned or blown. Bring your car to a service center to diagnose the problem and get your car back on the road.
3. After you jump-start your car, be sure to leave it running for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the alternator to recharge the battery so it will start again later.

If you end up needing a new battery, read our guide on how to install a new car battery.

Turn to New Carlisle Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for Service

Whether you need help with a new battery or an oil change, we can help. Our service center is located just a short trip from Huber Heights and Tipp City, so stop by today! Be sure to also check our Mopar® coupons and service specials for extra savings on your regular vehicle maintenance.