How to Jump Start a Car Safely

Experiencing a flat car battery can be frustrating and inconvenient. You might have been on your way to work or broken down on the side of a busy road; knowing how to jump start your car safety is so important. Below, we have come up with a couple of steps to guide you through the process.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, it is important to get in touch with a professional like a local garage for further support. Do not try and do this yourself if you are not confident or require help.

What You Need to Jump Start a Car

Ensure you have the following items:

  1. Jumper Cables: A set of good quality jumper cables.
  2. Another Vehicle: A second car with a fully charged battery.
  3. Safety Gear: Gloves and safety glasses are recommended for additional protection.

If you do not have these with you - please get in touch with a professional.

Guide to Jump Starting a Car

1. Position the Vehicles

Park the working vehicle close to the flat car, positioning them either nose-to-nose or side-by-side. Make sure both vehicles are not touching each other. Turn off both engines, engage the hand brakes, and ensure that both cars are in neutral and the brake is applied.

2. Prepare the Jumper Cables

Untangle the jumper cables and ensure they are free from any damage. Identify the positive (red) and negative (black) clamps.

3. Attach the Jumper Cables

Safety Note: Never allow the clamps to touch each other while attached to the batteries, as this can cause a short circuit.

  • Red Clamp to Flat Battery: Attach one of the red clamps to the positive terminal of the flat battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+” sign or a red cover.
  • Red Clamp to Live Battery: Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the live battery.
  • Black Clamp to Live Battery: Attach one of the black clamps to the negative terminal of the live battery.
  • Black Clamp to Ground: Attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the flat car’s engine block or chassis. This serves as a grounding point and reduces the risk of potential sparks near the battery.

4. Start the Working Vehicle

Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the alternator to charge the flat battery slightly.

5. Start the flat Vehicle

Attempt to start the car with a flat battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again. Avoid cranking the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time to prevent damaging the starter.

6. Remove the Jumper Cables

Once the flat car starts, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order:

  • Black Clamp from Ground: Remove the black clamp from the unpainted metal surface.
  • Black Clamp from Live Battery: Remove the black clamp from the negative terminal of the live battery.
  • Red Clamp from Live Battery: Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the live battery.
  • Red Clamp from Flat Battery: Finally, remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the flat battery.

7. Let the Engine Run

Keep the engine running on the jump-started car for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the alternator to fully charge the battery.

Safety Tips for Jump Starting a Car

  • Check for Battery Damage: Inspect both batteries for any signs of damage, leakage, or corrosion. Do not attempt to jump start if any issues are found.
  • Avoid Flammable Substances: Ensure there are no flammable substances near the batteries or the engines.
  • Use Proper Cables: Only use cables that are in good condition and rated for the voltage of your car battery.
  • Read the Manual: Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions or precautions related to your car model.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the jump start fails, there could be an underlying issue such as a faulty alternator, starter, or a completely flat battery that needs replacement. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the problem.

Knowing how to jump start a car safely is an essential skill for any driver. Remember, safety comes first, so always take the necessary precautions and seek professional help when needed.