how to jump a car with jumper cables

There’s that sinking feeling when you turn the key and your car responds with nothing more than a faint click, or worse, silence. A dead battery can happen to anyone, often at the most inconvenient times. But before you call for an expensive tow truck, know that you can often get back on the road in minutes with a simple pair of jumper cables and a helping hand from another vehicle. Knowing how to jump a car with jumper cables is an essential skill that every driver should have in their back pocket.

The Essential Gear You’ll Need

Before you begin, you’ll need a few key items. First, a set of good-quality jumper cables. Thicker cables are generally more effective. You’ll also need a vehicle with a healthy, fully charged battery. Position the two cars so their batteries are as close as possible, but ensure they are not touching. Turn off both vehicles, set the parking brakes, and pop the hoods.

A Safe and Simple Guide on How to Jump a Car with Jumper Cables

Safety is paramount. Always wear safety glasses if you have them. Connect the cables in this specific order: First, connect one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Next, connect one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. For the final black clamp, connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block or frame, away from the battery. This is a safety ground.

Bringing Your Battery Back to Life

Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, great! Leave both cars running. Now, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them: Remove the black clamp from the grounded metal on the car that was jumped, then the black clamp from the helper car’s battery, followed by the red clamp from the helper car, and finally, the red clamp from your car.

What to Do After a Successful Jump

It’s important to drive your car for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If your battery dies again soon after, it may be old and unable to hold a charge, signaling it’s time for a replacement. A quick trip to an auto parts store for a free battery test can confirm this.

With these steps, you can confidently handle a dead battery situation. It’s a straightforward process that saves you time, money, and gets you moving again quickly.