How To Jump Start A Car: 7 Easy Steps

Dealing with a drain-out battery, car not starting, and getting stuck is one of the greatest discomforts. In case jumping a car is new to you, the only thing needed is information and the required equipment on how to jump a car.

You can be on your way in a matter of minutes by having some simple tools and being knowledgeable on how to work it out. In this blog, we will provide you with 7 simple steps on how you can jump start a car safely and efficiently.

Let’s get started:

Essential Tools for Jump Starting a Car

To successfully jump start your car, you’ll need a few key items:

1. Jumper cables

The most important tools are jumper cables for cars. They consist of thick wires that have clams at each end and are meant to make the transfer of electric power safely between cells. 

2. A working vehicle

Another operational car that has a functional power cell should be available to you in case you want to jump start your machine using its battery. 

3. Safety gear

Putting on gloves or glasses is recommended to protect oneself from possible splashes of substances that could harm our bodies, in case one  comes into contact with them.

4. Owner’s manual

This can provide specific instructions for your vehicle model.

Invest in a jump start car-battery charger or a portable car jumper as another option. People benefit a lot from these devices in situations where their cars need a jump start most of the time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Jump Start a Car

Now that you understand the basics and have the necessary tools, let’s walk through the process of jump starting your car:

Step 1: Position the Vehicles

Drive the car that is functioning close to the one without power and ensure they are near each other so that the jumper cables can easily reach from one to another. 

Always see to it that you have placed both performances in park (or neutral in case of manual transmissions off the ignition and set the parking brakes as well.

Step 2: Locate the Batteries

Open both cars’ hoods and identify the batteries. Usually, the battery is right at the front center under the hood on all automobiles.

Step 3: Identify the Battery Terminals

Find the terminals in each battery of positive and negative polarity. The positive terminal will be positively signed (+) and always in red while the negative terminal will have a minus sign (-), which is usually black.

Step 4: Connect the Jumper Cables

This is the most critical step in the jump start process. Pay close attention to the order of connections:

1. Connect one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

2. Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.

3. Connect one black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.

4. Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface in the engine bay of the car with the dead battery. This serves as a ground and helps prevent sparking.

*Remember: Red to dead, red to the donor, black to the donor, black to ground.

Step 5: Start the Working Vehicle

Turn on the working car’s engine and let it run, this should transfer some charge to the flat battery.

Step 6: Attempt to Start the Dead Car

Before starting the car, ensure you have properly connected the wires, as they are easily misplaced. Never let the jumper cords come into contact with anything that moves under the bonnet. 

Once everything’s clear, fire up the car with a good battery and let it run for a few minutes. This gives your dead battery a chance to recharge. Now, try starting your car. If it won’t start, give the good car another 10-15 minutes to idle and try again. Still no luck? Unfortunately, a jumpstart might not be the answer. Call a reliable car repair Dubai to help you with the jump start. 

You can also go for car recovery Dubai services to have your car towed and repaired simultaneously.

Step 7: Disconnect the Cables

Once the dead car is running, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them:

1. Remove the black clamp from the ground on the jumped car.

2. Remove the black clamp from the negative terminal of the good battery.

3. Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the good battery.

4. Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the jumped car.

Do not let the clamps touch!

How to Jump Start A Car Using A Portable Jump Starter

It’s 2024! Of course, there is a solution better than searching for another car and trying to jump start your vehicle. Having a portable jump starter in highly is beneficial for people with cars in the event of a battery running out since it can be carried around. Whether you’re stranded on a busy road or in a remote location, knowing how to use this convenient device can save you time and hassle.

Here are the steps to jump-start a car using a portable jump starter:

1. Ensure both the car and the jump starter are turned off.
2. Connect the red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal side of the car battery and the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the car battery.
3. Switch on the portable jump starter.
4. Wait a few moments, then attempt to start the car.
5. If you notice that the car has started, keep the engine on for a few minutes to stabilize the battery.
6. Carefully remove the clamps in reverse order—black (negative) first, then red (positive).
7. Turn off the jump starter and store it and the clamps safely.
8. Make sure to recharge the jump starter after use for future use.

Safety First: Important Precautions

Jump starting a car involves dealing with electric systems, so individual safety should always be taken into account. The following are important safety tips: 

1. Wear Protection

Always put on gloves and goggles for any possible battery acid that might be splashed on your body.

2. Check for Damage

Before jump starting, examine the two batteries for any damage indicators, which may include leakages or corrosion marks.

3. Keep Sparks Away

Make sure that the two jumper cables do not touch each other when they are connected to avoid sparking. 

4. No Smoking

Batteries can release flammable gasses, do not smoke near a jump start battery.

5. Read the Manual

Specific guides and warnings are provided in your car’s manual, remember to look inside yours always.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you’re jump starting on the side of a road, be mindful of traffic and ensure you’re visible to other drivers.

Conclusion

Being able to jump start your car is a necessary skill for any driver. Whether you have to do BMW jump start or it is another car, the process is quite simple provided that you take these steps seriously and consider your safety first. Keep in mind that to successfully jump start a car, you must prepare well, connect cables correctly, and also be patient.

While attempting to jump start a dead car battery is a fast way to get back on the road, the best alternative to avoid future recurrence is to diagnose its root cause first especially if you notice that your car battery dies quite often. Visit a trusted and reliable car workshop like Munich Motor Works to get car battery replacement done. We will diagnose your car battery’s condition, suggest the best solution, and have you back on the road in no time!

Stay safe on the road, and happy driving!

FAQ

When jumping a car, which cable goes on first?

Connect the positive (red) cable to the dead battery first, then to the good battery. Connect the negative (black) cable to the good battery, then to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car.

Can you jump start a car in the rain?

Yes, you can jump start a car in the rain, but be cautious and avoid standing in water.

Can a car battery be too dead to jump start?

If a battery is extremely depleted or damaged, it may be too dead to jump start.

Does jump starting a car damage the computer?

Proper jump starting shouldn’t damage the car’s computer, but incorrect connections can cause electrical system damage.

Can you jump start a car without another car?

Yes, you can use a portable jump starter or battery booster pack instead of another car.

How long does it take to jump start a car?

Jump starting typically takes 5 – 30 minutes once cables are connected.

How do you boost a car battery with a booster pack?

Connect the booster pack’s positive and negative clamps to the corresponding battery terminals, then start the car.

Why does my car start with a jump but not on its own?

This often indicates a charging system problem, like a faulty alternator, that prevents the battery from maintaining a charge.