How to Jump Start a Car
How to Jump Start a Car
You never know when you're going to experience a dead car battery. This is why it's especially important to know how to jump start your car. There are some important things to keep in mind, not only to ensure your car starts, but also to keep you safe. Our service department here at Ed Shults Subaru holds your safety to the utmost importance. Read on to learn more about how to jump start your car.
1. The best way to be prepared is to purchase a set of high-quality jumper cables that reach roughly 25 feet. Make sure they are of a heavy gauge and well-insulated. Store them in a dry place that's easy to access, preferably your trunk.
2. Turn off both cars and put them in park or neutral. You'll also want to get the cars close with the hoods facing each other, but make sure they are not touching.
3. Put one red clip on the positive terminal of your battery (the dead car). This will be marked with a "POS" or "+" sign and it will be red.
4. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other car (the jumper car).
5. Attach the corresponding black clip to the negative terminal of the jumper car's battery. The negative terminal is marked "NEG" or "-" and is black.
6. Attach the final black clip to an unpainted metal surface of the dead car that isn't near the battery. (This includes a metal strut that holds open the hood, a nut, bolt, or other part.) This will ground the connection
7. Start the jumper car and let it run for a few minutes.
8. Finally, try to start your dead car.
If it works:
Drive around for at least 15 minutes in order to charge your battery. If the battery dies again the next time you try to start the car, you may need a completely new battery or a new alternator.
If it doesn't work:
Let the battery charge a little longer and try it again. If it fails to work several times, you may have another problem other than the battery and may require professional help.
If you need a new battery, alternator, or any other vehicle maintenance, simply stop by Ed Shults Subaru and we'll be happy to help you out.