There are few things more frustrating than when your car wont start when you need to go to work or have errands you need to run. When you turn your key and the car is clicking on start, that is a sign of some type of electrical issue. Commonly, this is a dead or weak battery, but it could be related to other electrical issues such as a broken alternator. However, in such cases, your car might still start provided you can get a jump. Once started, you can then get your car to a shop for repairs or to install a new battery. Jumpstarting your car is easy provided you follow the proper steps.
How To Jumpstart an Automobile
1. Find Another Working Car
First, you’ll need a car with a working and charged battery. Pull the working car next to your car, so the jumper cables will properly reach. Front bumper to front bumper is advisable, but if this is not physically possible, get the second car as close as you can without the two cars touching.
2. Find the Battery Terminals
First, turn both cars off and pop the hoods. Locate each car’s battery and the associated positive and negative terminals. These terminals will be labeled with plus and minus or the connected cable colors indicating positive with red and negative with black. The jumper cables use the same colors, with red to positive and black to negative.
3. Attach the Jumper Cables
The jumper cables are attached to each car battery using the positive and negative terminals found on each one. An added step to look for once you have attached the clamps is to attach the grounding cable. The grounding cable should be attached to a grounding metal piece; many modern cars have a grounding connection point under the hood, but this can vary.
4. Start Your Car
Once the jumper cables are properly and securely connected, the next step is to start your car. First, start the car with a charged battery and let it run for a few minutes before you try and start the car that’s having starting issues. After waiting, try to start the other car and give it some time to pull in enough energy to engage the motor.
5. Remove the Cables
Once your car is running, it is now safe to remove the cables. Carefully disconnect the cables from each car’s battery and carefully lay them on the ground. When doing so be careful and make sure the clamps do not touch each other or any other parts of either car. Once the clamps are fully removed you can then safely store them and be on your way.