Cars have come a long way in the last few decades and continue to advance with new technology.
But even the most up-to-date cars can have trouble starting in cold weather. If you find yourself with a car that won’t start, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to jump-start your vehicle safely.
This guide will walk you through how to jump-start a car. We’ll also give you a few tips on what to do if your car won’t start in cold weather.
What You’ll Need
To jump-start your car, you’ll need a few things:
- Another car with a working battery
- Jumper cables
- A set of tools (if your vehicle is parked in a difficult spot)
How to Jump-Start a Car in 7 Simple Steps
There are a few different ways to jump-start a car. We’ll walk you through the most common method: jumper cables.
Step 1: Position the Cars
Position the two cars so that they are close together but not touching. If your vehicle is in a difficult spot, you may need to use a set of tools to move it.
Step 2: Open the Hoods
Open the hoods of both cars. Locate the batteries and find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
Step 3: Attach the Jumper Cables
Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Then, attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
Next, attach one end of the black jumper cable to the working battery’s negative terminal. Finally, connect the other end of the black cable to a metal ground on the car with the dead battery. This can be a bolt or screw on the engine block or frame.
Step 4: Start the Working Car
Start the car with a working battery. Let it run for a few minutes.
Step 5: Start the Dead Car
After a few minutes, try starting the car with the dead battery. If it starts, let it run for a few minutes to charge the battery.
Step 6: Remove the Jumper Cables
Once the car with the dead battery is running, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order you attached them. First, remove the black cable from the ground on the car with the dead battery. Then, remove the black cable from the working battery’s negative terminal.
Next, remove the red cable from the positive terminal of the working battery. Finally, remove the red cable from the dead battery’s positive terminal.
Step 7: Take Your Car for a Drive
Once you’ve jump-started your car, it’s a good idea to take it for a drive to help charge the battery. If your car doesn’t start after being jump-started, there may be a more serious issue with the battery or electrical system, and you should take it to a mechanic.
Jump-starting a car is a relatively simple process, but it’s always a good idea to have jumper cables in your car in an emergency. With a little bit of know-how, you can be prepared for anything.
