Jump-starting a car is a simple process, but it's essential to do it correctly to avoid damage to the vehicles or injury. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Safety first: Park the working vehicle close enough to the dead one so that the jumper cables can reach, but ensure they don't touch. Turn off the engines of both cars and put them in park or neutral, and engage the parking brakes.
Identify the battery terminals: Locate the batteries in both cars. Each battery has two terminals: positive (+) and negative (-). They are usually marked with red for positive and black for negative. Ensure there is no corrosion or damage to the terminals.
Attach the jumper cables:
- Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
- IMPORTANT: Connect the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface of the dead car's engine, away from the battery and any moving parts. This is to ground the connection and reduces the risk of sparks.
Start the working vehicle: Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This will charge the dead battery.
Attempt to start the dead vehicle: After a few minutes, try to start the dead car. If it starts, leave both cars running for a few more minutes.
Disconnect the jumper cables:
- Disconnect the black (negative) jumper cable from the previously dead car's engine block.
- Then, remove the black cable from the working battery.
- Next, remove the red (positive) jumper cable from both batteries, starting with the working battery and then the previously dead one.
Drive the vehicle: Once the dead car is running, drive it for at least 15 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery fully.
Remember, if the dead battery won't hold a charge or if the jump-start doesn't work, there might be other issues with the electrical system or the battery itself. In such cases, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. Melloy Auto Group Los Lunas offers a large selection of battery and charging system replacement parts, contact our Service Department today.
