Whether it's because you left the car lights on, the radio running, the keys in the ignition, or simply because it is old, almost all car owners will face the problem of a dead car battery at some point or another. However, this is an easy problem to solve through jump starting your car, and this article will walk you through how to do just that.
- Jump leads/cables
- Another functional car with the same voltage as your own
- Safety glasses
The steps:
- Park the two cars close enough so that the jumper cable can reach both batteries, and turn both cars off (especially the electrical equipment such as lights and radios).
- Make sure your battery isn't corroded, leaking or damaged (do not attempt to jump start if any of these conditions hold true; call a professional). Keep metal objects and flammable items away from the battery, and remove all loose clothing (such as long sleeves or scarves).
- Attach one of the red clips of the jump cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery.
- Attach one of the black clips of the jump cable to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other black clip to any unpainted metal surface under the hood of the dead car; this can be as small as a bolt of bracket. Do not attach it to the negative terminal.
- Start the working car and let it run for 2-3 minutes to build up the dead battery.
- Start the dead car, which should have a working battery now.
- Remove the jump cables in the reverse order to the way you connected them. Make sure you do not touch them together or against any metal surfaces.
