How to Jump Start Your Car

Sometimes our car needs that extra kick to get it turned over and running. Whether your battery is on its final legs or you left your headlights on while you were at work, you don’t have to call a tow truck just yet. You can try to jump start your vehicle.

What you will need to jump-start your vehicle:

• Jumper cables
• A second, working vehicle

After you have your equipment set up, you’re ready to attempt to get your car running again.

1. Have the second vehicle move close enough to yours, so the jumper cables will reach.
2. Put both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the “jumping” car.
3. Match the jumper cables positive clips to the positive terminals on both batteries. (Positive is Red and has a “+”).
4. Attach the Negative clip to the helping car and attach the other negative clip to an unpainted metal surface under the car in need’s hood. Connecting the negative clip could lead to unnecessary sparks. (Negative is Black and has a “-“).
5. Have the helping car start their engine. And allow it to run for a few minutes before the next step.
6. Attempt to start the dead vehicle.
7. If all goes well, remove the cables and thank your helper.

Now that you know how to jump start your car in an emergency, know that there are portable jump starters that you charge up and leave in your car, so you can do it yourself. Consider one of these as well, as they usually are also equipped with a light and air compressor for your tires.

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