Jump starting a car might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly is essential to avoid damaging the vehicle or injuring yourself. Whether you find yourself with a dead battery at home or stranded on the side of the road, follow these steps to safely jump-start your car. CAP Towing in Charleston can assist if your vehicle won’t start or you need professional help. If you need an affordable tow truck Charleston call the friendly experts at CAP Towing.
Gather the Right Tools
Before you start, make sure you have a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a fully charged battery. Park the cars close enough so the cables can reach, but keep them from touching.
Follow These Steps:
1. Turn Off Both Cars
Ensure both vehicles are off and the keys are removed from the ignitions. You don’t want power running while connecting cables.
2. Connect the Red Cable to the Dead Battery
Take the red (positive) jumper cable and attach it to the positive terminal of the dead battery. This terminal often has a plus sign or is marked with “POS.”
3. Attach the Other Red Cable to the Good Battery
Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the working battery.
4. Connect the Black Cable to the Good Battery
Attach the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
5. Attach the Other Black Cable to a Metal Ground
The other end of the black cable must be connected to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery. Do not connect it directly to the dead battery’s negative terminal. This reduces the risk of sparks or a short circuit.
6. Start the Working Car
Start the vehicle with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes to send power to the dead battery.
7. Start the Dead Car
Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start right away, wait a few more minutes before trying again.
8. Disconnect the Cables in Reverse Order
Once the car starts, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order: first the black cable from the metal ground, then the black cable from the working battery, followed by the red cables.
9. Keep the Engine Running
Let the car run for at least 15 to 30 minutes or drive around to allow the battery to charge.
When You Need Professional Help
If your car still doesn’t start after a jump, the issue might be more serious than a dead battery. In that case, call CAP Towing. Our expert team will provide towing services and assistance in Charleston and surrounding areas to get you back on the road safely. Affordable tow truck Charleston.
