Learning how to jump-start a car can help you resolve stressful situations in short order, without calling a jump-start car service like AAA. It’s a relatively simple process, and we’re confident that just about any driver can understand the proper way to jump-start a car. As long as you have a friend who can help out—or a portable jump starter of your own—the whole process may take less than a half hour. We’ll get you back on the roads of Severna Park in no time.
The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car
Picking up a portable jump starter can help you fix a dead car battery in the fastest possible way, so ask our parts department if you’d like to learn more about this tool!
Of course, as long as you have a set of jumper cables and a friend or neighbor who’s willing to help out, you can take the following steps to jump-start a car battery in a hurry:
- The vehicle with the working battery should be parked facing the hood of the vehicle with the dead battery. Turn off the working vehicle before you get started.
- Open the hoods of both vehicles. Then, expose the terminals. Check to make sure that all the cables are actually attached. If corrosion has caused one of the cables to come off, you’ll need to clean the terminal thoroughly before you reattach the cable. However, you may not need a jump-start at all!
- Now, connect the first red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Hook the second red clamp on the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Hook the associated black lamp to the negative terminal of the working battery.
- Last, connect the final black clamp to any unpainted metal surface on the frame of the vehicle with the dead battery.
- Start the vehicle with the working battery. Once it’s on, you should be able to start the vehicle that’s receiving the jump-start.
- If the previously dead vehicle is able to start, then carefully remove the jumper cables in the opposite order to which they were connected. So, start with the final black clamp, then disconnect the black and red clamps from the jumper vehicle, and then remove the last positive cable from the vehicle that received the jump.
- Do not shut off your vehicle right away. Let it run for at least ten minutes to ensure that the alternator can restore a charge to the battery.
It’s very important to exercise caution when working with a high-powered component like a battery. Letting the clamps touch when they’re connected may cause sparks, and battery acid itself is highly corrosive. Wearing electricity-safe gloves is always advisable. Read our guide on replacing a car battery at home for more tips.
Consider Jaguar Roadside Assistance
Ultimately, it might be even easier for you to reach out to Jaguar Roadside Assistance. Just call (800)-452-4827, at any time of day or night, 365 days a year.
More Battery Tips and Tricks
So, maybe your car won’t jump-start. Maybe you’ve needed more than one jump-start in recent memory. Here’s what you should keep in mind before you jump to conclusions:
- If you hear a clicking sound when you try to turn the key, you might be in need of a new starter.
- If you’re able to activate the stereo and the electrical systems in your vehicle, but you can’t turn on the engine, the issue may actually be the result of a problem with your ignition switch, battery, starter, or fuse. It’s time to schedule service and let an expert take a look.
- If you’ve had several recent jump-starts in Edgewater or Crofton, your alternator may not be working properly.
- Under normal conditions, if your headlights get brighter when you rev the engine, your battery may be in need of replacement. This is a sign that your alternator is working fine, but your battery can’t hold a full charge.
Turn to Jaguar Annapolis Authorized Service for Service
Now that you’ve seen the proper way to jump-start a car, we hope that you feel ready to give it a go on your own! Of course, our service center can help you keep your battery in great shape and avoid your next jump-start altogether. Check out our service specials if you may be due for battery service today.
