How to jump-start a car battery?

Jump-starting a car battery is a useful skill that can get you back on the road if your battery is dead. Here’s a safe and straightforward step-by-step guide to jump-start your car: 1. **Prepare the vehicles and equipment:** - Park the working vehicle (the one with a good battery) close enough to the dead vehicle so the jumper cables can reach both batteries, but ensure the cars do not touch. - Turn off both vehicles and remove the keys. - Make sure both vehicles are in “Park” (automatic) or neutral (manual), and engage the parking brake. - Get a set of jumper cables ready. 2. **Connect the jumper cables in the correct order:** - Attach one red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. - Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. - Attach one black (negative) clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery. - Attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or chassis of the dead car, away from the battery and fuel system. This acts as a ground and helps prevent sparks near the battery. 3. **Start the engines:** - Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery. - After a few minutes, try starting the dead vehicle. If it doesn’t start, wait a little longer and try again. Avoid cranking the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time to prevent damage. 4. **Remove the cables carefully:** - Once the dead car starts, remove the cables in reverse order: 1. Black clamp from the grounded metal surface on the previously dead car 2. Black clamp from the negative terminal on the good battery 3. Red clamp from the positive terminal on the good battery 4. Red clamp from the positive terminal on the previously dead battery - Keep the jumped car running for at least 15–30 minutes or drive it around to help recharge the battery. **Safety tips:** - Always wear gloves and eye protection if possible. - Never let the clamps touch each other while connected to a battery. - Avoid jump-starting a frozen or visibly damaged battery—seek professional help instead. - Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for any model-specific instructions or precautions. Following these steps will help you safely jump-start a car battery and get back on the road quickly.