How to Jump Start a Car

We’ve all done it. You walk out to your car just to realize that you left the headlights on hours ago, and now your battery is dead. That’s why every Bloomington driver should learn how to jump-start a car. Of course, if your car won’t jump start or you’re just finding it difficult to jump-start the car, service may be needed. Our service department thinks it’s important for all of our customers to know the proper way to jump-start a car battery. So we’ve put together the guide below on how to properly jump-start a car battery.

How to Properly Jump-Start a Car Battery

Nearly everyone in the Champaign area believes they know how to jump-start a car battery. But do you know the proper way to jump-start a car? Doing it incorrectly can cause an electric short, damage to one or both cars, or even injury. Here’s how to jump-start a car the right way:

How to Properly Jump-Start a Car

1. The proper way to jump-start a car begins with parking the working vehicle close enough to the disabled vehicle so that the jumper cables can comfortably reach from one battery to another.
2. Turn both vehicles off.
3. Clamp one end of the red cable to the positive (+) post on the dead battery, then connect the other end to the positive post on the good battery.
4. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative post (-) of the good battery.
5. The other end of the black cable should be attached to the metal frame of the car.
6. Start the engine of the working car, and let it run for a minute or two.
7. Try starting the car with the dead battery.
8. Once the car has started, remove the clamps, beginning with the black cable, then the red.
9. Allow the jump-started vehicle to run for a few minutes, and take it for a short drive, which will allow the alternator to charge the battery further.

What to Do If Your Car Won’t Jump Start

Sometimes, even after doing everything the right way, a car won’t jump start. What does it mean if you can’t jump-start your car? Service may be needed to replace the battery, the starter, or some other issue. But before resorting to that, follow the steps below: 

• The jumper cables may be loose. Make sure they are well-connected.
• The posts or terminals may be corroded. Clean them thoroughly.
• The starter may be broken. If this is the case, you should hear a clicking noise.
• The battery may have reached the end of its life.
• If you still can’t jump-start your car, service should be scheduled with us so that we can assist.

Sam Leman Automotive Group of Central IL is Here to Help

If your car won’t jump start, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment with us and let us take care of the problem so that you can get back on the road in no time. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our post about what an alternator does, as well as our other automotive tips. We have several convenient locations, like the one in Peoria, so drop by or contact us today!