How to Jump-Start a Car

So, you’ve turned the ignition in your car just to discover that the battery has died. But, you don’t know how to jump-start a car battery! You could call roadside assistance for a jump-start service. But if you don’t want to wait an hour or so, you could just read our handy guide below on the proper way to jump-start a car. The service center at Serra Mazda wants you to be safe on North Canton roads. So, let’s talk about how to properly jump-start a car, and discuss what happens when your car won’t jump start.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

Everyone thinks they know how to jump-start a car battery. But you’d be surprised by how many people don’t know how to properly jump-start a car. So, just follow the steps below on the proper way to jump start a car:

How to Jump-Start a Car

• 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.
• Turn both vehicles off.
• 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.
• Connect one end of the black cable to the negative post (-) of the good battery.
• The other end of the black cable should be attached to the metal frame of the car.
• Start the engine of the working car and let it run for a minute or two.
• Try starting the car with the dead battery.
• Once the car has started, remove the clamps, beginning with the black cable, then the red.
• 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

If you’ve followed all of the steps correctly to jump-start a car battery, and it still won’t start, there are still things you can do before calling a jump-start car service. Here are some things that may be the case if your car won’t jump-start:

• 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 none of the above works, schedule a service appointment with us online.

Talk to the Battery Experts at Serra Mazda of Akron

If you found this guide on how to jump-start a car to be helpful, you might enjoy our other tips and advice. And if you need any assistance with your car’s service needs, our team is here to help. So check out our service specials. We’re just a short drive away from Hudson, so drop by or contact us today! Ready to learn more about car care? Discover what happens if you don’t change your oil with our team.