If you have ever been in a situation where you turned the key in your car, but the engine wouldn’t start, you probably know how frustrating it can be. In most cases, a dead battery is the culprit. Luckily, with a jumpstart, you can get your car back on the road quickly. 

In this buying guide, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to jumpstart your car, including the necessary tools and safety tips to ensure a successful jumpstart.

What You Will Need

Before you start jumpstarting your car, you will need to gather the necessary tools. Here is a list of what you will need:

• A set of jump leads
• A working vehicle with a good battery
• A flat, level surface for both vehicles to park on
• Safety glasses

Easy Steps and Safety Tips:

Locate the battery: 

In most cars, the battery is located in the engine compartment. Some newer models may have the battery under the seat or in the trunk. Check your owner’s manual if you are unsure where your battery is located.

Park the vehicles: 

Park the working vehicle next to your car, making sure the engines are facing each other. Both vehicles should be on a flat, level surface to ensure a safe jumpstart.

Open the hoods: 

Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate the batteries.

Attach the jump leads: 

Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal of the working vehicle’s battery and the other end to the positive terminal of your car’s battery. Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery and the other end to a metal part of your car’s engine block, away from the battery.

Start the engine: 

Start the working vehicle’s engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting your car. If your car doesn’t start right away, wait for a minute or two and try again.

Remove the jump leads: 

Once your car is started, remove the jump leads in the reverse order they were connected. First, remove the black jump lead from your car’s engine block, then the red jump lead from your car’s battery, then the black jump lead from the working vehicle’s battery, and finally the red jump lead from the working vehicle’s battery.

Drive your car: 

Drive your car around for at least 15 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery. This will also help to ensure that the jumpstart has been successful.

Safety Precautions

Before jumping your car, it is important to follow some safety precautions to avoid any potential hazards. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid sparks: 

Never allow the jump leads to touch each other or come into contact with any metal parts while they are connected to the batteries. This can cause sparks, which can ignite any flammable gases in the engine compartments.

Wear protection: 

Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, to protect your eyes from any potential sparks or splashes of battery acid.

Keep the engines off: 

Before connecting the jump leads, make sure both vehicles’ engines are turned off.

Check the batteries: 

Make sure the batteries in both vehicles are in good condition and not damaged or leaking.

Conclusion:

Jumpstarting your car is a simple process that can save you time and money. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can get your car back on the road quickly. Always remember to take safety precautions and follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure a successful jumpstart. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always best to seek help from a professional mechanic.