How to Jump Start a Car? A 6-Step Guide for Beginners

A car’s battery is a critical component as it powers the electrical components, including the starter motor. If the battery goes dead or discharges itself due to prolonged non-usage of the vehicle or any other reasons, you will have trouble starting the car. That’s when jump start comes to your rescue. So, how to jump start a car? Read on to find out!

What is Jump Start?

Jump start refers to a procedure of starting a car with a discharged or dead battery with the help of another vehicle with a charged battery. It is a fairly simple process and can also be done by you if you like DIYs. However, if you do not feel comfortable or are not aware of the nitty-gritty of the process, it is advisable to take the help of an expert mechanic.

What Do You Need to Jump Start a Car?

Here are the requirements to jump start a car.

• Jumper cables

• A car with a fully charged battery.

• The car that needs to be started should be parked in a convenient position to connect the jumper cables.

How to Jump Start a Car?

Once you have sorted out the requirements for the jump start procedure, let’s get into the actual process itself. Here are the steps to jump start a car using a car with a fully charged battery.

Step 1: Turn off the ignition of both cars and connect the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Next, you can connect the red cable's other end to the charged battery's positive terminal. Ensure that you connect the cables in the same order.

Step 2: Connect the black jumper cable to the charged battery's negative (-) terminal. Connect the other end of the wire to an unpainted metal surface of the car with the discharged battery. It acts as an earthing for the circuit.

Step 3: Once done with the cable connection, turn on the car's engine with the charged battery. Let it idle for a minute or two so that the battery has enough charge to power up the discharged battery.

Step 4: Next, crank the engine of the car with the dead battery. It should start without any hiccups. If not, check if the cables are connected to the correct terminals and start the vehicle.

Step 5: Remove the jumper cable in the same order as you connected them.

Step 6: Do not turn off the engine of the car with the dead battery. Let it idle for around 30 minutes so that the battery gets recharged.

How to Jump Start an Automatic Car?

Nowadays, most cars are equipped with automatic transmissions. Automatic cars are convenient to drive as there is no hassle of operating the clutch and shifting gears manually. The jump start process remains the same for a manual or an automatic car. 

Ensure that the vehicle is in ‘Park’ mode and engage the parking brake before initiating the procedure. Connect the jumper cables as mentioned in the above steps and start the automatic car with the dead battery.

How to Use the Jumper Cables?

Jumper cables are crucial to jump start a car. Not connecting the jumper cables properly can also result in damage to the car battery. Hence, you need to know how to use them before beginning the process. 

A jumper cable has two ends with two thick electric wires at each end. The ends of the cables are fitted with clips to connect to the battery terminals. One should be careful while connecting the jumper cable to the battery. An improper connection can lead to a spark/explosion. So, determine the correct terminals of the battery and the jumper cable before beginning the process.

Below are a few precautionary measures you need to take while using a jumper cable.

• Ensure that the jumper cable is in good condition (Rust-free and no exposed wires).

• Connect the jumper cable in the correct order and to the correct terminals.

• Make sure that the jumper cables do not touch each other once they are connected.

• Ensure that the jumper cable has both the red and the black wires. Do not attempt to jump start if any of the wires are missing.

Why Do You Need to Jump Start a Car?

When the car battery discharges completely or goes dead, it cannot supply adequate power to start the engine or other electrical components. In such a scenario, you are left with only one option, to charge the battery. You can do it via charging the battery through a power outlet (requires charging equipment), or you can push-start the vehicle, which is an uphill task unless you find a downhill (slope) to push the car.

The third and easiest option is to jump start the car with the help of another vehicle. You can easily find a donor car with a healthy battery to charge your car’s battery. With the use of a jumper cable, you can quickly charge the dead battery.

Why Do You Need to Keep the Engine Running After You Jump Start the Car?

Once you jump start the car, you can allow the engine to idle for around 30 minutes. That way, the charging system can recharge the battery.

It is recommended that you take the vehicle for a short drive after the jump start process so that the battery has enough charge. Also, do not switch on the music system and AC immediately to allow the battery to charge quickly.

Reasons for Car Battery Drain Out

There can be several reasons for a car battery to drain out. Here are some of the common causes.

• Parking the car for extended periods: One of the most common reasons for a car battery to discharge itself is parking the vehicle for extended periods. You can’t drive the car in situations like lockdown, and it will be parked for several days/weeks. If the battery is already weak or a bit old, the battery can drain out pretty quickly.

• An issue with the battery or charging system: If the battery is faulty or if there is an issue with the charging system of the vehicle, the battery may lose charge rapidly.

• Leaving the interior lights/headlights on: Leaving the interior lights or headlights on after parking your car can drain the battery in no time. But modern vehicles come with features to warn you if you leave the lights on.

• Leaving the music system on: You turn on the music system and mute it while speaking on the phone or talking to someone else and forget to switch off the audio system. If you leave the ignition on with the music system on, the battery will discharge.

• Charging electronic devices for too long: This is one of the common reasons for a dead battery. With the increased use of electronic gadgets, you may end up charging your smartphone, tablet, etc., on your car when the car is in ignition mode. It will result in battery drain out if you forget to disconnect the device from the charger.

Also, read: Drum Brakes vs Disc Brakes

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions related to jump starting a car.

How can I determine if my car battery is dead?

The most common signs of a fully discharged battery are battery light on the dashboard, dim lights, no engine cranking sound while starting the car and a ‘Check engine’ sign on the dashboard.

How can I start my car with a dead battery without another car?

If you cannot find another car with a fully charged battery, you cannot jump start the vehicle. The only option is to take the battery to the repair shop for charging or push the car to start the engine.

While jump starting a car, which cable should I connect first?

Ensure that you first connect the red wire to the discharged battery's positive (+) terminal. Connect the red wire's other end to the positive terminal of the charged battery.

Does jump starting my car damage the alternator?

No, the jump start technique does not damage the alternator, provided you connect the jump leads correctly and use the battery with the correct voltage to charge the dead battery.

How can I determine if my car battery is dead?

The most common signs of a fully discharged battery are battery light on the dashboard, dim lights, no engine cranking sound while starting the car and ‘Check engine’ sign on the dashboard.

How can I start my car with a dead battery without another car?

If you cannot find another car with a fully charged battery, you cannot jump start the vehicle. The only option is to take the battery to the repair shop for charging or push the car to start the engine.

While jump starting a car, which cable should I connect first?

Ensure that you first connect the red wire to the discharged battery’s positive (+) terminal. Connect the other end of the red wire to the positive terminal of the charged battery.

Does jump starting my car damage the alternator?

No, the jump start technique does not damage the alternator, provided you connect the jump leads correctly and use the battery with the correct voltage to charge the dead battery.

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