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How to Jump Start a Car: Your Step-by-Step Guide [Video]

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By Susan Meyer Info icon
Updated December 12, 2024
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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  1. Tools Needed
  2. Video
  3. Step-by-Step Guide
  4. Potential Complications

You’ve got your coffee in hand, and you hop in your car, ready to start your day. Only to discover your car battery is dead.

A dead car battery can happen to anyone, often at the most inconvenient times. But it doesn’t have to be a day ruiner. Knowing how to jump-start a car can save you from being stranded and help you get back on the road quickly. 

This guide outlines the necessary materials, the steps to safely jumpstart a car and potential complications to watch out for.

Tools You Need

Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need ready to go. To jumpstart a car, you will need the following:

  • A functioning car with a charged battery (Time to call up that friend who owes you a favor!)
  • Jumper cables
  • Protective gloves and safety glasses (Optional, but recommended)
  • Owner’s manuals for both vehicles (to locate battery terminals and any specific instructions)

Portable Jump Starter

Alternatively, you can use a portable jump starter if one is available (they make great gifts!). This enables you to jump your car without needing to use another vehicle. If using a portable jump starter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid mishaps.

How to Jump Start a Car

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, your friend with the working car is here and you have your cables and manuals ready. Here’s what you need to do. 

  1. Ensure Safety First
    • Park the donor vehicle close enough so the jumper cables can reach the dead vehicle, but ensure the vehicles do not touch.
    • Turn off both vehicles and remove the keys from the ignition.
    • Set the parking brakes on both vehicles to prevent movement.
  2. Locate the Batteries
    • Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate the batteries.
    • Identify the positive (“+”) and negative (“-”) terminals. Clean any corrosion if necessary, but be cautious and wear gloves.
  3. Connect the Jumper Cables
    • Attach one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
    • Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the donor battery.
    • Attach one black clamp to the negative terminal of the donor battery.
    • Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface (such as a bolt or the engine block) on the car with the dead battery. This minimizes the risk of sparking near the battery.
  4. Start the Donor Vehicle
    • Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
  5. Start the Dead Vehicle
    • Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.
  6. Remove the Jumper Cables in Reverse Order
    • Disconnect the black clamp from the unpainted metal surface.
    • Disconnect the black clamp from the donor battery.
    • Disconnect the red clamp from the donor battery.
    • Disconnect the red clamp from the dead battery.
  7. Let the Jumpstarted Car Run
    • Allow the jumpstarted vehicle to run for at least 15-20 minutes to recharge the battery.

Potential Complications and Precautions

While the process is fairly simple, you must be careful to avoid complications. Keep an eye out for any of the following:

  • Sparking or Fire: Ensure proper cable connections to avoid sparks near the battery, which could ignite hydrogen gas.
  • Battery Damage: Jumpstarting a frozen or severely damaged battery can cause it to rupture.
  • Incorrect Cable Connections: Reversing the polarity can damage the electrical systems in both vehicles.
  • Weak or Old Battery: If the dead battery doesn’t hold a charge after the jumpstart, it may need replacement.

Additional Tips

  • Regularly inspect and maintain your car battery to prevent unexpected failures.
  • Keep jumper cables or a portable jump starter in your car as part of an emergency kit.
  • If unsure about the process, seek assistance from a roadside service or a knowledgeable individual.

Wrapping up

By following these steps and precautions, you can safely jumpstart your car and avoid common pitfalls. Understanding this essential skill can provide peace of mind and prepare you for emergencies.