can any car jump start another car

[LeKyle]

Yes, most cars can jump-start another car, but it's not a universal rule. The critical factor is the voltage of the electrical systems. Most modern gasoline-powered passenger cars use 12-volt systems and are compatible for jump-starting each other. However, attempting to jump-start a vehicle with a different voltage system, like a large diesel truck (often 24V), or using a standard car to jump-start an electric vehicle's low-voltage auxiliary battery, can cause severe electrical damage.

The process requires a set of jumper cables and a functional "donor" car. Safety is paramount: ensure both cars are off, in Park (or Neutral for manual transmissions), and the parking brakes are engaged. The key is connecting the cables in the correct sequence to avoid sparks and potential battery explosion. Connect positive (red) to the dead battery's positive terminal, then the other red clamp to the donor battery's positive. Connect the black (negative) clamp to the donor battery's negative terminal, but for the final connection, attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine block, away from the battery. This provides a safer ground.

Start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, attempt to start the disabled car. If it starts, carefully disconnect the cables in the reverse order. Drive the jumped car for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the car doesn't start after a few attempts, the issue may be a failed alternator or a battery that needs replacement.

Vehicle Type	Typical System Voltage	Can Jump-Start a Standard 12V Car?	Key Consideration
Standard Gasoline Car	12V	Yes	Ideal donor vehicle. Ensure engine size is comparable.
Large Diesel Truck	24V	No	Voltage mismatch can destroy the 12V car's electronics.
Motorcycle	12V	Technically yes, but not recommended	Motorcycle batteries are small and can be damaged by a car's demand.
Electric Vehicle (EV)	12V (Auxiliary)	Yes, but roles are specific	An EV can be a donor for a 12V car. A standard car can jump-start an EV's 12V battery.
Hybrid Vehicle	12V (Auxiliary)	Yes	Similar to EVs, the 12V battery is used for starting the computer systems.

[VanSienna]

Sure, but you gotta be careful. My dad taught me this years ago. It's all about the red and black cables. Red on the dead battery's positive, then red on the good car's positive. Black on the good car's negative, then the last black clip on a clean, shiny metal part under the hood of the dead car—not the dead battery itself. That last part keeps things from sparking. Get it wrong and you can fry the electronics. Once it's hooked up, let the good car run for a bit before trying to start the dead one.

[StJoanna]

As a general rule, yes, if we're talking about two typical cars with standard 12-volt batteries. The real question is whether it's advisable. A small compact car might struggle to jump-start a large SUV with a massive engine. The donor car's battery and alternator need to be robust enough to handle the load. I'd always recommend checking the owner's manual first. Some modern cars have specific jump-starting points under the hood to protect sensitive electronics, bypassing the battery terminal directly.

[DelNora]

I look at it from a practicality standpoint. Yes, any car can, but you need the right tools and conditions. Jumper cables must be thick enough to carry the current without overheating. The cars need to be positioned close enough for the cables to reach safely. And you have to consider the cause of the dead battery. If it's just from leaving lights on, a jump-start is perfect. If the battery is old or the alternator is bad, it might start but die again immediately. It's a temporary fix, not a solution.