can you jump a car with another battery

[VanJohnny]

Yes, you can safely jump-start a car with another battery, whether it's from a second vehicle or a standalone portable jump starter. The key is following the correct procedure to avoid damage to either vehicle's electrical system or personal injury. The most common method involves using jumper cables to connect the dead battery in your car to the good battery in another car.

The correct order of connection is critical. First, connect one red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, connect one black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery. For the final connection, attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or chassis of the car with the dead battery—not to its negative battery terminal. This provides a ground and helps prevent sparking near the battery, which can emit flammable hydrogen gas. Once connected, start the engine of the car with the good battery, let it run for a few minutes, then attempt to start the car with the dead battery.

After a successful jump-start, disconnect the cables in the reverse order. Drive the jumped car for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the battery dies again soon after, it may be old and unable to hold a charge, or there could be an issue with the alternator.

| Common Battery Voltage Readings & Their Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | 12.6V or higher | Battery is fully charged and in good condition. | | 12.4V | Battery is about 75% charged. | | 12.2V | Battery is about 50% charged; may struggle to start. | | 12.0V | Battery is effectively discharged (25% charge). | | 11.9V or below | Battery is dead and requires a jump-start. |

[DiGemma]

Absolutely. I've done it more times than I can count. The trick is the cable order: positive to positive on both batteries, then negative to the good battery, and the last negative clip goes on a bare metal bolt in the dead car's engine bay—never on the dead battery's negative post. That last part stops a dangerous spark. Get it wrong and you could fry the electronics. After it starts, let it run or drive it for a good half-hour to get some charge back.

[SanCharlotte]

While it is possible, safety is the primary concern. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and can release explosive hydrogen gas. Incorrectly connecting jumper cables can cause electrical shorts, damage expensive control modules, or even cause the battery to rupture. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual first for specific instructions. If you are unsure about any step, it is far safer to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a professional service is minimal compared to the cost of repairing a damaged vehicle electrical system.

[AidenDella]

You can, but a portable jump starter pack is a much better tool for the job these days. It’s like a big power bank for your car. You don't need a second vehicle, which is great if you're alone in a parking garage. They have safety features built-in to prevent wrong connections. I keep one in my trunk because modern cars have sensitive computers that can be zapped by a voltage spike during a traditional jump. It’s a straightforward insurance policy against a dead battery.