Jump-starting another car is a straightforward process, but doing it incorrectly can cause serious damage to either vehicle's electrical system. The core steps involve connecting the jumper cables in the correct order, running the donor car to transfer power, and then safely disconnecting the cables.
Safety is the absolute first step. Park the running car ("donor car") nose-to-nose or side-by-side with the dead car, but ensure they do not touch. Turn off both ignitions and engage the parking brakes. Put on safety glasses if you have them.
Next, connect the jumper cables in this precise sequence:
- Connect one RED (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other RED (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the donor car's good battery.
- Connect one BLACK (negative) clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the donor car's battery.
- Connect the final BLACK (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine block or chassis. This is a safety ground that helps prevent sparking near the battery.
Start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery. Then, try to start the dead car. If it starts, leave both cars running.
To disconnect, reverse the connection order exactly:
- Remove the BLACK clamp from the ground on the jumped car.
- Remove the BLACK clamp from the donor car.
- Remove the RED clamp from the donor car.
- Remove the RED clamp from the jumped car.
Drive the jumped car for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the alternator to fully recharge the battery.
| Common Jumper Cable Gauges and Uses | |
|---|
| Cable Gauge (AWG) | Recommended Use |
| 6-Gauge | Standard sedans, small SUVs; adequate for most situations |
| 4-Gauge | Trucks, large SUVs, vehicles with larger engines |
| 2-Gauge | Heavy-duty trucks, diesel engines; provides maximum power flow |
| 10-Gauge | Compact cars only; can be insufficient for larger vehicles |
