What is the correct order for jump-starting a car battery?
4 Answers
Before jump-starting, ensure the engine is turned off. The vehicle's battery is located in the engine compartment. Prepare your own jumper cables or borrow positive and negative cables from another vehicle. Be extremely careful not to let the positive and negative terminals touch, as this may cause a short circuit. Remove the clips to open the battery protective cover, exposing the battery terminals. Make sure to correctly identify the positive and negative terminals of the battery. If unsure, consult the vehicle manual. Connect one end of the positive cable to the dead battery's positive terminal, then connect the other end to the working battery's negative terminal. Finally, connect the remaining cable to the engine block or chassis of the vehicle with the dead battery.
When it comes to jump-starting a car, having played with cars for years, I know getting the sequence wrong can be quite dangerous. First, take the red clamp from the good car (the one with a charged battery) and attach it to the positive terminal, then connect it to the positive terminal of the dead car—this is called connecting the positives. Next, use the black clamp to attach to the negative terminal of the good car, and finally, clamp the other end to any unpainted metal part on the dead car's engine block or frame, avoiding direct connection to the dead battery's negative terminal. This helps minimize sparks, as a short circuit could cause burns or even a battery explosion. When disconnecting, reverse the order: first remove the black clamp from the dead car, then the black clamp from the good car, followed by both red clamps. Remember, avoid touching any metal parts of the car during the entire process—I’ve seen a friend get shocked from shaky hands. Also, make sure the cables aren’t knotted or greasy, and ensure they’re securely connected to prevent loosening during startup. These old-school tips have helped me rescue many cars, especially useful in winter when batteries tend to die. Always keep a good-quality cable handy, and check the manufacturing date—don’t use old, worn-out ones.
As a beginner learning to drive, I was most afraid of battery issues. My instructor taught me that jump-starting should not be done carelessly. First, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of the good car, then to the positive terminal of the dead car. The black clamp should first be connected to the negative terminal of the good car, and finally to a grounding point on the dead car's frame, avoiding the battery's negative terminal. Why this sequence? A friend mentioned that connecting the negative terminal first could cause sparks, risking injury or damaging the wiring. After connecting, start the good car's engine for a few minutes before attempting to start the dead car. I was very cautious throughout the process—avoiding wet gloves and ensuring the two cars didn't touch. When disconnecting, start with the black clamps in reverse order. This sequence is simple and easy to remember, plus checking the connections for security makes it manageable even for beginners.
Having driven for decades, I follow the old routine for jump-starting. First, connect the red clamp to the good car's positive terminal, then to the dead car's positive terminal. Next, connect the black clamp to the good car's negative terminal, and then to a grounding point on the dead car's frame. Avoid directly touching the negative terminal to prevent sparks and hazards. Safety first—I wear dry gloves and stand at a distance throughout the process. When disconnecting, remove the black clamp first, then the red one.
