What is the correct way to jump-start a car with another car?
2 Answers
How to jump-start a car with another car: 1. Take out the red (positive) jumper cable, connect one end to the positive terminal of your own car's battery, and the other end to the positive terminal of the other car's battery or a separate battery; 2. Take out the black (negative) jumper cable, connect one end to the negative terminal of your own car's battery, and the other end to the negative terminal of the other car's battery or a separate battery; 3. Start the vehicle. Once the vehicle is successfully started, remove the jumper cables one by one, being careful not to touch the metal body or other components. Let the engine run for half an hour or more to charge the depleted battery.
With years of experience in car repairs, I know jump-starting must follow proper procedures for safety. Park both cars close but not touching, with engines off. First, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (usually marked with a red plus sign) of the donor car's battery, then attach the other end to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Remember, the black clamp goes to the donor battery's negative terminal (marked with a black minus), but the other end must NEVER connect to the dead battery's negative—instead, find a clean unpainted metal spot on the engine block, like a bolt or bracket. This crucial step prevents sparking. Start the donor car's engine and let it idle for a few minutes before attempting to start the stalled vehicle. After success, remove the engine-end black clamp first, then the red clamps. Never skip gloves and protective gear—inspect for battery corrosion or damage beforehand. If nothing happens after connection, check for loose cables or a dead battery; retry or seek help if needed. Safety always comes first to avoid electric shock or explosion risks.
