when jumping a car what goes first

[StAnnie]

The correct and safe order for connecting jumper cables is: 1. Red to Dead (positive + on the dead battery), 2. Red to Donor (positive + on the good battery), 3. Black to Donor (negative - on the good battery), 4. Black to Metal (unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine block or chassis). This sequence minimizes the risk of a dangerous spark near the battery, which can emit explosive hydrogen gas.

The logic behind this order is all about safety. By connecting both positive cables first, you complete the circuit's high-potential side. The final connection—the negative cable to a bare metal ground point away from the dead battery—ensures that any small spark generated occurs at a safe distance from the battery itself, preventing a potential explosion.

Here’s a quick reference table for the correct steps:

Step	Connection	Location	Key Reason
1	Red Clamp (+)	Dead Battery's Positive Terminal	Establishes the circuit path.
2	Red Clamp (+)	Donor Battery's Positive Terminal	Completes the positive side.
3	Black Clamp (-)	Donor Battery's Negative Terminal	Provides the ground source.
4	Black Clamp (-)	Unpainted Metal on Dead Car	Creates a safe, remote ground, avoiding sparks near the battery.

After the cables are securely connected, start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes to transfer some charge. Then, attempt to start the dead car. Once it's running, carefully disconnect the cables in the reverse order: black from the ground on the dead car, black from the donor, red from the donor, and finally, red from the previously dead car. Drive the jumped car for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

[SamuelMarie]

Red on dead, red on donor, black on donor, then the last black clip goes on a shiny metal bolt or bracket in the engine bay of the dead car—not on the dead battery's negative terminal. That last part is the real pro tip. It’s all to keep a spark away from the battery. Once it's running, take it for a good, long drive to get the battery back up to speed.

[Haley]

I always follow a methodical approach. First, I connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery. Second, I attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the booster vehicle. Third, I connect the negative (black) cable to the good battery's negative terminal. The critical fourth step is clamping the final black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the disabled vehicle's engine. This procedure prioritizes safety by strategically directing any electrical spark away from the battery gases.

[MacChristopher]

Safety is the number one priority. The key is to remember that the final connection should never be on the dead battery itself. Always find a solid, unpainted metal part under the hood, like an engine bracket or a bolt. This acts as a ground and keeps any potential spark from igniting hydrogen gas that batteries can release. So, it's red to red on both cars, then black to the good battery, and finally, black to a safe metal ground on the stalled car.

[VonKeira]

You want to avoid a battery explosion, so the order is crucial. Connect the positive clamps first—both red ones go on the positive terminals of each battery. Then, attach the black negative clamp to the good battery. For the last clamp, instead of the dead battery, find a clean, unpainted metal spot on the engine block or frame of the dead car. This completes the circuit safely. After the car starts, disconnect in the exact reverse order, starting with that ground clamp.