Why can't the car start after jump-starting the battery?
3 Answers
Ensure that the connected battery voltage is normal. Additionally, make sure the power cables are thick enough and the connections are secure. If everything is confirmed to be normal, there might be issues with other parts of the vehicle. It is recommended that the owner tow the vehicle to a 4S shop for repair. Especially in winter, there are many cases where cars cannot start and require a jump-start, but some car owners are not familiar with the jump-start process. Your vehicle and the rescue vehicle that has started must remain turned off; The wiring sequence is to first connect your car's positive terminal to the rescue vehicle's positive terminal, then connect your car's negative terminal to the rescue vehicle's negative terminal; After confirming that all equipment in the car is turned off, start the rescue vehicle, then start the electric car, and let the electric car run for a while to charge after normal operation; After the vehicle is running normally, when removing the cables, remember to follow the reverse order of the wiring sequence.
The car won't start when jump-starting the battery. I've encountered this several times, and the reasons are quite simple: the main issue is either a dead or aging battery. For example, my old car's battery was over four years old, its capacity had decreased, and it couldn't hold enough charge, making it difficult to start. Check if the positive and negative terminals are loose or corroded—too much rust can hinder conductivity. Don't overlook external factors, like cold winter temperatures reducing battery efficiency, or hot weather having an even greater impact. Also, forgetting to turn off headlights, the AC fan, or the dashcam after parking can lead to parasitic discharge, draining the battery over time. For prevention, keep jumper cables handy and regularly test the voltage with a voltmeter—if it's below 12 volts, it's time to replace the battery. Driving habits matter too; always check that all electronics are off before turning off the engine. Safety first—it saves you from calling a tow truck in the middle of the night.
My car wouldn't start recently, which made me really anxious. Turned out I forgot to turn off the interior light when parking yesterday, completely draining the battery. This situation is quite common, especially for new drivers who might accidentally leave electrical switches on. The battery terminals could also be the issue - oxidation causing poor contact, which might be fixed with some cleaning. Remember to keep a portable jump starter handy; it's a simple self-rescue solution without needing jumper cables. If the problem keeps recurring, it might indicate a worn-out battery or charging system malfunction, requiring professional inspection. Sharing my experience: develop the good habit of doing a quick check before getting in the car to avoid travel inconveniences.
