How to jump-start a car

Repair difficulty

Easy
Medium
Hard

What you'll need

  • Jumper cables
  • A running car with a charged battery

Step by step instructions

  • Step 1
    Park the working car in front of the dead vehicle so the two are parked nose to nose.
    Ensure the two vehicles are approximately inches apart. For both vehicles, make sure:
    • They are in park
    • The engines are turned off
    • The parking brakes are on
  • Step 2
    On the dead battery, clamp the red end of the jumper cable battery’s positive terminal with the (+) symbol and the other end to the working car’s positive terminal (+).
  • Step 3
    On the working car, clamp the black cable to the working battery’s negative terminal with the (-) symbol and the other end to an exposed metal section, such as a bracket or bolt, at least a foot away from the battery.
    Warning: Do not cross the connections; connecting the positive cable to a negative terminal, or vice versa, can result in electrical system failure and a lot of smoke and sparks.
  • Step 4
    Start the running car and let it run for one to two minutes while slightly revving the engine.
  • Step 5
    Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. It may take a couple of attempts, but don’t try to start the engine more than three or four times in a row, as this could damage your car’s electrical system.
  • Step 6
    Once the vehicle with the dead battery starts, disconnect the cables in the reverse order you connected them.
    Warning: Do not let the clamps touch.
  • Step 7
    Drive your car to charge the battery to full capacity so it will start again. A short drive may not be enough, so you might want to leave the car parked and idling with the lights off.

FAQ

What's involved in jump-starting a car, and when would I need to do this?

Your car’s battery plays a central role in the overall function of your car’s electrical system. Periodic inspection and maintenance of the battery helps extend its natural life. Cold weather is the primary contributor to loss of battery life.
To jump-start your car, you will need a pair of jumper cables and a vehicle with a functioning battery.
Editor’s note: While we hope to help you, Cars.com is not responsible for any injury or damage that may occur to you or your vehicle by following the steps above.