How to Jump Start a Car

It’s never fun to turn the key in the ignition of your car, just to find the battery has died. That’s why jump-starting a car is a skill that every Oceanside driver should have. Of course, if you can’t successfully jump start the car, Service may be needed. Fortunately, our service center staff is here to help. That’s why we’ve put together the guide below on how to jump start a car battery.

How to Jump Start a Car Battery Safely

While most roadside assistance plans provide jump star car service, the fact is that you can usually get back on the road much more quickly if you are able to jump start a car battery yourself. Thankfully, this is something that just about any Poway driver can learn to do. Just follow the steps below:

How to Jump Start a Car Battery the Right Way

1. The proper way to jump-start a car begins with parking the working vehicle close enough to the disabled vehicle so that the jumper cables can comfortably reach from one battery to another.
2. Turn both vehicles off.
3. Clamp one end of the red cable to the positive (+) post on the dead battery, then connect the other end to the positive post on the good battery.
4. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative post (-) of the good battery.
5. The other end of the black cable should be attached to the metal frame of the car.
6. Start the engine of the working car, and let it run for a minute or two.
7. Try starting the car with the dead battery.
8. Once the car has started, remove the clamps, beginning with the black cable, then the red.
9. Allow the jump-started vehicle to run for a few minutes, and take it for a short drive, which will allow the alternator to charge the battery further.

What to Do If Your Car Won’t Jump Start

What if you’ve followed all the steps above, but your car won’t jump start? This can be an indication that the battery needs to be replaced, or the issue is being caused by something other than battery: 

• The jumper cables may be loose. Make sure they are well-connected.
• The posts or terminals may be corroded. Clean them thoroughly.
• The starter may be broken. If this is the case, you should hear a clicking noise.
• The battery may have reached the end of its life.
• If none of the above works, schedule a service appointment with us online.

Let Quality Chevrolet of Escondido Help

The experienced professionals in our service center can quickly identify why your car won’t start, and how to fix the problem. So, schedule an appointment with us and take advantage of our certified battery service so that we can get you back on the road in no time. We’re conveniently located near Carlsbad, so drop by or contact us today!