How to jump start a dead car battery

We’ve all been there; you’re all ready to head out and start your day, but your car won’t turn over. Nine times out of ten it’s a dead or dying battery, and it can be one of the most annoying things that drivers have to deal with. However, if you have a pair of jumper cables and a friend with a working vehicle, it’s easy to get back up and running. Today we’ll show you how to jump start a dead car battery so you can be prepared the next time this situation arises! 

Tips for jump starting your car  

For safety reasons, we can’t stress enough that your vehicles cannot be touching each other or turned on to start; this can redirect electrical current through both models and cause a new world of trouble for you and your car. With that in mind, here are a few simple tips for jump starting your car! 

1. Locate your working car and take out your jumper cables. Attach the red handle to the positive (+) terminal and the black handle to the negative (-) terminal. These two terminals should be color coded according to your cables.  
2. Next, attach the red handle on the opposite side of your cable to the positive terminal of your dead car.  
3. This deserves its own step; make sure not to connect your negative cable to the negative terminal. Instead, find a metal, unpainted piece of your car and clamp on there.  
4. Start your good vehicle and let it run for a minute or so. This is usually enough time to get your other battery warmed up and charging.  
5. Attempt to start the dead car; if it fires up, you’re free to remove the cables from either vehicle. Be careful to not let the cables touch each other! 

Keep in mind also that once your dead vehicle is started, it’s a good idea to take it out for a short drive around the neighborhood. Your alternator needs a way to build up your battery’s charge, and putting your car in motion is a great method for doing so.  

Read More: How to check the oil in a used vehicle

Replace car parts in Grand Junction CO 

If you’re in search of a new battery for your used vehicle, feel free to contact our team right here at Carville’s Auto Mart. We can get you set up with a fresh new battery that can hold a charge long and strong. Stop in and see us today!