How to Jump Start a Car

ManyStephenville drivers would probably say that they know how to jump start a car battery. But do you know how to properly jump start a car? Jump starting a car incorrectly could damage the battery or, even worse, cause injury. The service center at Bayer Ford wants you to be safe. So, let’s talk about how to jump start a car the right way and discuss what happens when your car won’t jump start.

How to Properly Jump Start a Car

No one wants to be stranded along the road somewhere in Weatherford. Of course, you could call roadside assistance if you have access to it. But, who knows how long that will take. Jump starting a car yourself can save you a lot of time and expense. So, just follow the steps below on how to jump start a car:

How to Properly Jump Start a Car Battery

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. This will allow the alternator to charge the battery further.

What to Do If Your Car Won’t Jump Start

What if your car won’t jump start in spite of your best efforts? Before you call a tow truck, perform some simple checks, listed below. Here are some things that may be the case if your car won’t jump start:

• 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.

Trust Your Car With the Battery Experts at Bayer Ford of Comanche

Is the battery in your car giving you trouble? Schedule an appointment with our service center. We’ll diagnose the problem, fix it, and have you back on the road in no time. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our other automotive tips. We’re conveniently located near Granbury, so drop by or contact us today!