How to Jump Start Your Car Battery - Eric's Towing & Car Care

A dead battery is one of the most common car problems, especially during cold New Brunswick winters. Learning how to safely jump-start your car battery can save you time, money, and frustration. Follow this comprehensive guide to get back on the road safely.

What You'll Need

• Jumper cables (at least 12 feet long)
• Another vehicle with a good battery
• Safety gloves and glasses
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Clean rags or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Position the Vehicles

Park the working vehicle close enough to the dead vehicle so jumper cables can reach both batteries, but don't let the vehicles touch. Turn off both engines and engage parking brakes.

Step 2: Identify Battery Terminals

Open both hoods and locate the batteries. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries. Clean any corrosion from the terminals with a wire brush.

Step 3: Connect the Jumper Cables

Important: Connect cables in this exact order:

1. Red cable to positive terminal of dead battery
2. Other red cable end to positive terminal of working battery
3. Black cable to negative terminal of working battery
4. Other black cable end to unpainted metal surface in dead car's engine (not the negative terminal)

Step 4: Start the Working Vehicle

Start the working vehicle and let it run for 2-3 minutes. This allows the good battery to charge the dead battery slightly.

Step 5: Attempt to Start the Dead Vehicle

Try to start the dead vehicle. If it doesn't start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again. If it still won't start after several attempts, you may need professional help.

Step 6: Remove Cables in Reverse Order

Once the dead vehicle is running, remove cables in reverse order:

1. Black cable from ground connection
2. Black cable from working battery negative terminal
3. Red cable from working battery positive terminal
4. Red cable from previously dead battery positive terminal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Connecting cables in wrong order
• Letting cable ends touch each other
• Connecting negative cable to negative terminal of dead battery
• Attempting to jump-start a frozen or cracked battery
• Removing cables while engines are running

When to Call for Professional Help

Contact Eric's Towing & Car Care if:

• The battery is cracked or leaking
• You smell rotten eggs around the battery
• The car won't start after multiple jump-start attempts
• You're uncomfortable performing the procedure
• The battery terminals are severely corroded

Battery Maintenance Tips

Prevent future dead batteries:

• Test your battery annually, especially before winter
• Clean terminals regularly to prevent corrosion
• Don't leave lights or accessories on when engine is off
• Replace batteries that are 3-4 years old
• Keep battery terminals tight and secure