How to Jump a Car Battery
Knowing how to jump-start a car battery is a skill every driver should have in their toolkit. Whether you're stuck in a parking lot with a drained battery or coming to the rescue of a friend, having the know-how can save both time and frustration.
At Lincoln of Troy, we’ve crafted a straightforward guide to walk you through the process step by step. Let’s break down the steps of how to jump a car battery so you can confidently jump-start your car—or another car—whenever needed.
Prioritizing Vehicle Safety Every Step of the Way
Begin by positioning both vehicles close enough so the cables can comfortably reach each battery, but make sure they’re not touching. Turn off both cars and shift them into park or neutral. It’s also wise to wear safety glasses, just in case.
If you're not sure about any of these steps, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at the Troy-area Lincoln service center for guidance or bring your car in for a battery check. We're always here to help!
Properly Connecting the Jumper Cables
This step is much simpler than it sounds. Start by clamping the red (positive) cable to the dead battery's positive terminal. Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the charged battery.
Now, take the black (negative) clamp and attach it to the negative terminal of the good battery. Finally, connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery—this acts as a grounding point.
A common mistake is attaching the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, which could cause sparks. Using an unpainted metal surface reduces the risk of fire or explosion. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Bringing the Dead Car Battery Back to Life
Once everything is hooked up correctly, start the engine of the vehicle with the working battery and let it idle for a few minutes. This gives the dead battery a bit of juice to start waking up. Then, attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it roars to life, great! If not, wait a few more minutes and try again. Remember, patience is key here.
When the car starts, carefully disconnect the cables in reverse order: Black from the metal surface, black from the charged battery; then red from the charged battery, and finally red from the revived battery. Handle each clamp with care to avoid any accidental contact between the clamps or cables.
What to Do After Jump-Starting Your Car
Once you’ve successfully jump-started the vehicle, it’s essential to keep it running. Drive for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the alternator to replenish the battery's charge. If your car continues to struggle with battery power, it could mean it’s time for a new battery.
Regular battery maintenance checks are a smart move, especially during Michigan’s colder months when batteries are more prone to failure. Our technicians are equipped to test your battery’s health and recommend the best solution to keep you moving.
Schedule a battery diagnostic test at our Lincoln service center today—or stop by our service center to get started.
Be Prepared: Know How to Jump-Start Your Car Battery
Understanding how to jump-start a car battery isn’t just handy—it’s essential. Emergencies happen, and having the skills to know how to jump a car battery ensures you’re never left helpless on the side of the road.
Whenever you need it, you can rely on our battery expertise at Lincoln of Troy to always prioritize your safety—and peace of mind, too. For any battery issues or if you’d prefer a professional touch, the experts at our Lincoln service center are ready to help. Book your next appointment with us to get started.
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Lincoln of Troy
1950 W Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48084
- Sales: 248-643-6600
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