7 Simple Steps on Jumpstarting Your Car

Having your car battery die on you is a nightmare. It always seems to happen at the worst possible time.

The good news is that getting your car jump started is relatively easy and we’ve broken it down into seven easy to follow steps. 

Step 1: Find Someone to Give You a Jump

The first thing you need to do is find someone to give you a jump. You can do this on your own if you have access to a portable jump battery, also known as a jump box, but most of the time you’re going to need a helping hand from another driver.

Step 2: Park the Cars Properly

Since most cars have their batteries stored under their hood, you’ll need to park the cars front-to-front or closely next to each other so that the jump cables will reach from car to car.

Step 3:Turn Both Cars Off

Once both the vehicles are in the correct position, put them in park and turn off both engines.

Step 4: Open the Hood and Attach Cables

On each battery, you’ll find two terminals, one positive and one negative. Before attaching the cables to them, make sure the cars are turned off. Attach the cables by following these steps:

• • Red clamp to positive (+) terminal on dead battery
  • Other red clamp to positive (+) terminal on working battery
  • Black clamp to negative (-) terminal on working battery
  • Other black clamp to unpainted, metal object on dead car

The other black clamp is the grounding wire, so don’t attach it to the dead battery or you’ll increase your risk of fire or even explosion. 

Step 5: Start the Working Car

One you’ve got the cables properly attached, start the working car and let it run for around two minutes to build up charge in the depleted battery.

Step 6: Start the Dead Vehicle

One the working car has been transferring power to the depleted battery for a few minutes, start the dead car. If it won’t start, let the working car run for 5-10 more minutes and try again.

If it still won’t start, there is a good chance that the battery is completely dead and will need to be replaced.

Step 7: Remove the Jumper Cables

Once both cars are running, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order from which you applied them. Remove them in this order:

• • • Black cable from grounded metal
    • Black cable from working car’s negative terminal
    • Red cable from working car’s positive terminal
    • Red cable from (previously) dead positive terminal

Once your car has started, do not turn it off, get in your car and get driving as soon as possible.

Learn to Drive in Nevada Today!

The Northwest Driving School and Traffic School provides the Las Vegas community with live driving and traffic classes taught by seasoned instructors. All of our driving instructors have passed background checks.

Each automobile is DMV safety-approved, and every member of the Northwest family is committed to providing excellent driver’s education and behind-the-wheel instruction.

At Northwest, you can expect to find outstanding classes, both on campus and behind the wheel, that are engaging, fact-filled, entertaining, and geared toward success. 

We make no bones about it, we believe that Northwest provides the best driving lessons in Las Vegas, no matter your age or background. We are proud of the fact that 98% of our students pass their test on the first try. Call us at (702) 403-1592 to start your driving adventure with one of our expert instructors.

Written by:

Rich Heinrich
Master Instructor / General Manager