How to Jump Start a Car Battery

You may be familiar with how to jump start a car battery, but when the pressure’s on, do you really know the proper way to jump start a car? While the process is fairly straightforward, there are a few key things to keep in mind when dealing with a stressful situation. In this guide, Lexus of Palm Beach walks you through the process of restarting your battery, as well as what to do if your car won’t jump start in Delray Beach. 

The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

Knowing how to properly jump start a car can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches on the road. While you always have the option to call a jump start car service, doing the task yourself can get you off the road and back home much quicker. As long as you have a set of jumper cables and a helping hand with a working car, you can jump start a car battery. Here are the steps:

1. Park both cars with the hoods facing each other, so you can easily access the battery. Set the parking brake.
2. Locate the batteries on both cars. You might need to remove a plastic hood to expose the terminals, but this depends on your model.
3. Find the positive and negative battery terminals. Make sure they are clean.
4. Grab your jumper cables and separate the ends. The red and black ends should be kept separate throughout this process, or you could create sparks.
5. Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
6. Connect the other red clamp to the positive post on the working battery.
7. Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the working battery.
8. Connect the final clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s frame.
9. Ask your helper to start their car. Wait several minutes to allow your battery to charge.
10. Try starting your car. If it runs, keep your car going.  Remove the jumper cables in the opposite order of the above steps.
11. If your car won’t jump start immediately, try waiting a few minutes before your second attempt. Your battery might need more time to charge.
12. Once you’ve had a successful jump start, keep your car running for at least 10 minutes. This allows your battery to maintain a stronger charge, so it doesn’t die the next time you start it up. Schedule a battery check once you get back home.

Additional Car Battery Tips & Tricks

Now you know how to properly jump start a car. But if your car won’t jump start, here are a few extra troubleshooting tips to keep in mind before you call a jump start car service.

• Clicking Sounds: Let’s say you try to jump start the car battery, but you only hear a clicking sound. This might mean that the starter isn’t functioning, and your battery might be perfectly fine.
• Electric System: What if your car successfully turns on, but your electronics aren’t working? This could result from a broken ignition switch, starter, or a fuse. Visit a good service center to get the problem diagnosed and resolved.
• Battery Condition: After you get your jump start, it’s important to keep the car running. Many vehicles can hold a charge for some time after a jump start, but not always. If your car battery is old or you drive infrequently around Lake Worth, you might need a replacement. You can also ask our parts department about a trickle charger.

Turn to Lexus of Palm Beach for More DIY Car Care Tips

You know how to properly jump start a car like a pro, but if you still have any questions, just contact us. We’d love to give you extra tips and tricks about the proper way to jump start a car, so you don’t have to spend money on a jump start car service in Palm Beach Gardens! And when it’s time to get that battery check, feel free to schedule your service appointment with us in West Palm Beach.