Feature article
How to Jump Start a Car
Learn how to jump start your car using jumper cables with another vehicle or a portable booster pack.
A flat car battery can ruin your day, but a jump start can get you going again quickly. Whether you're using another vehicle or a battery booster pack, follow these steps to safely jump start your car.
What You’ll Need
A pair of jumper leads is essential, and a willing friend with a car that has a fully charged, healthy battery.
Jump Starting with Another Car
Work out which side of the car (or which end as some cars have their battery in the boot) the battery is on, so you can position each car in a manner that will allow the jumper leads to reach from battery to battery. Turn off both ignitions and set the handbrakes.
Once in place, connect the red handle of the jumper leads (the positive side) first to the positive terminal (+) on the flat battery, and then connect the other end to the positive terminal (+) on the good battery.Then with the black (negative) cable, connect one end to the negative terminal (-) on the good battery and then connect the other end to a metal part on the engine or chassis of the car with the flat battery (NOT the battery itself). This reduces the risk of sparks.Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery, letting it run for a minute or so, and then start the car with the flat battery.Let both cars run for 10 minutes if you can.
When disconnecting, it is best to turn off both cars and remove the jumper leads in reverse order.- Black cable from the earthed metal surface- Black cable from the working battery- Red cable from the working battery- Red cable from the flat batterySafety tip, don’t let the cable ends touch each other or any metal part of either car.
Take your car for a drive to help the alternator recharge the battery.
Jump Starting with a Booster Pack
The other method of getting a car with a dead battery going again is to use a battery booster pack.With a fully charged pack, connect the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the flat battery. Then attach the black (negative) cable to an unpainted metal part of the engine or chassis (not the battery).Switch on the booster pack. Try starting the engine. If it starts, let it run for five minutes, then turn off and disconnect the pack.
What to look for
Never jump start a damaged or leaking battery.
- Avoid smoking or open flames near the battery.
- Remove metal jewelry to avoid accidental shorts.
- Always read your car’s manual in case it has specific jump-start instructions.
If you’re still not sure, call for roadside assistance to help.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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