Is your car battery dead, and you need a jump-start? Don’t panic.
When you’re stranded with a dead battery, jump-starting your car is often a straightforward solution. It’s also a handy skill that most drivers should know. A safe jump-start is often one of the quickest ways to get your car back on the road, whether you’re at home or stuck somewhere.
In this guide, we’ll walk through different ways you can safely jump start a car. With the right equipment and clear steps, you can get back up and running quickly.
4 Easy ways to jump start a car
These are four simple methods you can use to jump-start your car. Here’s how:
Way 1: Jump-start from another car using cables
The most common way to jump start a car is by using jumper cables and another vehicle with a fully charged battery. Here’s how to do it safely:
1) Position the cars.
Park the vehicle with the good battery close enough for the cables to reach, but make sure the cars are not touching. Engage the parking brakes and, if possible, park away from traffic.
2) Turn off both cars.
Switch off both engines. Shift the car into “Park” if it’s an automatic or “Neutral” if it’s a manual, and set the parking brake on both vehicles.
3) Connect the cables.
- First, attach the red clamp to the positive (+ve) terminal on the dead battery. And attach the other red clamp to the (+ve) terminal on the good battery.
- Then, attach the black (negative) clamp to a solid, unpainted metal part of the dead car’s engine or frame, away from the battery. And attach the other black clamp to the (–ve) terminal on the good battery.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch each other at any point.
4) Start the car that has the good battery.
Start the vehicle with the working (good) battery and let it run for a few minutes. It helps send some charge to the dead battery.
5) Start the dead car.
Now, go ahead and try to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, let it idle for several minutes so the battery can begin to recharge.
6) Disconnect the cables.
Carefully remove the clamps in reverse order:
- black clamp from the metal ground on the previously dead car,
- black clamp from the good battery,
- red clamp from the good battery,
- red clamp from the previously dead battery.
This method is popular because it’s simple and effective. Just make sure your cables are in good condition, follow the order carefully, and never jump-start a battery that is cracked, leaking, or badly damaged.
Way 2: Jump-start with a portable jump starter
If you don’t have another car on hand, a portable jump-starter is truly a lifesaver.
- First, make sure your car is turned off and the jump starter itself is switched off (if it has a power switch). Place the jump starter on a stable surface where its cables can reach the battery.
- Attach the red (positive) clamp to the battery’s (+) terminal, then attach the black (negative) clamp to the (–) terminal or a solid, unpainted metal part of the engine or frame.
- Turn on the jump starter if needed and follow its instructions, then try starting your car. If it starts, let the engine idle for a few minutes. Finally, switch off the jump starter and remove the clamps in reverse order: black first, then red.
Way 3: Push-start an older manual transmission car (stick shift only)
If you’re driving an older manual car and don’t have cables or a jump starter, you may be able to use a push start (also called a bump start). Here’s how:
- Step 1: Get help. You will need at least one friend to help you push the car.
- Step 2: Turn the key to the “On” position, put the car in second gear, and press the clutch pedal fully.
- Step 3: Get your assistant to push the car. As soon as the car moves, release the clutch immediately. The motor would crank, then it would start.
- Step 4: Have your helper start pushing. Once the car is moving a bit, quickly release the clutch while lightly pressing the accelerator. The engine should crank and start.
This method only works on manual (stick-shift) cars and is mainly suitable for older models. Avoid trying it on steep hills or in heavy traffic, and check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
Way 4: Call a Roadside Assistance Service
If you can’t safely jump-start your car or the other methods don’t work, call roadside assistance. Tell the service where your vehicle is and what happened. A technician will come with the right tools to jump-start your car or tow it if needed.
You can also use the iTOWu app, a 24/7 roadside assistance service that provides battery jump-starts, towing, tire repair, and other emergency help right from your phone. The app connects you with the nearest mechanic or repair technician. It is one of the simplest and safest options when you’re stranded.
Important Note for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The methods in this guide are intended for conventional gasoline or diesel cars with a 12V battery. Hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles (EVs) have different electrical systems and can be damaged or made unsafe if you try to jump-start them the same way.
- EVs: Do not attempt to jump-start an electric vehicle’s high-voltage system with jumper cables or a portable jump starter unless your owner’s manual clearly explains a safe procedure.
- Hybrids: Many hybrids have a small 12V battery that can be boosted, but you must follow the exact instructions and jump points shown in the owner’s manual.
If you drive a hybrid or EV and it won’t start, the safest option is to contact roadside assistance or your manufacturer’s support and follow their guidance instead of trying a DIY jump-start.
Conclusion
Jump-starting your car isn’t complicated if you follow the proper steps and stay safe. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter are usually the best option to get a dead battery going again. So, keep the one that is best suited to you. The key is preparation: keep the jump-start tools, maintain your car battery regularly, and always follow your owner’s manual. It is especially true for newer, hybrid, or electric vehicles.
If you’re not sure what caused the problem, check out our guide on how to tell if your car battery is dying. And when it’s clear the battery needs to be replaced, follow our step-by-step tutorial on how to replace a car battery at home.