You’re rushing to the office, turn the key, and hear that dreaded clicking sound. It means your car’s battery is dead. You must have left the headlights on overnight, or the battery gets old, which causes it to drain.
There is nothing more frustrating than when you’re short on time and your vehicle is not starting. But don’t worry, you can jump-start your car in this situation. It means to provide temporary electrical power from a working or external power source to a car with a dead battery, allowing its engine to start.
To jump start a car is one of the most valuable skills every driver should have. With just a set of jumper cables or a portable jump starter and another working vehicle, you’ll never have to wait helplessly for roadside assistance again.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the step-by-step guide to jump-start a car to some common mistakes to avoid and tips for keeping the battery in good health.
Why You Need to Jump-Start Your Car?
The only reason to jump-start your car is that you’re stuck in an unfamiliar place and your vehicle won’t start due to battery drainage.
What Causes the Battery to Drain?
Here are some of the most common reasons that cause your car’s battery to drain.
- Left the Headlights On Overnight: One of the most common reasons behind battery drainage is that you may have accidentally left the headlights on overnight. Many modern vehicles have headlights designed to turn off itself after a certain amount of time. If your car doesn’t have this feature, you must double-check after turning off the engine.
- Battery Connections are Loose or Corroded: Sometimes, battery connections get loose or corroded, causing the issue. If the positive and negative terminals connected to your battery is loose or corroded, you might face trouble starting the vehicle as the battery is not properly transmitting the power. It could even damage the vehicle’s critical electrical components.
- Bad Alternator: When you’re driving, the battery relies on an alternator to stay charged. But if the alternator is not working correctly, it can’t charge the battery.
- It’s Extremely Hot or Cold Outside: Hot summer days and freezing weather may also cause your vehicle’s battery to drain. Newer batteries can handle these extreme seasonal temperatures. But if the battery is old, intensely hot or cold weather could weaken its performance or even cause it to die completely.
- Too Many Short Drives: As mentioned before, an alternator recharges the battery while driving. If you’re frequently going on short drives, the alternator might not have enough time to properly recharge your battery, especially if you have an old battery.
- Not Driven Your Car For Long: Not only can frequently going on short rides drain the battery, but also leaving your car parked for a long time can cause the issue. Modern vehicles come with electronic systems that continue to draw power even when the engine is off. Over time, this power usage can completely drain the battery.
- Battery is Too Old: Last but not least, your vehicle’s battery is too old, causing the issue. A battery can last up to five years, depending on where you live and how you drive.
Step-By-Step Guide to Jump-Start a Car
in Here is a step-by-step guide to jump-start your vehicle.
Step 1: Park Both Vehicles Close to Each Other
You should park both cars (one with a dead battery and the other with a working battery) facing each other, so that the jumper cables can reach.
Step 2: Raise the Hoods and Locate the Batteries
Now, you have to raise the hoods of both cars and locate the batteries. On most of the vehicles, the battery is located near the front of the car on the right or left side.
But on some cars, it may be located near the firewall between the engine and passenger compartment. If you’re still unsure, you can also check your car’s manual to locate the battery.
Step 3: Identify the Positive and Negative Terminals
Locate the positive and negative battery terminals that you will be connecting the jumper cables to. These terminals are clearly marked with a “+” and a “-” sign. The wire running from the car to the positive terminal is red, while the wire to the negative terminal is black.
The clamps on the jumper cables are also color-coded in red and black. If you’re still confused, you can consult the owner’s manual to learn where to clamp the lead.
Step 4: Connect the Jumper Cables
Before making the connections, you have to ensure that none of the jumper cables are touching each other. You have to leave one end of the cable and its two clamps on the ground, with the red and black clamps separated, while holding the other end, which you want to connect to the dead battery.
Connect the one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Wiggle it to ensure that it’s biting into the metal part of the terminal and is in good condition.
Now, connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery. You have to connect one black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
Find a piece of bare metal under the hood of the car with the dead battery, like an unpainted bolt head sticking out from the body, and connect the other black clamp to it.
Remember, don’t ever attach the last black clamp to the dead battery, as it could cause a spark and could potentially ignite underhood fire.
Step 5: Start the Car with a Good Battery
After making all the connections, it’s time to start the car with the working battery. You have to let it idle for two or three minutes. It will allow your vehicle’s dead battery to get charged.
Step 6: Start Your Car With a Dead Battery
Now, attempt to start your vehicle with the dead battery. If it is still not starting, turn the car off and let the other car continue to idle for 10 to 15 minutes and try again.
Step 7: Disconnect the Jumper Cables
If you’ve successfully jump-started your car, leave it running for some time and disconnect the cables. First, you have to remove the negative clamp from the bare metal connection.
Then, remove the red clamp from your battery’s positive terminal. Next, you have to remove the red clamp from the good battery, and finally, remove the black clamp.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Jump-Starting Your Car
Here are a few of the most common mistakes you should avoid while jump-starting your vehicle.
- Don’t use cheap jumper cables.
- You shouldn’t keep your air conditioning system, lights, and other electrical components on while jump-starting your car.
- Don’t leave both cars running while jumping the battery, as it can damage both car batteries.
- Avoid confusion between negative and positive cable connections.
- Don’t leave the cable attached to the working battery swinging, as if the clamps on the cable come into contact with each other, it can cause a spark, igniting the fire.
- You can’t ignore cracks in the battery from which you’ll jump-start your vehicle. Even a small crack will leak harmful gases, resulting in a fire during the process.
- Don’t ignore dirty battery terminals.
- Make sure not to use a frozen battery for the process, as it increases the risk of explosion.
Why Your Car Doesn’t Start Even After Jump-Starting?
There could be several potential reasons behind your car not starting even after jump-starting. A completely dead battery, loose or corroded battery terminals, or faulty jumper cables, a bad starter motor, or any damaged electrical component in your vehicle may be stopping your car from starting.
However, repeatedly jump-starting your vehicle won’t fix the issue. You have to immediately take your car to the mechanic to diagnose and solve the problem.
Things You Should Know Before Jump-Starting Your Car
Before jump-starting your car, here are some things you should double-check.
- Check the Battery: Don’t ever try to jump-start a vehicle whose battery is cracked, leaking, frozen, or heavily corroded. If you notice any damage, immediately call the mechanic to fix the issue.
- Inspect Jumper Cables: Ensure the jumper cables you’re using to jump-start your vehicle are in good condition. Choose cables with no exposed or frayed wires and have both red and black terminals.
- Read Your Car’s Manual: Make sure to read your car’s manual for any specific instructions or warnings regarding jump-starting your vehicle.
- Park the other working Vehicle in the Right Position: If you’re jump-starting from another working vehicle, you should park it in the right position. Make sure to park it close enough to your car so that the jumper cables can reach the dead battery.
- Remove the Jewelry: Before jump-starting your vehicle, you should remove any jewelry, especially metal rings, necklaces, or watches from your body to avoid sparks.
- Secure the Cars: Ensure both cars are parked with parking brakes engaged.
Connect the Cables in the Correct Order:
- Connect the one red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Now, connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Connect one black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery.
- Lastly, you have to connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or chassis of the dead car.
What Happens If You Connect the Jumper Cables in the Wrong Manner?
Connecting jumper cables incorrectly can be extremely dangerous. It can cause:
- Create a large surge of current, resulting in significant sparks. If the spark occurs near the battery, it can cause the hydrogen gas released from the battery to ignite, potentially leading to a battery explosion.
- The electrical components of modern cars are sensitive to the reverse polarity created by connecting the cables in the wrong way. It can damage these components, causing extensive damage to the car’s computer, voltage regulator, alternator, and other electrical systems.
- The high current flowing through incorrectly connected jumper cables can cause the cables to become extremely hot and even melt.
- Many vehicles come with fuse boxes designed to protect against reverse polarity. Sometimes, one mistake can result in a blown fuse.
- Incorrectly connecting the jumper cables can cause serious damage to your car’s battery.
Symptoms of a Draining Car’s Battery
Watch for these symptoms of a failing car’s battery so you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road.
1. Clicking Sound
When you turn on your car, the battery sends electrical current to the vehicle’s electrical component, known as the starter solenoid. If the battery is draining, it will face difficulty in performing the process and deliver a weak current to the starter, leading to the clicking sound.
2. Engine Cranks
If you notice the engine cranks more slowly or sluggishly than normal when you turn the key, it means your car’s battery is draining.
3. Weak Electrical Power
A failing battery won’t provide full power to your vehicle’s electrical components, including your headlights, air conditioner, radio, and power windows. As a result, it will not meet the demands of these components, reducing the performance.
If you notice dim headlights or a not properly working air conditioner, it is a clear indication of battery drainage.
4. Warning Battery Light Illuminates
If you notice a warning light of battery shape illuminating on your car’s dashboard, it means a battery or charging system issue has been detected. You don’t have to ignore the light and immediately take an appropriate action.
5. Heavy Corrosion
Open your car’s hood and take a look at the battery condition. If you notice a clear film across the top of the battery case, it is a clear sign that the battery is leaking acid or emitting acidic fumes.
Corrosion can cause long-term damage to your battery, so you have to fix the issue as soon as possible.
6. Frequently Jump-Starting Your Car
If you’re frequently jump-starting your vehicle, the battery may be struggling to stay charged. Over time, a battery’s ability to stay charged weakens due to several factors, such as extreme temperatures or even parasitic drain from accessories like the radio or dome light.
Bonus Section: Tips to Keep Your Car’s Battery in Good Health
You can follow these tips to maintain a healthy condition for your car’s battery.
1. Regularly Clean the Battery
One of the most effective tips to keep your car’s battery in good condition is to clean the battery regularly. You have to avoid letting dirt sit on the battery, as it could result in draining and a short circuit, ultimately leading to a dead battery.
Therefore, make sure to keep the battery debris-free. You can use a cloth or brush to clean the battery.
2. Drive Your Car More Often
Your car’s battery may drain rapidly when you haven’t driven for an extended period. When the ignition is on, the battery recharges itself with the help of the engine.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you go for a ride at least once a week.
3. Reduce the Heat Exposure
While driving the car, the engine produces heat, which can cause harm to the battery. However, the risk of heat exposure naturally increases in the summer seasons, reducing the battery life.
That is why it is essential to park your car in a closed garage, under a tree, or in any shady area to reduce the heat exposure.
4. Maintain a Minimum Battery Voltage of 12.7 Volts or Above
Your car’s battery drains when left uncharged or half-charged for a long time. Therefore, you should maintain a minimum battery voltage of 12.7 volts or above to keep your battery healthy.
If you find the minimum voltage is 12.5 or less, you should recharge it immediately.
5. Conduct Battery Load Test
You have to regularly conduct battery load tests to analyze the condition and voltage of your car’s battery. It will make sure that the battery functions properly even in fluctuating temperatures.
6. Add Distilled Water
A car battery requires distilled water to function effectively, absorb the heat of the engine, and maintain a healthy equilibrium by extending its life. The extremely hot temperature can cause severe harm to the battery by evaporating the essential fluids inside it.
Therefore, make sure to add distilled water to the battery to reduce the damage caused by overheating.
7. Keep the Battery Insulated
You can use an insulated cover on your car’s battery for more extended protection. As modern vehicles come with fuel efficiency and aerodynamic concepts, there is a reduction in the hood space, resulting in engine airflow, with the battery being exposed to heat.
In this case, an insulation cover can protect the battery from extreme heat or cold weather conditions to increase its life span.
Wrapping Up
As a beginner, jump-starting a car might feel intimidating at first, but once you know the right steps, it’s a quick and easy process that can save you time and money. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery or a slowly draining battery, always remember that safety comes first.
Double-check your cable connections, use the right quality jumper cables, and follow the sequence carefully to complete the process safely. If you’re frequently jump-starting your vehicle, you need to understand that the time has come to replace the battery.
Sometimes, jump-starting your car is not a permanent solution. There may be an issue with any electrical component inside your vehicle that needs to be fixed by an expert.
Lastly, keep a set of jumper cables or a portable jump starter in your trunk, and you’ll be ready to get back on the road in minutes instead of waiting around for help.
Sources: Car and Driver, Auto Blog, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Honda On Grand, wikiHow, Tires Plus, Kennedy Transmission Brake & Auto Service, Go Digit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Know If My Car Battery is Dead?
A dead battery usually shows warning signs, such as dim headlights, clicking sounds when you turn the key, slow engine cranking, or complete failure to start.
2. Can I Jump-Start a Car Without Another Vehicle?
Yes, you can use a portable jump starter. These compact devices are easy to use, don’t require a second car, and are great to keep in your trunk for emergencies.
3. How Long Should I Leave Jumper Cables Connected?
After connecting the cables and starting the working car, let it run for about 3–5 minutes to transfer enough power before attempting to start the dead car.
4. What Should I Do If My Car Still Won’t Start After a Jump?
If your car doesn’t turn on even after jump-starting, the battery may be completely dead, or there could be another issue, like a bad alternator, corroded terminals, or a starter problem. In that case, professional help is needed.
5. Is It Safe to Jump-Start a Car in the Rain?
Yes, it is generally safe as long as you follow the correct steps and ensure the cables are not damaged. Car batteries operate at 12 volts, which is not strong enough to cause an electric shock.
6. How Often Should I Replace My Car Battery?
Most car batteries last 3–5 years, depending on driving habits, climate, and maintenance. Regular checks can help avoid sudden breakdowns.
