How to Properly Jump-Start a Car Battery

You’re in a hurry to get somewhere. So naturally, you grab your keys, then make your way over to your vehicle. Once you’re inside, you place the keys in the ignition, and to your dismay your car engine sputters, and then… nothing. Looks like it’s time to jump start the car battery. For Pittsford drivers and anyone else, this is not a fun situation to be in–especially if you don’t know the proper way to jump start a car. Nevertheless, the service team at Ide VW of East Rochester is here to provide you with the right information on the proper way to jump-start a car to save you from wasting funds on a jump-start car service. Continue to read on, or contact us, to learn how to best prepare yourself for any unfortunate circumstances.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

If you’re wondering how to jump start a car, it’s actually easier than you might’ve thought. Only thing is—you’ll need some chopper cables and some help, either from a family friend, or a stranger. Of course, having a stranger’s help can be risky, so if you don’t feel comfortable, you can get your car towed and call an Uber (still no good). If you ever find that your car won’t start and you’re stranded at your work in Webster, keep the following steps in your notes (or memory): 

1. Have the front of the two vehicles face each other, and pop the hood of both cars to gain access to the batteries. 
2. Locate the positive and negative battery terminals and ensure they are clean.
3. Separate the red ends of your cables from the black ends to prevent them from touching as they can spark. Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
4. Unravel the battery cable, then connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
5. Hook the black clamp to the negative post on the car with the working battery. 
6. Connect the final black clamp to a solid and unpainted metal surface on your car’s frame.
7. Once everything is secure, turn on the vehicle with the working battery. Don’t start your dead car right away and let the other car run for a bit, then start up yours. 
8. Once your previously-dead-vehicle has been successfully jump started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on with caution, while keeping the other car running.
9. Keep the engine running on your restarted vehicle for at least 10 minutes, otherwise it could die again.

Get the Help You Need at Ide VW of East Rochester in East Rochester!

If you find that your car won’t jump start, you probably need to schedule a battery replacement. Be sure to browse our service specials before you take in your car, then stop by our dealership… we’re right down the road from Fairport!