How to Jump Start a Car

Do you know how to jump start your car? Whether you left the key in the ignition, forgot to turn off the lights or because your battery is old, chances are high that at some point you will be faced with a dead battery. Of course you could always call for roadside assistance, but what happens if you don't have it, or you don't have the time to wait? Fortunately, if you have a set of jumper cables and there is another car around, you can quickly be on your way once again - as long as you know how to jump start a car. Follow these steps below and you will be good to go!

**Keep in mind, if either vehicle has an electronic ignition system or is an alternatively fueled vehicle, the use of jumper cables may damage it.

Items you'll need: Jump leads or a portable power pack, a working car (with a similar engine size as your own).

Before Jump Starting a Car

Before you begin there are a couple of things you need to check. First of all, make sure the battery is really dead and there is not another cause for your car not starting. How to check?

- if you turn the ignition key and nothing happens at all, there's a pretty good chance it is your battery. However, if you hear the engine trying to crank and turn over, it is not your battery.

- You can also look at your headlights. Are they dim or bright? (Note that in some cars you will need to turn the ignition on to test the headlights). If they are dim, it's likely your battery is the culprit. If your headlights are bright, you do not have a dead battery and a jump start will not help.

- Next you should check the battery itself. If it is damaged, leaking or corroded, do NOT attempt to jump start. It's time to call in a pro!

- Finally, make sure your headlights and all other electronics are turned off, and remove the key from the ignition. Now you are ready to begin.

How to jump-start a car using jumper cables

1. Move the working car so it is right next to the disabled car, yet not touching. Make sure the cables will reach from one car to the other.

2. Put both cars in neutral, and make sure they are both turned off.

3. Open the hoods and connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the stalled battery. The positive terminal will be marked with a plus sign (+) and will usually have a red cable attached on it.

4. Then connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.

5. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery. The negative terminal will be marked with a minus sign (-) and will usually have a black cable attached to it.

6. Now connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car's hood; somewhere away from the dead battery. On the engine block is often a good place. Some cars even have a negative jump-starting pole you can use - check your handbook to see if yours does.

7. Next, check that the leads are away from moving parts and then start the engine of the working car.

8. Allow it to run for about 2 to 3 minutes before trying to start the dead car. If it does not start, allow it to sit for another minute or two then try again.

9. Once you have your car running, leave the engine on for a couple of minutes to charge the battery.

10. Remove the jump leads in reverse to the way you attached them, making sure they do not touch together or touch any metal surfaces.

And you are done! You should then drive or leave the engine on for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.

Author Note: Alaina is the owner and author of Bullock's Buzz - //bullocksbuzz.com, where you will find a mix of informative product reviews, great recipes, giveaways, crafts, and DIY! Visit her on Facebook!