While you should always rely on the professionals when it comes to advanced repairs and maintenance, all drivers should know how to jump start a vehicle. Batteries can lose their charge for all sorts of reasons, but a jump start can get your car or truck working again. While you may still need the help of an auto mechanic, these steps can get you out of a sticky situation.
Step 1: Pop the Hood and Find Your Battery
Car batteries are usually rectangular in shape and have two terminals resembling knobs. Terminals are often red and black and will have plus or minus signs on them (more on that later). It should be relatively easy to locate the battery after popping the hood. If not, consult your owner’s manual.
Step 2: Park the Other Vehicle Close By
The vehicle providing the jump start should be as close to your car as possible. Side by side or with your hoods facing each other is usually the best configuration.
Step 3: Break Out the Jumper Cables
Both vehicles should be in proximity with the hoods opened, and the car providing the jump should be turned off. Take the cable with the red clamp, which is positive, and attach it to the dead battery’s red/positive terminal. Now, take the other red clamp and attach it to the other vehicle’s red/positive terminal on the battery.
The other cable will have a black clamp, which is negative. This should be attached to the black/negative terminal on the functional battery. The other end of the black clamp must be grounded somewhere on your vehicle. Accordingly, take it and attach it to a metal component on your vehicle, such as a bolt on the engine block. Make sure the metal component is far away from your battery for the best results.
Step 4: Start Your Vehicle
If your vehicle doesn’t start immediately, don’t worry. Wait a few minutes and attempt to start it again. If it does start, allow the vehicle to run a little while longer to give the battery a good charge. If your car won’t start after numerous attempts, you should probably call a mechanic for a tow.
In addition to our extensive experience with body work, our mechanics at ABC Paint & Body can also help with auto repair. We proudly serve drivers throughout Las Cruces, whether you need brake service, body repair, or some other essential automotive repair. Please contact us to learn more or call 575-524-2004 to schedule an appointment today.
