How to Jump a Car Battery

Jumping a battery with cables is a reliable option when another vehicle is available. First, park both vehicles on level ground with parking brakes set and engines off.

Identify each battery's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, and wipe away loose corrosion if needed.

Start by attaching the red clamp to the dead battery's positive terminal, then clip the second red clamp to the positive terminal on the working vehicle.

Attach the black clamp to the working vehicle’s negative terminal and connect the final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the disabled vehicle, such as a bolt or engine block.

Once the clamps are secure, start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes. When the disabled vehicle turns over, allow both engines to idle so the alternator can restore charge. Remove the clamps in the reverse order, and avoid touching them together or to metal surfaces.

After a successful jump, drive for 15–30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge; if the vehicle needs frequent boosts, bring it to our service center for testing and battery replacement.

Portable jump starters have become indispensable for many drivers because they eliminate the need to find another vehicle and often include built-in safety features like reverse-polarity protection and spark suppression.^*

With the car off, connect the red clamp to the battery’s positive terminal and the black clamp to a solid metal ground away from the battery.

Power on the device and watch for the “ready” indicator before attempting to start. If your engine doesn’t start immediately, pause a moment between tries rather than continuous cranking to avoid overheating the starter motor.

After the engine runs, disconnect the jump starter, starting with the black clamp and then the red, and power down the unit. Recharge the jump starter at home so it’s ready the next time you need it.

Portable units can put control back in your hands without involving strangers or traffic.

Safety is the top priority. Avoid jumping in heavy rain, and remove metal jewelry before working near a battery. Use heavy-gauge jumper cables (4–6 gauge is a good range for most passenger cars) to ensure efficient current transfer.

If the car starts but dies again, or if you notice a persistent battery warning light, dimming headlights, or other electrical oddities, it’s likely a charging-system issue rather than a one-time battery failure. In

If you’re unsure at any step, bring your vehicle to our service team. Our certified technicians can perform a battery load test, inspect the alternator, and replace worn parts.