Quick summary
- Do not connect the other end of the black cable to the negative terminal (-) of the dead battery.
- Instead, connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, such as the engine block or a bolt.
- A portable jump starter is a small, battery-powered device that can be used to jump-start a vehicle.
When your car’s battery dies, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient situation. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily jump-start your car using another vehicle. This process, also known as “charging a car battery by another car,” is a safe and effective way to get your vehicle back up and running.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Jumper cables
- Another vehicle with a healthy battery
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Safety Precautions
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from sparks and battery acid.
- Park both vehicles on a level surface, with the parking brakes engaged.
- Turn off the engines of both vehicles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Connect the Red Cable
- Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery.
- Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal (+) of the healthy battery.
2. Connect the Black Cable
- Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal (-) of the healthy battery.
- Do not connect the other end of the black cable to the negative terminal (-) of the dead battery. Instead, connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, such as the engine block or a bolt.
3. Start the Healthy Vehicle
- Start the engine of the vehicle with the healthy battery.
- Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
4. Start the Dead Vehicle
- Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
- If it starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble jump-starting your car, try the following:
- Check the connections: Ensure that all the jumper cable connections are tight and secure.
- Clean the terminals: If the battery terminals are corroded or dirty, clean them with a wire brush or sandpaper.
- Try a different vehicle: If the healthy vehicle’s battery is too weak, try using another vehicle.
- Check the alternator: A faulty alternator can prevent the battery from charging properly.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality jumper cables with thick, insulated wires.
- Connect the cables in the correct order to avoid sparks.
- Let the healthy vehicle run for at least 10 minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle.
- If the dead vehicle doesn’t start after several attempts, it may have a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
Alternative Methods
If you don’t have another vehicle to jump-start your car, there are alternative methods you can try:
- Battery charger: A battery charger can be used to charge a dead battery slowly over several hours.
- Portable jump starter: A portable jump starter is a small, battery-powered device that can be used to jump-start a vehicle.
- Solar charger: A solar charger can be used to charge a dead battery using sunlight.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I jump-start a car with a hybrid vehicle?
A: Yes, you can jump-start a car with a hybrid vehicle. However, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the hybrid system.
Q: Can I jump-start a car with a diesel engine?
A: Yes, you can jump-start a car with a diesel engine. However, diesel engines require more power to start, so you may need to use thicker jumper cables or a more powerful vehicle.
Q: How long should I let the healthy vehicle run before starting the dead vehicle?
A: You should let the healthy vehicle run for at least 10 minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle. This will give the dead battery time to charge.