How to Properly Jump Start a Car

Jumping car

There’s nothing quite as disheartening as arriving at your vehicle and finding that the battery is dead. Knowing how to properly jump start a car may save you from being stranded in a Columbia parking lot. Follow this handy guide from Jim Hudson Ford for tips on ways to jump start a car battery. If you determine that your battery is nearing the end of its life cycle, then make an appointment with our Service Center for a replacement.

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Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

Irmo-area drivers should always have a set of jumper cables in their car. The proper way to jump start a car requires that you have cables and another vehicle, but you can also connect with a jump start car service like AAA or roadside assistance. For a DIY solution, follow these steps:

With the two cars facing each other and both turned off, pop the hoods and locate their batteries. Sometimes, it is necessary to remove a plastic hood to reveal the battery terminals.
Identify the positive and negative terminals, and clean them if necessary so that they’re free of corrosion.
Attach the jumper cables as follows: red clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal; other red clam to the charged battery’s positive terminal; black clamp to the charged battery’s negative terminal; and final clamp to an unpainted metal surface.
With all cables secured, start the engine of the vehicle with the charged battery, followed by your own car.
When your car is up and running, remove the jumper cables carefully in the reverse order that you attached them. Then, shut off your helper’s vehicle.
Keep your engine running for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the charge holds.

Car Won’t Jump Start: Tips and Tricks

In the event that your car won’t jump start, it’s likely that you will need a battery replacement. However, it may also indicate a different problem. Consider these tips and tricks if your car won’t jump start.

If you only hear a clicking sound when you attempt to restart your car, it’s possible that the starter isn’t working. The Jim Hudson Ford Service Center near Chapin can help get you situated.
If your car’s electrical systems turn on but the engine does not, you may have an issue with the ignition switch, a fuse, or a number of other problems. You will likely need a professional diagnosis, so schedule service with us as soon as possible.
If you turn your car off immediately after jump starting it, then it may not start up again when you turn the key in the ignition the next time. You need to give the battery a chance to fully recharge after it’s been drained.

Rely on Jim Hudson Ford for Service Advice

You now know how to properly jump start a car! Rest assured that Jim Hudson Ford is here to provide you with service advice across the board, whether it involves your battery, check engine light or oil change information. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions!

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license fees. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.