How to jump start a car safely: the order that matters

A jump start is simple, but the order of the steps matters, and a mistake can damage a car. If you are not sure, ask for help.

Before you start

Check your handbook. Some cars, including many hybrids and electric cars, have special jump points or should not be jumped with ordinary leads. Do not try if the battery is cracked, leaking or frozen.

The steps

1. Park the two cars close, without touching, and switch both engines off. Apply the handbrakes.
2. Connect one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the flat battery.
3. Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
5. Connect the other black clamp to a bare metal part of the engine or the car body on the flat car, away from the battery.
6. Start the good car and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Start the flat car. If it does not start, wait a few minutes and try again once.
8. Once it runs, take the clamps off in the reverse order, without letting them touch each other.

Afterwards

Drive for about half an hour, so the battery recharges. If it goes flat again, the battery is probably worn out.

When not to try

If you are not sure which terminal is which, if the leads are damaged, or if the car is electric, ask for help. We come to you, and you hear the price first.

Call 085 783 9202