How to Jump a Car Battery
Have you ever found yourself trying to turn on a dead car? You may have hopped into your car in the morning and discovered that it wouldn’t turn on. You turn on the ignition but all you get is a clicking sound. This is a telltale sign of a dead battery.
Denton, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, TX, drivers who want to prepare for such a situation can learn all about jumping a car battery below. At Group 1 Mazda Denton, we want to give you all the information you need to be safe and ready for everything that can happen with your vehicle—including a dead battery.
How to Jump a Car Battery
For drivers who are not used to going under the hood of a car, the thought of jumping a car battery may sound intimidating. However, it’s a simple and easy process that requires minimal supplies and expertise.
There are two ways in which you can jump-start a battery—with the help of another vehicle with a working battery or by using a portable battery charger. We’ll first cover how to jump a car battery by using another vehicle.
How to Jump a Car Battery With Another Car
Whether a Good Samaritan stopped to help or a friend drove over, you first want to get the two car batteries as close as possible. Ideally, the two cars should face each other. One of you should also have a set of red and black jumper cables.
Then, with the jumper cables you will:
Attach one end of the positive red cable to the working battery’s terminal. - Attach the other end of the positive red cable to the same terminal on your dead car battery.
- Attach one end of the negative black cable to the negative terminal on the working battery.
- Attach the other end of the negative black cable to an unpainted metal surface on your car away from the battery.
- Start the working car and run it for two minutes.
- Start your car and run it for two minutes as well.
- Remove the cables in reverse order, starting with the negative black cable end attached to your car.
Allow your car to run for two minutes, and then you can be on your way!
How to Use a Portable Battery Charger
If you have a portable battery charger, you won’t need to wait for assistance as the portable charger will provide enough energy.
You’ll follow the same steps when it comes to connecting the red and black cables to the appropriate places in your car. Once your car starts, you’ll turn off the battery charger and remove the positive red cable and detach the negative black cable.
Schedule a Professional Vehicle Service
Head over to Group 1 Mazda Denton when it’s time to change your worn-out battery. If your vehicle needs additional services at this time, we’re happy to perform those too.
Denton, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, Texas, drivers can rely on our team for all their service needs. Schedule an appointment online or call us directly to secure your service spot.