A jump-start can get a car with a weak battery running in minutes – if you do it in the right order. Here is the safe way.
What you need
- Jumper cables and a second car with a healthy battery, or
- A portable jump starter, like the Prootto 2-in-1 tyre inflator and jump starter
Jump-starting with cables
- Park the cars close but not touching. Switch both off and apply the handbrakes.
- Connect the red clamp to the + terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other red clamp to the + terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the black clamp to the – terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the last black clamp to bare metal on the engine of the dead car (not the battery) – this keeps sparks away from the battery.
- Start the good car and let it run for 2–3 minutes, then start the dead car.
- Remove the cables in reverse order.
Using a portable jump starter
- Make sure the jump starter is charged.
- Connect red to + and black to – (or to engine metal).
- Switch the jump starter on and start the car.
- Disconnect as soon as the engine runs.
Safety tips
- Never connect + to – : it can damage the electronics.
- Do not jump-start a battery that is swollen, cracked or leaking.
- Keep flames and cigarettes away – batteries can release hydrogen gas.
After the car starts
Drive for at least 30 minutes so the alternator can recharge the battery. If the car needs another jump within a few days, the battery should be tested and most likely replaced.
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