How To Correctly Jump Start A Car

A flat car battery can spell disaster, especially first thing in the morning when you’re already late for work! 



All you need is a jump-start, but if you’ve never done this before, what does this actually mean? 

Here we explain how to jump-start a car and what equipment you’ll need to do it. 

What You Will Need

The only things you will need are the car you are trying to fix, another car with a full battery and a pair of jump leads, one black and one red. Then, you’re ready to go. 

How To Jump Start Your Car

Make sure you read the steps carefully before attempting this, and if you are ever unsure, always contact a professional to avoid injury to you and others or further damage to your car.

1. Line Up The Cars

The first thing you will need to do is make sure the cars are parked facing each other but with enough space to open both bonnets. 

2. Attach The Red Cable

You will need to wear gloves and goggles for protection. Once you’re prepared, you will need to attach the red lead to the positive battery terminal on the working car. 

You will know it is the positive terminal as you should be able to find a + symbol next to it. Next, connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal on the car you want to jump-start.

3. Attach The Black Cable

Next, you will need to connect the black lead to the negative terminal on the charged battery; again, look for the – symbol next to it. 

The other end of the black lead should be clipped to an earthing point on the broken-down vehicle. This could be a solid metal part of the engine.

4. Starting The Cars

Leave the cars connected for a few minutes before starting the car with the full battery.

Next, try to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, you can try waiting a few minutes and then attempting to turn it on again.

5. Disconnecting The Jump Leads

Once the car is running again, you will need to disconnect the jump leads in reverse order, ensuring none of the metal touches. 

6. Go For A Drive

It can help to leave your car running for a while and then take it for a drive before parking again. Hopefully, it should start as normal next time you want to use it.

What If This Doesn't Work?

It’s possible that you won’t be able to jump-start the car even after correctly following all of these steps. In this situation, the best thing you can do is call a towing service to at least ensure your vehicle is safely moved.

Mick’s Towing Service is a reliable and rapid service available 24/7. 

We operate across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales, so if you have a problem, don’t hesitate to call us on 0411 715 630 or get in touch online to quickly resolve your situation.