Car service guide: How to Jump Start a Car

Whether you've left your lights on or your battery is simply nearing the end of its life, a dead car battery can leave you stranded at the most inconvenient times. However, jump-starting a car is a relatively simple process that can get you back on the road quickly and down to your nearest car service station. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to jump start a car safely and effectively.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Before attempting to jump start a car, make sure you have the following items:

•     Jumper Cables: Ensure they are in good condition and have sufficient length to reach between the two vehicles
•     A Functioning Vehicle: You'll need another car with a fully charged battery to jump-start your car.    

Step 2: Position the Vehicles

•     Location: Park the working vehicle close enough to the dead one so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries.   
•     Turn Off Engines and Engage Safety Measures: Turn off both cars and engage the parking brakes to ensure safety during the jump-starting process.

Step 3: Open Hoods and Locate Batteries

•     Locate Batteries: Open the hoods of both cars and identify the batteries. Usually, you'll find the batteries at the  front of the engine compartment.
•     Inspect Terminals: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If there's significant corrosion, clean  them with a wire brush.   

Step 4: Connect the Jumper Cables

Identify the Terminals:   

•         The battery terminals have two posts: a positive (+) terminal  (usually red) and a negative (-) terminal (usually black).   

 Connect the Jumper Cables in the Correct Order:           

•         First, connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. 
•         Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the working battery.        
•         Next, connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the working battery.        
•         Finally, attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface in the engine compartment of the dead car (such as a bolt or bracket), away from the battery.

Step 5: Start the Working Vehicle and Charge the Dead Battery

•     Start the Working Vehicle: Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
•     Attempt to Start the Dead Vehicle: Try to start the dead vehicle. If it starts, let it run for a few minutes to allow the battery to charge.

Step 6: Remove the Jumper Cables

•         Begin by disconnecting the black jumper cable from the unpainted metal surface in the engine compartment of the previously dead car     
•         Then, remove the black jumper cable from the negative (-) terminal of the working battery        
•         Afterward, disconnect the red jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the working battery.      
•         Finally, remove the red jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the previously dead battery.

Step 7: Test the Restarted Vehicle

•     Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the engine of the previously dead vehicle and remove the key.
•     Attempt a Restart: Restart the vehicle. If it starts without any issues, congratulations! Your car is up and running again.

Final Tips and Precautions 

•     If the car doesn't start after a few attempts, you may have a more significant issue with the battery, alternator, or starter. In this case, seek professional assistance. 
•     Always ensure the jumper cables do not touch each other during the   jump-starting process to avoid a short circuit.    
•     Follow the instructions in your vehicle's manual regarding   jump-starting, as some vehicles may have specific procedures or precautions.    
•     If you're uncomfortable jump-starting a car yourself, don't hesitate to contact E&J Jarvis ltd car service station for help and advice.

By following these steps and taking necessary safety precautions, you can safely jump start a car and get back on the road in no time.