How to Jump Start a Car

It can be a little more than disconcerting when you find that your car won’t start. However, in most cases, a simple jump start is all you’ll need to get back on Saskatoon-area roads. Some drivers prefer to call a jump start car service like CAA, but it is really very easy to jump start a car yourself. Learn how to properly jump start a car in from the auto experts in the Standard Motors Service Centre.

Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

It can be a hassle to wait for a jump start car service to show up, but with a set of jumper cables and a friend that has a vehicle with a fully charged battery, you can get your car started on your own. Just follow these steps:

1. Park the car with the good battery facing the other vehicle, and then turn off both vehicles and apply the parking brakes.
2. Open both hoods and find the batteries. If there are plastic hoods covering the terminals, you’ll need to remove them.
3. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, and make sure that they are clean and free of any corrosion.
4. Attach the red clamp to the positive (+) post on the dead battery.
5. Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the battery with the charge.
6. Connect the black clamp to the negative (-) post on the good battery.
7. Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the car with the dead battery.
8. Make sure that the clamps are secure, and start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery. Then, start the one with the dead battery.
9. Once you’ve successfully jump-started the car, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were secured.
10. Keep the engine running on the restarted vehicle for at least 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that the battery is fully recharged. Consult your owner’s manual for more information on recommended times.

More Battery Tips and Tricks

What does it mean if my car won’t jump start? It could be that the battery is dead and needs to be replaced, or it may be a sign of another issue with the electrical system. Here are some troubleshooting tips.

• Do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key and the car won’t start? It could be that the starter isn’t working. Schedule service at Standard Motors, and we’ll install a new starter for you.
• If the electrical systems of the car come on when you turn the key, but the engine won’t turn over, the problem could be with the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. Arrange to have the vehicle towed to our Service Center, where we can diagnose exactly what the issue is.
• Remember the importance of keeping the jump started car running for 10 to 15 minutes in order for the battery to fully recharge.

Rely on the Auto Service & Repair Experts at Standard Motors

Whether you require a new car battery or routine maintenance like an oil change or tire rotation, or need advice on how to change a tire or how to unlock a steering wheel, the professionals at Standard Motors are here to help. Make sure to take advantage of our rotating service specials and coupons to save on your next scheduled service, and if you have any questions, please contact our Service Centre.