How to Jump-Start a Car Safely

Batteries lose power faster in cold weather, and a few minutes of lights left on can drain an older battery. Jump-starting is simple if you follow the right order.

Step by step

1. Park and turn everything off

   Park the working car close without touching the other car, turn off both engines and all accessories, and set parking brakes.

2. Connect red to the dead battery

   Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.

3. Connect red to the good battery

   Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the working battery.

4. Connect black to the good battery

   Attach one black clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the working battery.

5. Ground the last black clamp

   Attach the final black clamp to unpainted metal on the dead car's engine block or frame, away from the battery.

6. Start the working car

   Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.

7. Start the dead car

   If it starts, let both run a few minutes. If not, wait a bit longer and try again; don't crank repeatedly for long periods.

8. Remove cables in reverse order

   Remove the ground clamp first and finish with the red clamp on the formerly dead battery. Drive for at least 20–30 minutes to recharge.

Portable jump starters

A lithium jump-starter pack lets you start your car without a second vehicle. Keep it charged and stored in the car, especially in winter.

When the battery needs replacing

• It's more than three to five years old
• The car cranks slowly, especially on cold mornings
• You've needed a jump more than once recently
• A battery test shows low capacity