A dead car battery can happen to anyone, but knowing how to jump-start your car can get you back on the road quickly. At Bruce Bros Tire & Auto, we want to ensure every driver feels confident handling this common issue. Follow our step-by-step guide to safely jump-start your vehicle.

What You’ll Need

• A set of jumper cables
• Another vehicle with a working battery
• A safe location away from traffic
  
  

Step 1: Position the Vehicles

Park both cars close enough for the jumper cables to reach but ensure they do not touch. Turn off both vehicles and set the parking brakes.

Step 2: Connect the Jumper Cables

1. Attach the red (positive) clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
2. Attach the other red (positive) clamp to the good battery’s positive terminal.
3. Attach the black (negative) clamp to the good battery’s negative terminal.
4. Attach the other black (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine (not the battery itself) to ground the connection.
   
   

Step 3: Start the Working Car

Turn on the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes to transfer power.

Step 4: Start the Dead Car

Try starting the dead car. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again. If the car still won’t start, the battery may need to be replaced.

Step 5: Remove the Jumper Cables in Reverse Order

1. Remove the black (negative) clamp from the previously dead car.
2. Remove the black (negative) clamp from the good battery.
3. Remove the red (positive) clamp from the good battery.
4. Remove the red (positive) clamp from the previously dead battery.
   
   

Step 6: Keep the Engine Running

Once your car starts, keep it running for at least 15-30 minutes or drive around to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Get Battery Help at Bruce Bros Tire & Auto

If your battery frequently dies or won’t hold a charge, it may be time for a replacement. At Bruce Bros Tire & Auto, we offer professional battery testing and replacement services to keep you on the road safely. Stop by today or schedule an appointment with our expert team!