How to Jump-Start a Car: Safe Guide for Every Driver

A dead battery — an unpleasant surprise, especially when you urgently need to hit the road. The most common way to solve this problem is to «jump-start» the car from another vehicle. However, performing this procedure incorrectly can damage the expensive electronics of both cars. To keep your car running smoothly and bring you driving pleasure for as long as possible, you can also use tuning accessories, which are available in a wide range in our online store.

What you need for the procedure

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary equipment and conditions:

• Jumper cables (clamps): They should be thick enough and well insulated.
• Donor car: A vehicle with a fully charged battery and properly functioning electrical system.
• Compatibility: The voltage of both batteries must be the same (usually 12 volts).

Step-by-step procedure

For a safe engine start, follow the correct connection sequence:

1. Preparation: Park the cars close to each other, but make sure they do not touch. Turn off the ignition and all electrical consumers in both vehicles.
2. Positive to positive: Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery, and the other end to the positive terminal of the donor battery.
3. Negative to ground: Attach the black clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the donor battery. The other end of the black cable should be connected not to the discharged battery, but to an unpainted metal part of the engine (ground) of the car being started.
4. Start: Start the donor car’s engine, let it run idle for a few minutes, then try to start the «sick» car.
5. Disconnect: Remove the cables in reverse order: first negative, then positive.

For cars with a Start-Stop system — it is advisable to use a booster or service terminals.

Important precautions

Never try to jump-start a battery that has cracks, electrolyte leaks, or an unpleasant smell. Also, avoid jump-starting in heavy rain without protecting the clamps and connections. If the car does not start after several attempts, the problem may not be the charge but the starter or fuel system.