How to Properly Jump-Start a Car

It can be frustrating when your car won’t start. Usually, it means you need a jump-start, car battery service, or something similar. If your car won’t jump start, a car battery replacement might be what you need. This guide from the Tyson Motor Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram service department can show you how to properly jump-start a car. That way, you won’t need to call a jump-start car service in Joliet.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

The proper way to jump-start a car is easy enough for any Naperville driver to learn. All you’ll need is a set of jumper cables and another vehicle. You can ask a friend or neighbor for help, but a jump-start car service like AAA is also an option. Once you’re prepared, here’s how you jump start a car battery:

1. Park the two cars facing each other, and make sure that the working vehicle is turned off. Engage both parking brakes.
2. Open the hoods on both vehicles and find their car batteries. Remove the batteries’ plastic hoods and expose their battery terminals. 
3. Make sure the terminals are clean and free of any corrosion. Then, identify the positive and negative terminals. 
4. Now, begin to connect the jumper cables. Start by connecting the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
5. Next, hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the live battery.
6. Then, connect the black clamp to the negative post on the good battery. 
7. Finally, connect the last clamp to an unpainted metal surface on your car’s frame.
8. When you have all the clamps hooked up securely, stand clear and start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery. Then, start the vehicle with the dead battery. 
9. The vehicle with the dead battery should start. Once it does, leave it on and carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on. You can shut off the car that helped you out now.
10. Don’t turn off your vehicle for at least ten minutes, leaving the engine running. This will ensure that the weak battery gets a full charge and doesn’t die again right away. Your owner’s manual will have more specific info on a recommended wait time.

What if My Car Won’t Jump-Start?

Sometimes, your car won’t jump-start. This usually means that you need a battery replacement, but it could be a sign of something else. These steps can help most Plainfield drivers troubleshoot the issue:

1. If when you try to start the car you only hear a clicking sound, your starter might be broken. Schedule service at Tyson Motor Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to get a replacement. 
2. If your engine fails to turn over, but the electrical systems of the car turn on, there could be any number of issues. Parts like the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse could be the problem. Bring your vehicle to our service center in Shorewood so that a professional can diagnose the issue.
3. Remember to keep the vehicle running for at least ten minutes after jumping it. This is essential to recharging the battery.

Rely On Tyson Motor Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for Battery Service in Shorewood 

If you want quality service for an affordable price, come to Tyson Motor Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Our service specials ensure that you always get a great deal. Contact us if you have any questions about jump-starts, car batteries, or any other auto services.