How To Jump-Start A Car

Knowing the proper way to jump-start a car is something that can keep you from being stranded in your Calgary-area driveway, or worse yet, on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Of course, you can always call a jump-start car service, but it is really very easy to jump-start a car battery yourself. This guide from the service team at Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC in Calgary will walk you through the steps on how to jump-start a car. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Service Centre.

How to Properly Jump Start a Car

With a set of jumper cables and a friend that has a vehicle with a fully charged battery, you can get your car started without waiting for a jump start car service. Just follow these steps to properly jump-start a car:

  • Park the car with the good battery facing the other vehicle, and then apply the parking brakes and make sure that the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.
  • Open both hoods and find the batteries. If there are plastic hoods covering the battery terminals, you’ll need to remove them.
  • Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, and make sure that they are clean and free of any corrosion.
  • Attach the red clamp to the positive (+) post on the dead battery.
  • Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the battery with the charge.
  • Connect the black clamp to the negative (-) post on the good battery.
  • Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the car with the dead battery.
  • Make sure that the clamps are secure, and start the engine of the vehicle with a good battery. Then, start the one with the dead battery.
  • Once you’ve successfully jump-started the car, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were secured.
  • 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 charging times.

More Battery Tips and Tricks

What does it mean if the car won’t jump start? It could be that the battery can no longer hold a charge and you’ll need to get a new one. However, there are some other reasons why a car won’t jump-start that are better dealt with by a professional. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key and the car won’t start, it could be that the starter itself is malfunctioning. Schedule an appointment at our Service Centre near Calgary, and we’ll diagnose the problem and install a new starter for you if needed.
  • If the electrical systems of the car come on when you turn the key, but the car won’t turn over, the problem could be with the ignition switch, battery, starter, or fuse. Arrange to have the vehicle towed to our Service Centre, where we can diagnose exactly what the issue is.

It is important to remember that once you jump-start the car battery you’ll need to keep the vehicle running for 10 to 15 minutes in order for the battery to fully recharge.

For Expert Auto Service & Repair Visit Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC

The GM certified auto techs at Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC are here to make sure that your car, truck, or SUV is always running safely on the roads in and around Lake Bonavista. Whether it’s showing you the proper way to jump-start a car or helping you keep up to date on your oil change schedule, you can count on our team of professionals. Make sure to check out our current service specials and coupons to save on your next maintenance service.

Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC 50.935676, -114.067161.