Useful Tip’s For Doing A Jump Start

1. Always connect the ground last to reduce sparking risk

When jump-starting, the final connection should not be to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Instead, attach the negative clamp (black) to a clean, unpainted metal part of the engine block or chassis — away from the battery itself. This reduces the chance of sparks near hydrogen gas emitted by the battery. 

2. Let the donor vehicle run before starting the dead car

After connecting the cables, start the vehicle with the good battery first and let it idle for a few minutes. This helps deliver charge into the dead battery, increasing the chances the jump will succeed. Once started, keep both engines running for a few minutes before disconnecting. 

3. Wear safety gear and avoid smoking or sparks

Car batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas. To protect yourself, always wear safety goggles, avoid loose jewelry or metal touching battery terminals, and never smoke or generate sparks near the battery during the jump-start process. 

Why Check a Car Battery Before Jump Starting?

Checking the battery ensures you know whether it’s truly discharged or if there’s a more serious problem. It helps prevent damage to your car’s electrical system and ensures the jump start will be effective.

4 Ways to Check a Car Battery Voltage

• Digital Multimeter
  
  • How to use: Set the multimeter to DC volts, connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black to the negative.
  • Why: Provides an accurate voltage reading to see if the battery is low, fully charged, or possibly damaged.
• Analog Voltmeter
  
  • How to use: Connect the leads like a multimeter and read the needle position.
  • Why: Simple and reliable way to check battery voltage without electronics.
• Battery Tester/Load Tester
  
  • How to use: Clamp onto battery terminals; some testers apply a small load to see how the battery performs.
  • Why: Shows if the battery can handle a starting load or if it’s too weak to jump-start safely.
• Car’s Dashboard Voltmeter (if available)
  
  • How to use: Turn the ignition on and check the voltage display or warning lights.
  • Why: Quick initial check without any extra tools, though less precise.

How To Use Jump Leads

1. Park the cars safely

Position the working vehicle close to the dead one, but make sure they don’t touch. Turn off both engines and engage the handbrake.

2. Connect the positive cable

Attach the red (+) jump lead to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then connect the other end to the positive terminal of the good battery.

3. Connect the negative cable

Attach the black (–) jump lead to the negative terminal of the good battery. Then, connect the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block or chassis — not the dead battery itself.

4. Start the vehicles

First, start the engine of the working car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting the car with the flat battery. If it doesn’t start right away, wait a minute and try again.

5. Remove cables in reverse order

Once the dead car is running, carefully remove the jump leads in the reverse order: black clamp from the metal surface, black from the good battery, red from the good battery, and finally red from the previously dead battery. Keep the restarted car running for at least 20 minutes to recharge.