How to Jump Start a Car Safely

How to Jump Start a Car Safely In Waukesha County, Jefferson County, and Dodge County

Prepare Your Equipment:

First, you need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. Make sure both cars are turned off before you begin connecting any wires.

Connect the Cables:

Attach one red clamp to the dead battery's positive (+) terminal. Then, attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, connect one black clamp to the good battery's negative (-) terminal. Finally, attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on your car's engine block, away from the dead battery.

Start the Donor Vehicle:

With the cables securely in place, start the engine with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.

Try to Start Your Car:

After a few minutes, try to start your car. If it starts, let it run to recharge the battery further.

Remove the Cables:

Once your car is running, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order you put them on. Be sure not to let the clamps touch each other or any metal surfaces during removal.

Keep Your Car Running:

Drive your car for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge fully. Avoid turning off your car right away.

Safety Tips:

• Always read your car’s manual first, as some vehicles have specific instructions for jump-starting.
• Wear protective gloves and glasses, if you have them, to protect against sparks.
• Never try to jump-start a battery that's cracked or leaking. In such cases, it’s safer to call for professional roadside assistance like Silver Lake Auto Towing & Recovery.
• If the first attempt doesn’t work, wait a few minutes before trying again. If your car still won’t start, it might be time to call a "towing" service for help.

When to Call for Help:

If you’re uncomfortable jump-starting your car or these steps don’t work, call us for professional help. Roadside assistance services like Silver Lake Auto Towing & Recovery in Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge Counties are equipped to safely jump-start your car or tow it to your preferred service center if there’s a more serious issue. Safety comes first.