How to Jump Start a Car

jumping a car battery

If you cannot get your vehicle to start, it is highly possible that you will need a jump start, car battery service, or something similar. Usually, a jump start will do the trick. Sullivan•Parkhill Automotive Inc has provided a list of steps for how to properly jump start a car, so you can avoid having to call a jump start car service. If you believe that it is time for a new battery, visit our parts center in the Champaign area to purchase a replacement.


The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

Before you can start, you’ll need to locate a set of jumper cables as well as another vehicle that is willing to help you. There is also the option of contacting a jump start car service such as AAA. Once you have found what you need, you can move on to the steps below:

  • Have the car with the good battery park facing the other vehicle. That vehicle should be off. The parking brakes on both vehicles should also be engaged.
  • Open both hoods and find the batteries. The battery terminal may be under a plastic hood.
  • Identify the positive and negative terminals. They should be clean and corrosion-free.
  • Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
  • Uncoiling the battery cable, hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
  • The black clamp should be connected to the negative post on the battery that is still working. 
  • For the final clamp, be sure it is connected to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s frame.
  • If everything is secure, start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first, then move on to the car with the dead battery.
  • Once the dead vehicle has been jump-started, remove the jumper cables cautiously in the reverse order that they were placed on. Once this step is complete, you can shut off the car that was used to help jump-start the dead car.
  • The engine should remain running on the restarted vehicle for at least 10 minutes. This helps to prevent the battery from immediately dying again. Your owner’s manual may have different information on how long the vehicle will need to run, so be sure to see what it has to say, and follow those directions. 

More Battery Tips and Tricks

If your car won’t jump start, it could be an indication that the battery needs to be replaced. However, it could also signal a more serious problem. The steps below can help give you a better idea of what the problem is:

  • If you try and start the car but only hear a clicking sound, it could be a problem with the starter. Schedule service near Mattoon with Sullivan•Parkhill Automotive Inc if that is the case.
  • If the electrical systems of the car turn on, but the engine fails to turn over, the problem could be with any of the following components: the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. It’s worth bringing your vehicle to a service center so they can diagnose the issue.
  • Be sure to keep your vehicle running for a while after getting the jump. The battery needs a chance to recharge.

Trust Sullivan•Parkhill Automotive Inc for Service

From assistance with your battery to other routine tasks like tire rotations and oil changes or prepping your car for winter with a safety kit, the service department at Sullivan•Parkhill Automotive Inc would be glad to assist you. Contact us today for more information.

 

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Champaign, IL 61822
Sullivan•Parkhill Automotive Inc 40.1358477, -88.249515.