Finding yourself stranded with a dead car battery can be frustrating, but with a set of jumper cables and the right knowledge, you can often get your vehicle running again. Follow this safe and easy step-by-step guide to jump-starting your car battery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To prevent injury or damage, never allow the jumper cables or any metal parts of the vehicle to touch each other. Be cautious of battery explosions, which can occur if the negative clamp is connected directly to the dead battery's negative terminal. If you are uncertain about any part of the process, seek professional assistance.

You can take advantage of AAA Battery Service, which provides on-the-spot battery testing and replacement, ensuring a safe and hassle-free solution. AAA Technicians can assess your battery’s health and, if needed, install a new one right at your location, so you can get back on the road with confidence. You can visit AAA.com/Battery to schedule your free battery test today.

Request Battery Service

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before starting, make sure you have the necessary tools. You’ll need a pair of jumper cables in good condition, ensuring there are no frayed wires or exposed metal. Additionally, you will need a functioning vehicle with a fully charged battery to serve as the “booster” car.

2. Safety First

Park both vehicles on a level surface, ensuring they are not touching each other. Turn off all electrical accessories, including the ignition, headlights, and radio, in both vehicles. This prevents power surges and ensures a safer connection.

3. Connect the Jumper Cables

Begin by connecting the red (positive) clamp of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Then, attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery in the booster vehicle. Next, connect the black (negative) clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. Finally, connect the remaining black clamp to a bare, unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the vehicle with the dead battery. Never attach it directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this could create a spark and cause an explosion.

4. Start the Booster Vehicle

Turn on the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the good battery to send power to the dead battery and begin the recharging process.

5. Start the Dead Vehicle

Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it does not start immediately, let the booster vehicle run for a few more minutes before trying again. Sometimes, a severely drained battery needs additional time to receive enough charge.

6. Disconnect the Jumper Cables

Once the dead vehicle starts, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected. Start by removing the black clamp from the engine block and then the black clamp from the booster battery’s negative terminal. Next, remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the booster battery, and finally, remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the previously dead battery.

7. Allow the Vehicle to Run

After successfully jump-starting your vehicle, allow it to run for at least 30 minutes to help recharge the battery. If possible, take a short drive to let the alternator further charge the battery and reduce the risk of stalling again.

By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can successfully jump-start your car battery and get back on the road with confidence!