Jump-starting a car involves using another vehicle's battery to provide a temporary boost of power to start the engine of the dead car. Here are the steps to jump-start a car safely:

1. Position the cars, park the car with the good battery facing the car with the dead battery, but do not let the two cars touch.

2. Turn off the engine, turn off both cars' engines, and remove the keys from the ignition of both vehicles.

3. Connect the cables, attach one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Then attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the good battery. Next, attach one end of the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal on the good battery. Finally, attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery (such as a bolt or bracket near the engine).

4. Start the car with the good battery, start the car with the good battery and let it idle for a few minutes.

5. Start the dead car, try to start the car with the dead battery. If it does not start, wait a few more minutes and try again. If the car still does not start, you may need to call for professional help.

6. Disconnect the cables, once the dead car has been started, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that you attached them (i.e., black cable from the dead car, black cable from the good car, red cable from the good car, red cable from the dead car).

7. Let the car run, keep the car with the formerly dead battery running for at least 15 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Note: Always read the owner's manual for your specific vehicle before attempting to jump-start it, as there may be manufacturer-specific instructions or precautions to follow. Additionally, if you are uncomfortable with any part of the process, consider seeking assistance from a professional mechanic or roadside assistance service.

Find out more about car battery replacement for your vehicle by consulting with a Christchurch auto electrical professional and posting your job on Servo

Updated 15 May 2023