Getting stranded with a dead battery is a frustrating experience, but knowing how to jumpstart your car can save the day. At Speedwell, we’re here to empower drivers in Hamilton with practical knowledge. This post will walk you through the steps to safely jumpstart your car and get back on the road.
What You’ll Need
Jumper cables
A second vehicle with a charged battery
A safe location to perform the jumpstart
Step-by-Step Instructions
Position the Vehicles
Park the two cars close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but ensure they don’t touch. Turn off both vehicles and engage their parking brakes.
Connect the Jumper Cables
Attach one red clamp to the dead battery's positive terminal (+).
Attach the other red clamp to the charged battery's positive terminal (+).
Connect one black clamp to the charged battery's negative terminal (-).
Attach the final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery (e.g., a bolt or engine block).
Start the Working Car
Start the vehicle with the charged battery and let it run for a few minutes.
Start the Dead Car
Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes before trying again.
Remove the Cables in Reverse Order
Disconnect the black clamp from the metal surface first, then from the charged battery. Next, remove the red clamps in reverse order.
Let Your Car Run
Keep your car running for at least 15–20 minutes to recharge its battery fully.
Safety Tips
Always double-check that you connect clamps to the correct terminals to avoid electrical damage or injury.
If your car doesn’t start after several attempts, it may require professional attention—call Speedwell for assistance.
Knowing how to jumpstart your car is an essential skill for any driver. However, if your car’s battery frequently dies, it might be time for a replacement or further inspection. At Speedwell in Hamilton, we offer expert diagnostics and affordable battery replacements to keep you on the move—contact us today!
