What “Jump Starting a Car” Means
Jump starting a car means using power from another vehicle or a battery pack to start a car with a dead battery. The dead battery does not have enough power to turn the engine over on its own, so you temporarily borrow power to get it running again.
This is one of the most common roadside problems, and one of the most useful skills every driver should know.
You do not need mechanical experience to do this safely if you follow the steps in order.
What You Need to Jump a Car
Required
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Jumper cables
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A second vehicle with a working battery or a portable jump starter
Helpful but Optional
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Gloves
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Safety glasses
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A flashlight (especially at night)
Before You Start (Important Safety Check)
Make Sure Both Vehicles Are Off
Engines should be turned off before connecting cables.
Park the Cars Correctly
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Park the working car close to the dead car
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Do not let the vehicles touch
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Put both vehicles in park
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Set parking brakes
Check the Batteries
Do not jump a car if:
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The battery is cracked
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The battery is leaking
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You smell sulfur or rotten eggs
If you see any of these, stop and call for assistance.
How to Jump a Car With Jumper Cables (Step by Step)
This is the part most people mess up. Follow this exact order.
Step 1: Find the Battery Terminals
Open both hoods.
Each battery has:
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A positive (+) terminal, usually red
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A negative (–) terminal, usually black
Step 2: Connect the Red Cable to the Dead Battery
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Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery
Step 3: Connect the Other Red Cable to the Good Battery
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Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the working battery
Step 4: Connect the Black Cable to the Good Battery
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Attach one black clamp to the negative (–) terminal on the working battery
Step 5: Connect the Final Black Clamp to Metal (NOT the Battery)
This step is critical.
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Attach the final black clamp to bare metal on the dead car
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A bolt, bracket, or engine block works
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Do not connect it to the dead battery’s negative terminal
This prevents sparks near the battery.
How to Start a Car With Jumper Cables
Step 6: Start the Working Car
Let it run for 2 to 5 minutes.
This allows power to flow into the dead battery.
Step 7: Start the Dead Car
Try starting the dead car.
If it doesn’t start:
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Wait another 2 to 3 minutes
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Try again
Do not crank continuously for more than 5 seconds at a time.
How Long Does It Take to Jump Start a Car?
Most cars will start within 2 to 10 minutes.
Typical Timing
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Lightly dead battery: 2 to 3 minutes
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Very dead battery: 5 to 10 minutes
If the car does not start after 10 minutes, the battery may be bad or another issue may exist.
How Long Should You Let the Car Run After Jump Starting?
Once the car starts and your disconnected from the donor car:
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Let it run for at least 20 to 30 minutes before turning your car off again
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Driving is better than idling
This allows the alternator to recharge the battery.
If you turn the car off too soon, it may not restart and you'll need to jump it again.
How to Disconnect Jumper Cables (Correct Order)
Remove cables in the reverse order you connected them.
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Remove the black clamp from the metal on the dead car
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Remove the black clamp from the good battery
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Remove the red clamp from the good battery
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Remove the red clamp from the dead battery
Do not let clamps touch each other while removing them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Connecting the Black Clamp to the Dead Battery
This can cause sparks near the battery.
Mixing Up Red and Black
Always double-check before connecting.
Letting Cables Touch
Clamps touching can short the system.
Revving the Engine Aggressively
Gentle idle is enough.
Shutting the Car Off Immediately
Always let it run.
What If the Car Still Won’t Start?
Possible causes:
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The battery is completely dead
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The battery is damaged
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The alternator is failing
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There is a wiring issue
At this point, the battery likely needs replacement and you'll need more help.
Why This Skill Is Worth Having on a Tip Card
Jump starting a car is easy when you remember the steps, but easy to mess up under stress, bad weather, or low light.
That’s why this is one of those skills that’s perfect to keep physically on you, not buried in a phone you may not have signal or battery for.
A quick-reference guide removes the guesswork.
Want a Pocket-Sized Reminder for Emergencies?
If you want a fast, waterproof reference you can keep in your glove box, wallet, or emergency kit:
→ Learn how to jump start a car with our Tip Card
→ Look at hundreds of other Tip Cards
It walks through the same steps in a simple, visual layout designed to be used when you actually need it, not just when you’re reading at home. This is part of our line of Tip Cards.
FAQ How to Jump a Car Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to jump start a car?
A: Usually between 2 and 10 minutes depending on how dead the battery is.
Q: How long should I leave the cars connected before starting?
A: Let the working car run for 2 to 5 minutes before trying.
Q: Can I jump start a car in the rain?
A: Yes. Jumper cables are insulated. Just avoid standing water.
Q: Can jumper cables damage my car?
A: Only if connected incorrectly. Following the steps prevents damage.
Q: What happens if I connect the cables wrong?
A: It can cause sparks, blown fuses, or electrical damage. Always double-check.
Q: Do I need to drive after jump starting?
A: Yes. Driving for 20 to 30 minutes helps recharge the battery.
Q: Why not connect the black cable to the dead battery?
A: Because batteries can release flammable gas. The metal ground reduces spark risk.
Q: Will this work on trucks and SUVs?
A: Yes, as long as the battery voltage matches.
Q: How often can a battery be jump started?
A: A few times, but frequent jump starts usually mean the battery cant hold a charge and needs replacing.
Q: Can a dead battery recharge completely after a jump?
A: Sometimes, but older batteries often fail again.
