How to Jump Start a Car

What happens if you are heading to the office in the morning, but your vehicle won’t start? You likely need a jump-start, car battery service, or something similar. If this is the case, you may be wondering how to properly jump-start a car. You’re not alone. Many Fresno drivers are not quite sure how exactly to perform this helpful task. Fortunately, BMW Fresno has provided this handy guide, so you won’t need to call a jump-start car service.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

Before you can get started, you will need to locate a set of jumper cables as well as another vehicle that is willing and able to assist you. You can also call a jump-start car service like AAA if you are unable to jump-start your vehicle. If you have everything you need, you can follow the steps that are listed below:

1. The car with the working battery should park facing the other vehicle, and it should be turned off. Engage the parking brakes on both vehicles.
2. Open both hoods and find the batteries. For some vehicles, you may be required to remove a plastic hood to get to the battery terminals.
3. Identify the positive and negative terminals. The terminals should be clean and free of any corrosion before you attempt to jump-start the car.
4. Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
5. Uncoil the battery cable and attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
6. The black clamp should be connected to the negative post on the working battery.
7. Take the last clamp and connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s frame.
8. If each component is hooked up correctly and securely, you can now start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first. After that, start the car with the dead battery.
9. Once the dead vehicle has been jump-started, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on. Once the cables are removed, you can shut off the car that was used to help jump-start the dead car.
10. To make sure that the restarted vehicle doesn’t die again, the engine should remain running for at least ten minutes. If you can, take a look at your owner’s manual to see if there are other recommendations from the manufacturer.

What Happens if Your Car Won’t Jump-Start?

If your car won’t jump-start, it is possible that a new battery is needed, or it can be a sign of another issue with the vehicle. Listed below are a few possible causes.

1. If you try to start the car but only hear a clicking sound, it could be that the starter is not functioning properly. If the starter needs to be replaced, you can set up a service appointment at BMW Fresno.
2. If the electrical systems of the car turn on, but the engine fails to turn over, there are several possible culprits. This issue can be due to the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. Once again, it is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
3. Be sure to keep your vehicle running for a while after getting the jump. Because the battery was drained, it will need some time to recharge.

BMW Fresno – Your Auto Service Experts

Now that you know how to properly jump-start a car, do not hesitate to reach out to the team at BMW Fresno with any other vehicle questions. We would be glad to assist you.