A flat battery is frustrating, but jump starting a car is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure. Getting it wrong can damage expensive electronics in modern cars — so follow these steps carefully.
What You Need
- Jump leads (at least 400A rated) OR a portable jump starter pack
- A donor vehicle with a charged battery (or a jump starter pack)
Jump Starting with Another Car
Step 1: Park the donor car close to (but not touching) your car. Both cars should be off.
Step 2: Connect the RED lead to the positive (+) terminal of the FLAT battery, then to the positive (+) terminal of the DONOR battery.
Step 3: Connect the BLACK lead to the negative (−) terminal of the DONOR battery, then to an unpainted metal surface on your car’s engine block (NOT the flat battery’s negative terminal — this reduces spark risk near the battery).
Step 4: Start the donor car and let it run for 2–3 minutes. Then try to start your car.
Step 5: Once your car starts, remove the leads in REVERSE order: black from engine block, black from donor, red from donor, red from your battery.
Step 6: Drive your car for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.
Important Warning for Modern Cars
Many modern vehicles have sensitive electronics. Check your owner’s manual before jump starting — some manufacturers require specific procedures or prohibit jump starting entirely. If in doubt, use a portable jump starter pack instead of another vehicle.
