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When the Car Won't Start: How to Properly Use Jumper Cables
Starter cables, also known as clamps, allow you to quickly start an engine with the help of another vehicle, but only if you know the correct connection order and why it's important.
TL;DR
- Connect the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead car's battery, then to the positive terminal of the donor car's battery.
- Connect the black cable to the negative (-) terminal of the donor car's battery or a grounding point on the donor vehicle.
- Connect the other end of the black cable to a grounding point on the dead car's engine block or chassis, away from the battery, to prevent sparks.
- The donor vehicle's engine must be running during the entire jump-starting process.
- Disconnect the cables in the reverse order: black from the dead car, black from the donor car, red from the donor car, red from the dead car.
- Modern vehicles have sensitive electronics; incorrect connections can cause expensive damage.
- Be extremely cautious with electric and hybrid vehicles, and never touch high-voltage orange cables.
- If the battery repeatedly dies, it likely needs replacement.
- Good quality jumper cables should be a standard part of any car's emergency kit.