There’s nothing quite like the sinking you get in your stomach when you turn the key in your car and nothing happens. Flat batteries are something most motorists will experience at some point – so it’s a good idea to know exactly how to get yourself out of this sticky situation.
There are two main ways to jump start your car – with or without jump leads, or jumper cables.
How to jump-start a car with jump leads
- 1. Position the two cars:
Move another car with a similar size engine (Car 2) close to your car (Car 1) so that the engine bays are close together. Move all metal objects out of the way of both batteries and remove loose clothing. Check that both batteries and your jump cables aren’t damaged. - 2. Connect the red jump lead:
Connect the red jump lead’s crocodile clip to the positive (+) terminal on Car 2’s battery, then the other end to the positive (+) terminal on Car 1’s battery - 3. Connect the black jump lead:
Connect the black jump lead’s crocodile clip to the negative (-) terminal of Car 2’s battery, then the other end to an earthing point on Car 1. - 4. Start the engine:
Start Car 2’s engine. Wait about 5 minutes and then start Car 1. Remove the clips in reverse order to the above. - 5. Run or drive the car:
Run or, preferably, drive Car 1 for at least 15 minutes to let the battery recharge and allow it to start on its own.
Without cables (manual cars only)
- 1. Get help
Gather some friends to help push the car (not needed if you are parked facing downhill). - 2. Clutch and gear
Push in the clutch (do not release until step 4) and put the car into second gear. Turn on the ignition. - 3. Push
Have your friends start pushing the car, or let off the brakes if you’re on a hill. - 4. Release the clutch
Once you’re moving, bring up the clutch quickly and the engine will start. Let the car run while it recharges.
Jump-starting a car with jump leads: explained in detail
1. Safety always comes first when dealing with electricity. Make sure that there are no metal objects nearby, like tools or even jewellery, that could come into contact with the batteries or cables – and take off any clothing that could get caught inside the engine bay.
You should also make sure that the batteries of both cars aren’t damaged. If a battery’s plastic casing is broken or it looks like it is leaking, don’t try anything – either remove it yourself, if you know what you’re doing, or take it to a professional to be replaced. Likewise, if the cables are damaged it may be best to borrow someone else’s or buy some new ones – they’re not too expensive.
2. After you’ve moved two cars close together so that the leads will reach between the batteries, it’s time to connect the leads. Make sure both cars are completely off with the keys out and place a clip on the red jump cable onto the positive terminal – marked with a plus (+) symbol – on the battery of the car that works (we’ll call this Car 2).
Clip the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal on the non-starting car (Car 1). Make sure both clips are on securely and will not snap off. You should also make sure the cables don’t fall into the engine bay and obstruct any moving parts.
4. Now start Car 2 and let the engine run for a little while. After about 5 minutes you should be able to start Car 1. If it doesn’t start, then turn Car 2 off, gently adjust the clamps to ensure a good connection and then try again. If this doesn’t work you may need a new battery or other essential parts to be repaired.
Once Car 1 is running , the clips can be removed. Make sure you don’t touch any electrical components and only handle the insulated parts of the jump leads. Remove the leads in he opposite order to before: Earthed end of black lead, then the black clip on Car 2, then the red clip on Car 1, and finally the red clip on Car 2.
5. You will need to drive Car 1 or keep it running for at least 15 minutes to charge the battery up, but once it is running normally it can be driven as normal – just don’t turn it off before the 15 minutes are up or you risk having to repeat the whole process!
How to jump-start a car without jump leads: detailed push start guide
1. Before you try push-starting a car, you need to make sure it’s a manual car with a clutch. You can do this by reading the owner’s manual that came with the car, or simply by looking into the footwell.
You’ll also need a group of friends to help you get the car moving. If you can’t find any nearby, try asking some passers-by to help – they may even become your friends in the future, which would be a nice side-effect of having a flat battery. If you’re on a hill and you can get the car moving without any help, you’ll be able to start the car on your own.
2. Push in the clutch, and keep it depressed fully until step 4 (below). Put the car into second gear and turn the key so that the ignition light comes on.
3. Get your friends to start pushing the car, making sure that there is no traffic coming as you would when pulling off normally. If you’re on a hill, let the brakes off so that you start moving.
4. Once you’re on the move, at about 5mph, release the clutch quickly so that the engine and gearbox connect. The wheels will turn the gears, pulling the newly-connected engine along with them and starting the engine’s combustion cycle. Make sure you run the engine for at least 15 minutes to charge the battery before turning it off.