No matter how well-maintained your vehicle may be, every car battery is at risk of dying in the middle of a trip. If you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, far from the help of a trusted auto shop, it pays to know how to jump-start a car on your own.

According to Stillwater Auto Clinic, one of the leading auto shops in Washington County, MN, you can use the following steps to restart your car battery with the help of another vehicle:

• Prioritize Safety: If you have goggles and rubber gloves, put them on before you begin working on the battery. These items will protect you from exposure to battery acid or an accidental hydrogen gas explosion.
• Take Out Your Jumper Cables: Jumper cables are cheap and easy to store, so there’s no excuse not to have them in your vehicle. Make sure the other car’s battery has the same voltage rating as your own, and that neither car has an electronic ignition system. If one does, the jump-start could damage it.
• Turn Off the Ignition: Put both vehicles in “neutral” or “park.” The ignitions should also be off so neither engine can start before you’re done connecting the batteries.
• Connect the Clips: Connect the red clips (positive) on the cables to the positive terminals on both batteries. Attach one of the black clips (negative) to the negative terminal on the other car’s battery. Then, connect the other black clip to a paint-less metal surface near the battery.
• Start the Car: Start the other vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes. Then, try to start your car. If it doesn’t work, check the clips and ensure they are properly connected.

By using these steps as a guide, you can jump-start your car without help from an auto shop. If your vehicle needs more advanced maintenance, such as an oil change or transmission repair, drop by Stillwater Auto Clinic for expert service. Call (651) 351-7188 or visit their website for additional information on auto repair in Stillwater.