Because car breakdowns can happen anytime and anywhere, it’s important every driver knows how to jump-start their vehicle. If you’re not a mechanic, the thought of exploring under the hood could be intimidating. Luckily, the technicians at Discount Towing & Recovery know a few simple tricks to complete the task successfully. Their knowledge comes from experience providing motorists in Mountain Home, AR, with roadside assistance and towing service in emergency situations. 

If you’re not sure how to jump-start a car, below, Mountain Home’s skilled auto repair professionals share three effective methods to help. 

Car Jump-Start: A Brief Guide to 3 Methods

1. Recharging the Battery 

A failing battery is one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdowns. To recharge, first locate the battery. You’ll find it in the trunk or between the engine and passenger cabin. Nearby, look for the positive terminal. It has a plus sign and red cable attached to it. The negative terminal features a minus symbol and black cord. Next, you’ll need a working battery from another car. For safety, make sure both cars are completely shut off and not touching. Using red and black jumper cables, connect the red clamps with the positive charges of both battery terminals. Attach one black clamp to the negative charge of the good battery. The other clamp should be secured to a piece of metal in the car with the bad battery. Turn on the working car for 30 to 60 seconds. The charge from the good battery should kick the failing one into gear. If the vehicle starts, remove the cables. 

2. Manual Transmission Restart 

If your car has a manual transmission, you’ll need a bit of elbow grease to get it up and running. If possible, push the car to the top of a hill or steep incline. Once in position, depress the clutch and place the car in second gear. Next, adjust the key in the ignition slightly to the right. This turns it on while leaving the engine off. With the clutch still depressed, take your foot off the brakes. While the car is rolling down the hill, release the clutch once you reach five miles per hour. 

3. How to Detect a Dead Battery

In some cases, the battery might be too damaged for a traditional jump-start. If you turn on the car and headlights are dim, the dashboard won’t illuminate, or you can’t turn on the stereo, call for professional assistance. Roadside repair and towing companies have the heavy-duty gear necessary to address the issue. 

If you experience a breakdown while driving in the Mountain Home area and need a jump-start, tire change, or additional help, call (870) 425-1775 and Discount Towing and Recovery will be by your side in no time. If you need a new ride, visit their website for money-saving used car sales. Check them out on Facebook for additional details.