The dreaded click of an ignition that won’t turn will quickly let you know your car battery needs to be replaced. In this case, you have two options: call a tow truck or jump-start your car with jumper cables, if you have a set on hand. Here, the auto repair professionals at Auto World Tire & Auto in Hazelwood, MO, explain the best method to start your dead battery.

How to Jump-Start Your Vehicle

Jump-starting a dead battery can be done by using jumper cables or a battery jumper pack. These cables require another car nearby to jump your dead battery. Cables are sold in a range of lengths but are usually 10 to 20 feet. The longer cables may seem practical, but the longer the cable, the farther the electrical current must travel to start the car, potentially slowing the process.

Once you have the two cars parallel to each other, first you will need to remove the key from the ignition of the dead car and pop open both hoods. While making sure the jumper cables aren’t touching each other or any painted surfaces of the car, you will need to locate the battery terminals and clamp the positive red cables onto each vehicle’s positive  battery terminals. You will then need to connect the negative and clamps to the negative terminal of the working car and an unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle.

How to Time the Charging

After the cables are connected, start the working vehicle and let the engine run for several minutes to charge the dead car. After the allotted time, start the car and, if it turns on, keep the car running while you remove the jumper cables. Take the cables off in reverse order, and drive around for at least 15 to 30 minutes to ensure the battery is charged. If the car doesn’t start at all, it’s time to call the towing service and take the car to an auto repair shop for a diagnosis.

Jump-starting your car is simple when you follow the correct steps. Whenever you have car problems, let the experts at Auto World Tire & Auto help get your car up and running. For over 30 years, the auto repair shop has provided brake service, routine car repair, and maintenance, along with roadside assistance to residents of St. Louis County. Call (314) 895-4455 to schedule an appointment or visit them online.