How to Jump-Start a Car

If you’re having trouble starting your vehicle, there’s a chance that a jump-start, car battery service, or something similar is needed. However, the first option is the most likely service needed. At Compass Mazda, we have your guide on how to properly jump-start a car, so you don’t have to call a jump-start car service like AAA. If your battery is near the end of its life, make an appointment with our service center near Port Jervis for a replacement. 

What Is The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car?

First, you will need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle. Once you have everything settled, follow these steps below:

1. The car that has a good battery should be parked facing the other vehicle, with the vehicle is turned off. Make sure that both parking brakes are engaged.
2. Open both car hoods and locate the batteries. You may need to remove a plastic hood to expose the battery terminals.
3. Identify the positive and negative terminals. They should be clean and free of any corrosion.
4. Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
5. Uncoiling the battery cable, hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
6. Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the good battery. 
7. Connect the final clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s frame.
8. With everything hooked up securely, start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first, then the one with the dead battery.
9. Once the dead vehicle has been jump-started, go ahead and carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on. Then, shut off the car that was used to help jump-start the dead car.
10. Let the engine continue running on the restarted vehicle for at least 10 minutes to make sure that the weak battery doesn’t die again. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for additional info on recommended times.

Additional Battery Tips and Tricks

If your car won’t jump-start, there’s a chance that a battery replacement is needed. Or, it could be a sign of a more significant problem. Consider these steps in troubleshooting the issue:

1. If you hear a clicking sound as you’re trying to start the car, the starter may not be functioning. Schedule a service appointment at our Goshen-area service center as soon as possible for a replacement. 
2. If the electrical systems of the car turn on, but the engine doesn’t turn over, there could be several issues with the ignition switch, battery, starter, or fuse. Stop by our service center to have a factory-trained technician diagnose the issue. 
3. Keeping your vehicle running for a while after getting the jump allows the battery to recharge completely after being drained.

Trust Compass Mazda for Your Servicing Needs!

Whether you need a routine oil change, brake inspection, or battery replacement, our state-of-the-art service center has the tools and equipment needed to get the job done right the first time around. Explore our service specials before contacting our service center to schedule your appointment.