How to Jumpstart a Car: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Flat battery? Don’t panic — jumpstarting your car is easier than you might think. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.

What You’ll Need:

Two jump leads – a red one (positive) and a black one (negative)
Another car with a fully charged battery
Gloves and safety goggles (optional but recommended)

Before You Start – Safety First!

✔ Make sure the battery isn’t leaking or damaged – if it is, don’t touch it. Call a mechanic.
✔ No smoking or open flames nearby
✔ Remove jewellery or loose clothing near the battery
✔ Make sure the ignition is off and the key is out in both cars

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Park the Cars

Position the working car so it's facing the one with the flat battery.
Leave enough space to open both bonnets easily.

Step 2: Connect the Red Lead

Put on your gloves and goggles.
Attach the red (positive) lead to the + terminal of the working battery.
Then connect the other end of the red lead to the + terminal of the flat battery.

Step 3: Connect the Black Lead

Attach the black (negative) lead to the – terminal of the working battery.
Do not connect the other black end to the flat battery.
Instead, clip it to bare metal on the engine block or chassis of the car with the flat battery, away from the battery and fuel system.
(Tip: Some cars have a special grounding point. Check your manual.)

Step 4: Start the Engine

Wait 5 minutes after connecting the leads.
Start the engine of the car with the good battery. Let it run for a minute.
Then try starting the car with the flat battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a couple more minutes and try again.

Step 5: Remove the Leads (in reverse order)

Once your car is running:

Remove the black lead from the car with the flat battery
Then remove the black lead from the car with the charged battery
Remove the red lead from both cars

Be careful not to let the clamps touch any metal or each other during this step.

Step 6: Let It Run

Keep the engine running on the car you just started for at least 20 minutes.
If possible, take it for a 30-minute drive to help fully recharge the battery.

Still Not Starting?

If your car doesn’t start after a few tries, there might be a more serious issue. It’s best to contact a professional mechanic for help. Contact us here.