Car batteries never die at a convenient time. Whether you're rushing to work or stranded in a parking lot, knowing how to jump-start a car can turn a frustrating situation into a simple fix. But it's not just about connecting cables and hoping for the best, especially with newer vehicles packed with electronics.

What you need before getting started

Of course, jump-starting a car requires a portable jump pack or jumper cables (12–20 feet long, 4-6 gauge for most cars). However, since batteries can emit sparks, acid fumes, or even explode in rare cases, you’ll also want to have this essential equipment:

• Eye protection and acid-resistant gloves

• Flashlight or headlamp if working in low light

• A clear view of battery terminals (+ and –) or designated jump-start posts

If the battery is leaking, cracked, frozen/swollen, or heavily corroded, don’t attempt to jump it. Call for professional help instead.

Setting yourself up for safety

Remember to remove any loose jewelry and keep flames and cigarettes away from the engine bay. Jump-starting a car is not the time to take chances.

1. Park close enough for the cables to reach, but make sure they’re not touching. Engage both parking brakes.
2. Turn off both ignitions and all accessories (headlights, radios, etc.).
3. Pop the hoods and locate the batteries — or remote jump-start posts if your car has them.
4. Identify the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals. Positive is usually red and marked with a “+”, negative is typically black and marked “–”.

Hooking up the cables in the correct order

Follow this sequence to reduce the risk of sparks and voltage surges:

1. Connect one red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
2. Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery or jump pack.
3. Connect one black (negative) clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect the final black clamp to a clean, unpainted metal part of the dead car’s engine or frame that’s away from the battery.

Keep the cables clear of moving engine parts, such as fans or belts.

Giving it time

1. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery (or turn on the jump pack) and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
2. Try starting the dead vehicle. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.
3. Still won’t start? You may be dealing with a deeper issue, like a failed alternator or starter motor.

Removing the cables in reverse

Once the engine starts, remove the cables in reverse:

1. Remove the black clamp from the metal ground on the car that was dead.
2. Remove the black clamp from the good battery.
3. Remove the red clamp from the good battery.
4. Remove the red clamp from the previously dead battery.

Then drive the restarted vehicle for at least 30-60 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. Avoid shutting it off until you reach a safe destination.

Special considerations for modern vehicles

Today’s vehicles include a complex network of electronic control modules. Improper jump-starting — especially clamping directly to sensitive components — can lead to costly damage. That’s why reading your owner’s manual matters.

Many late-model cars include specific jump-start posts and safety guidelines. Always use the designated jump points if provided and avoid improvising connections. Also, never use an EV or a hybrid to jump-start another car.

Couldn’t bring your car back to life?

Sometimes an inoperable vehicle results from something else. If the cost to revive your car is greater than its market value, the 15,000 dealers in Credit Acceptance’s dealership network have you covered. Before you start shopping, get pre-qualified for auto financing through our site to get an idea of the monthly payment you may qualify for.