Jump-starting a vehicle: a practical, safe sequence
A helpful guide for both new and experienced drivers. Even seasoned motorists may benefit from a clear, correct sequence, as explained by commentator Mikhail Kolodochkin, known for his practical car advice.
The proper steps to jump start a car are as follows:
- Attach the positive lead to the positive terminal on the donor battery, then to the positive terminal on the discharged battery.
- Connect the negative lead to the negative terminal on the donor battery.
- Connect the other end of the negative lead to a solid metal engine ground on the car to be started. If accessible, clip it to a sturdy metal component away from moving parts. If no metal grounding point is reachable, attach the negative lead to the negative terminal of the troublesome battery.
- Ensure the wires do not come into contact with cooling fans or other moving pieces.
- Attempt to start the engine. If it starts, disconnect the negative leads first from the problem battery, then from the donor battery. Then, in the same order, remove the positive leads.
- Drive the revived vehicle for a while with the engine running; do not switch it off immediately. Investigate the battery to determine what caused the failure.
- If the engine falters or fails to start on the first attempt, wait 15 to 30 minutes to allow the battery to gain a deeper charge before trying again.
The reasoning behind this method is straightforward: proper sequencing reduces the risk of sparks, protects electrical components, and provides a stable path for charging the weak battery while the engine runs.
Curious about more details? If you want to cover every nuance, read our article about car troubleshooting that addresses myths, common questions, and the correct order of actions.
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