Jump Starting a Car

 IMPORTANT | this advice is for emergencies only if a professional like a motoring organisation, a   garage  or a qualified friend to give you assistance. This blog represents advice from Regency Car Park (Parking-Here.com) and is strictly an opinion. If confirmation is required speak to your local garage.

Step 1: Before you begin

You’ll need a working vehicle (donor car) and a good set of jump leads.

Make sure both cars are on a flat, stable surface away from busy roads and parked safely. Park the donor vehicle close enough so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries, but make sure the two vehicles do not touch.

Step 2: Connect the Jump Leads

Red to Positive (Flat Battery): Attach the red jump lead to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.

Red to Positive (Donor Battery): Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive (+) terminal of the donor car.

Black to Negative (Donor Battery): Attach one end of the black lead to the negative (–) terminal of the donor car.

Step 3: Start it up!

Start the donor car and let it run for a couple of minutes to build up charge. Then, start the car with the flat battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait another minute or so before trying again. Automatic? Once running, let the engine idle for a few minutes to stabilise battery voltage. This is especially important for automatic vehicles to ensure the battery has enough charge to support the electrical systems.

Step 4: Disconnect safely

Turn off both engines and remove the leads in reverse order (black from your car’s metal point first, etc) Keep the engine running for at least 15 minutes or take a short drive to help recharge the battery. While this is a general overview, we recommend you always consult your vehicle’s manual for detailed instructions, as procedures can vary—especially for automatic cars.

Need help?
If your car still won’t start or you suspect a more serious issue (like an alternator or faulty battery), call your motoring service (AA/RAC) or your local garage. If you are in London, call Kar Dok Garage on  0207 722 5228

This advice is offered by Parking-Here.com of Regency Car Park 97 London NW3 5EL for information only. Consult a professional if in doubt.

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