It is vital to know which is which, as it’s important to ensure the batteries are connected properly in order to execute a successful jump start and avoid a dangerous accident.Ī set of jumper cables should have one red cable, and one black.
Each terminal should be clearly marked with a + (plus) sign for positive and a - (minus) sign for negative. Take a look at the battery to identify the positive and negative terminals. Often, if this is the case, there will be designated terminals under the hood for use in case of a jump start. But in some models, the battery is located in the trunk. In most vehicles, it’s in the front of the car, under the hood, with the engine. Make sure you know where your car’s battery is. Certain car manufacturers recommend not jump starting the car, or some may offer you special instructions related to your specific model. Read your vehicle’s manual, specifically any sections related to jump starts or your car battery. Jump starting your battery yourself requires some special tools and a little bit of knowledge - but never fear, this guide will tell you everything you need to know!īefore you attempt to jump start your vehicle, take a moment to gather a few pieces of information. Regardless, a jump start can sometimes do the trick to solve all your battery troubles - or at least get your car started so you can drive it off to the mechanic’s shop and figure out what the bigger issue is. When you turn the key and hear some sputtering, or maybe nothing at all, but the engine fails to start, a dead battery is probably the culprit.Ī variety of things can cause your battery to die: cold weather, leaving your lights on for too long, or of course, an old or dysfunctional battery. But turning the car on is an essential function of the car battery, a function without which the car is rendered pretty useless. Once the engine is running, the majority of the energy used to power your car is generated by its alternator. It’s primarily used to start the engine, but also powers auxiliary components of the automobile including the lights and radio. In most traditional vehicle types - that is, cars that run on gasoline - the battery is an SLI, a starting, lighting, and ignition battery. Your car battery is an essential piece of your vehicle, providing one of the most important functionalities: starting the car.