How to Jump-Start a Car

What’s the Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car?

For starters, you’ll need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle. If you’re able, you can also call AAA or roadside assistance for jump-start car service — they’ll know how to properly jump-start a car. Once you have what you need, follow this guide:

• Make sure the other car is parked facing yours, and turn your car off. Both cars’ parking brakes should be engaged.
• Open the hoods of both cars and locate the batteries. It may be necessary to remove the plastic hood and expose the battery terminals.
• Determine which terminals are positive and negative. Before moving forward, make sure the terminals are clean and corrosion-free.
• On the dead battery, attach the red clamp to the positive post.
• Uncoil the battery cable and attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal on the charged battery.
• On the good battery, attach the black clamp to the negative post.
• Connect the final clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the car.
• After you’ve secured the clamps, start the engine of the vehicle with the charged battery, and then start the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
• After the car with the dead battery starts, you can unclamp the jumper cables in the reverse order in which they were secured. You can then shut off the vehicle that was used to jump-start the one with the previously dead battery.
• Let the engine run for about 10 minutes to prevent the battery from dying again.

What Else Should You Know About Car Batteries?

If your car won’t jump-start, there’s a good chance the battery needs replaced. It could also be an indication of another problem, such as the starter won’t crank. Get a few tips for how to check your car battery below:

• The starter might be malfunctioning if you try to start your car but only hearing clicking sounds.
• Are the car’s electrical systems turning on but the engine won’t start? There could be a number of issues at play, such as a problem with the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. The team at our service center can take a look and diagnose the issue.
• Again, make sure you allow your vehicle to run for several minutes after being jump-started. This gives the battery time to fully recharge.

Rely on Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills for Certified Service!

From replacement car batteries to tires to OEM Mercedes-Benz parts, Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills is a reliable source for the components you need to keep your car running at its best. Contact our service center directly, or visit us near Southfield and Birmingham to speak with us in person! If you’re curious about the warranties available to you, check out our Mercedes-Benz Warranty guide to figure out which one fits you best!