Jump-Starting a Battery Safely
A dead battery is one of the most common roadside issues, and while a professional jump-start is often the safest option, it helps to understand the correct process if you have jumper cables and another vehicle available.
What You'll Need
- A set of jumper cables
- A second vehicle with a charged battery
Step-by-Step Process
- Park the working vehicle close to the dead one without the cars touching.
- Turn off both engines and set parking brakes.
- Connect the red (positive) clamp to the dead battery's positive terminal.
- Connect the other red clamp to the working battery's positive terminal.
- Connect the black (negative) clamp to the working battery's negative terminal.
- Connect the final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle, away from the battery.
- Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Attempt to start the dead vehicle.
If the Car Doesn't Start
If your vehicle doesn't start after a few attempts, the battery may be too far gone, or another issue like a failing alternator could be the cause. At this point, it's time to call for professional roadside assistance.
When to Skip DIY and Call a Professional
If you don't have a second vehicle available, aren't comfortable with the process, or your battery seems to have a more serious issue, a professional jump-start service is the safer, more reliable option.
Midnight Tow offers fast, professional jump-start service throughout the Milwaukee area. Call us anytime your battery leaves you stranded.