TL;DR:

Always keep jumper cables in your car.
Park vehicles close enough for cables to reach.
Connect red to positive and black to negative (grounded metal, not the dead battery).
Let the working car run before trying to start the dead one.
Drive around after the jumpstart to recharge the battery.

If your car won’t start and you're met with silence when you turn the key, chances are you’re dealing with a dead battery. It’s a frustrating situation—but with the right tools and know-how, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Whether you're preparing for emergencies or currently stranded, knowing how to jumpstart your car is essential.

At Get Drivers Ed, we don’t just teach you the rules of the road—we prepare you for real-world driving scenarios, like this one.

What You’ll Need to Jumpstart a Car

Another Power Source

You’ll need a healthy battery to give your dead one a boost. That could be a jump box (portable battery) or another vehicle.

Ask someone nearby for help if you're in a public place.
If no one is available, call a friend or roadside assistance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Position the Cars Properly

Park the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach both batteries.

Step 2: Turn Off Both Cars

Shift into Park and shut off the ignition in both vehicles.

Step 3: Attach Jumper Cables Safely

Pop the hoods and connect the jumper cables in this order:

Connecting the Red (Positive) Cable:

Red clamp to positive (+) terminal on the dead battery
Other red clamp to positive (+) terminal on the working battery

Connecting the Black (Negative) Cable:

Black clamp to negative (-) terminal on the working battery
Final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery!)

Note: Attaching the last black clamp to a grounded metal point reduces the risk of sparks or explosions.

Jumpstarting the Vehicle

Step 4: Start the Working Car

Let it idle for 2-3 minutes. This allows the dead battery to begin receiving charge.

Step 5: Try to Start the Dead Car

Attempt to start your vehicle.

If it doesn’t start, wait 5-10 more minutes.
Still no luck? Your battery may need to be replaced.

After a Successful Jump

Step 6: Remove the Jumper Cables (Reverse Order)

Disconnect the cables in this order:

Black clamp from grounded metal on the dead car
Black clamp from the working battery
Red clamp from the working battery
Red clamp from the previously dead battery

Step 7: Let the Engine Run

Once your car is running:

Drive it around for at least 15-20 minutes.
Don’t turn off the engine until you’ve recharged it a bit.

Bonus Tip: Replace Your Battery

If your battery needed a jump once, it might be on its last leg. Consider replacing it soon to avoid being stranded again.

You can learn more real-life driving safety skills in our online courses offered through Get Drivers Ed.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

At Get Drivers Ed, we believe preparation is key to confidence behind the wheel. That’s why we include practical lessons like how to jumpstart a car in our courses. Whether you're a new driver or just brushing up on skills, you’ll find everything you need to become a safe, knowledgeable driver.

Conclusion

Jumpstarting a car isn’t just a handy skill—it’s a vital one. By following the correct order and staying calm, you can safely get your vehicle back on the road. And with Get Drivers Ed, you’ll gain even more confidence handling everyday car emergencies.

Ready to become a smarter driver?

Take control of your learning with Get Drivers Ed's online driver education programs and ensure you’re prepared for anything the road throws your way.