How do you jumpstart a car?

1. Prepare the car and cables
   
2. Connect the jumper cables
   
3. Start the car
   
4. Disconnect the cables
   
5. Charge the battery

Overview

• Knowing how to jumpstart a car is an essential skill for every driver, especially when faced with sudden battery trouble on the road.  
  
• With this step-by-step guide from Motolite, you’ll learn the proper and safe way to revive your car’s battery, along with when to call for help through the Motolite RES-Q app for 24/7 roadside assistance.

When your car won’t start, knowing how to jumpstart it properly can save you time, stress, and even money. Whether you’re dealing with a weak or dead battery, understanding the right steps ensures your safety and prevents further damage to your vehicle. 
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to jumpstart a car safely and efficiently. We’ll also cover when it’s best to call for roadside assistance from the experts.

With the right know-how and support, you’ll never be stranded for long. That’s why having the Motolite RES-Q app on your phone is always handy. It gives you quick access to reliable roadside help anytime and anywhere.

Download the RES-Q App now: Google Play | App Store | AppGallery

What to Do Before Jumpstarting?

Before you even touch the cables, take a moment to assess the situation and make sure everything is safe to proceed. You’ll need two cars for this process: your vehicle with the dead battery and another car with a working one to supply the charge. These quick checks will help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth jumpstart process.

Inside the car:

• Turn off the ignition, headlights, and all electrical accessories like the radio or air conditioning to avoid short circuits once the cables are connected.
  
• Engage the handbrake and put the car in “Park” (for automatic) or “Neutral” (for manual) to prevent it from moving unexpectedly.

Before popping the hood:

• Park both vehicles on a flat surface close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but make sure they’re not touching each other.
  
• Check for warning signs—look for leaks, cracks, or unusual smells from the battery, as these could indicate damage and make it unsafe to jumpstart.
• Inspect the battery terminals to ensure they’re clean and free from corrosion for a proper connection.

When to Ask for Help 

If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to call for professional assistance through the Motolite RES-Q app, which offers 24/7 roadside help wherever you are.

• If you’re not confident doing it yourself – Don’t risk it; wait for expert help.
  
• If the battery is leaking or swollen – It’s unsafe to handle.
  
• If your car still won’t start – There may be a deeper issue.
  
• If you’re in an unsafe or unfamiliar area – Stay inside and wait for technicians. 

Prepare the Car and Cables

Before you begin, take a moment to set up your vehicles properly — good preparation ensures safety and a smooth jumpstart. Park both cars close enough for the cables to reach, but make sure they’re not touching. Turn off both engines, engage the handbrakes, and switch off all electrical components like lights, air conditioning, and the radio.

Next, pop the hoods and inspect both batteries. Check for corrosion, leaks, or loose terminals, and gently clean them if needed to ensure a secure connection. These small steps help prevent sparks or short circuits and protect your vehicle’s electrical system during the process.

Connect the Jumper Cables 

Now that everything’s in place, it’s time to connect the jumper cables, but do it in the right order to avoid sparks or damage. Follow these steps carefully:

• Red to Dead: Attach one end of the red (positive +) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
  
• Red to Donor: Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
  
• Black to Donor: Take the black (negative –) cable and connect it to the negative terminal of the good battery.
  
• Black to Metal: Attach the last end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the stalled car (like a bolt or bracket).

Double-check that all clamps are secure and not touching each other or any moving parts. Doing this in the right sequence ensures the power flows safely between both batteries.

Start the Car 

Once both batteries are properly connected, it’s time to transfer power. Start the car with the working battery first and let it run for a few minutes to send charge to the dead one. Then, try starting your car. If it doesn’t start right away, wait a minute before trying again.

Avoid cranking the engine repeatedly — it can damage both batteries. Once your engine starts, keep it running for 10–15 minutes to help recharge the battery. You can also lightly rev the other car’s engine to boost the process.

Disconnect the Cables 

After your engine is running smoothly, it’s time to safely remove the jumper cables. Let your car idle for a few minutes, then disconnect the cables in the reverse order of how you attached them:

1. Black clamp from your car.
   
2. Black clamp from the donor car.
   
3. Red clamp from your car.
   
4. Red clamp from the donor car.

Make sure the clamps don’t touch each other or any metal surface while removing them. This prevents sparks and protects both vehicles’ electrical systems.

Charge the Battery 

Jumpstarting gets your car running, but it doesn’t fully recharge your battery. To make sure it stays healthy, drive for at least 15–30 minutes or keep the engine idling for a while. This allows your alternator to restore power naturally.

If your battery drains again shortly after, it might be time for a replacement — and that’s where Motolite’s RES-Q service can help with a quick diagnosis and on-the-spot battery delivery.

Key Takeaway  

Now that you know how to jumpstart a car, you’ll be more prepared to handle unexpected battery issues calmly and confidently. Remember, safety always comes first, so if you’re unsure or the problem seems serious, it’s best to call for professional help instead of taking risks. 

With the Motolite RES-Q app, reliable roadside assistance is just a tap away, anytime and anywhere. Download the app today and enjoy peace of mind knowing Motolite is always ready to rescue you whenever car trouble strikes.