Jump-starting any vehicle is a straightforward process if done correctly. Here are the steps you need to take to jump start a car, courtesy of your Chevy dealer.
1. Prepare the Vehicles
Park the working vehicle close to your Chevy so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries. Make sure that the cars aren’t close enough to touch, as that could potentially cause a short circuit. Both cars should be turned off, with the keys out of the ignition, and the parking brakes engaged.
2. Identify the Battery Terminals
Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate their batteries. You need to identify the positive and negative terminals on both batteries. The positive terminal is typically marked with a red cover or a “+” sign, while the negative is marked with a “-” sign.
3. Connect the Jumper Cables
Be careful not to let the clips at the end of the cables touch anything, even each other, to avoid sparking. First, attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your Chevy’s dead battery. Then attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the working vehicle’s battery.
Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery, then attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your Chevy, away from the battery. A metal strut that holds the hood open is a good option to safely complete the circuit.
4. Start the Working Vehicle
Turn on the working vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes. This will charge your Chevy’s dead battery.
5. Try to Start Your Chevy
After a few minutes, try starting your car. If it doesn’t start, check that the cables are connected properly and wait a few more minutes before you try again.
6. Disconnect the Jumper Cables
Once your Chevy starts, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse of the order you attached them. Remove the black clip from your Chevy, then the black clip from the other car, followed by the red clip from the working vehicle, and finally the red clip from your Chevy.
7. Keep the Engine Running
Keeping your car running for at least 15 minutes allows the alternator to charge the battery. If you have time, take your car out and drive for 20 to 30 minutes.
8. Visit Your Chevy Dealer
If you need to jump start your battery frequently, or if it won’t start your car without an obvious reason, it may be time to visit the dealership. Batteries weaken over time, and if you have to jump start your car over and over, it might be time to replace yours.
Follow these steps carefully and your car should be running again in no time. Call Bommarito Chevrolet South County in St. Louis, MO, to get your battery checked.
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