How to Jump-Start a Car | Halfords UK

Introduction

Jump-starting a car can seem daunting, especially if you've never done it before. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can safely revive a flat battery using jump leads and another vehicle.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items ready:

• Two jump leads: one red (positive) and one black (negative)
• Another vehicle with a charged battery
• Safety gear: gloves and goggles

Step 2: Ensure Safety First

Before attempting to jump-start your car, check the following:

• Inspect the battery for any damage or leaks. If it's damaged, do not proceed; seek professional help.
• Ensure there are no metal objects or clothing near the battery.
• Keep all naked flames, including cigarettes, away from the area.
• Make sure the key is out of the ignition.

Step 3: Position the Vehicles

• Park the vehicle with the charged battery directly opposite the car with the flat battery. Ensure that the bonnets are facing one another.
• Engage the handbrake on both vehicles for safety.

Step 4: Open the Bonnet and Prepare the Leads

• Open both car bonnets and check that the jump leads can reach between the two vehicles.

Step 5: Connect the Jump Leads

1. Attach the Red Lead

   • Find the ‘positive’ terminal on the working car (typically marked with a +).
   • Connect the red jump lead to the positive terminal on the working car.
   • Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal on the car with the flat battery.

2. Attach the Black Lead

   • Connect the black jump lead to the negative terminal on the working car.
   • For the other end of the black lead, do not connect it to the negative terminal of the flat battery. Instead, find a solid metal point on the car that is away from the battery and fuel system. This may be a designated earthing rod; consult your vehicle handbook if unsure.

Step 6: Wait and Start the Engines

• Allow the vehicles to sit with the connections for about five minutes.
• Start the engine of the charged vehicle and let it run for one minute.
• Attempt to start the engine of the car with the flat battery. If it doesn't start within five seconds, wait two more minutes and try again.

Step 7: Keep the Engines Running

• Once the car with the flat battery starts, let both vehicles run for about ten minutes to charge the flat battery further.

Step 8: Disconnect the Leads

1. Remove the black lead from the car with the flat battery first.
2. Next, remove the black lead from the working car.
3. Then, detach the red lead from the working car.
4. Finally, remove the red lead from the previously flat battery.

Step 9: Final Steps

• Let the car that was previously flat run for an additional twenty minutes, or take it for a 30-minute drive to ensure the battery gets a good charge.

Conclusion

Jump-starting a car is a straightforward process if done with care. Always prioritize safety by checking the battery and surroundings. If you're uncomfortable with jump-starting your car, consider using a professional service like Halfords to assist you. Remember to keep your vehicle's battery in good shape to avoid flat battery situations in the future!