When a jump is enough, and when it isn't
A jump start works when a healthy battery has simply been drained: lights left on, a door ajar overnight, a car that sat for a couple of weeks. Once it's running, the alternator recharges it, ideally on a drive of at least half an hour.
A jump doesn't fix a worn-out battery. If the battery is near the end of its life, a jump buys you a few hours or a day. The test after the jump tells you which situation you're in, and if it's time for a new battery, the tech can install one right then instead of making a second trip.
+ 01 Doing it yourself
How to jump a car safely with cables
If you have cables and a helper car, follow the owner's manual for both vehicles. The usual order:
- Red clamp to the dead battery's positive (+) terminal
- Other red clamp to the good battery's positive (+) terminal
- Black clamp to the good battery's negative (−) terminal
- Last black clamp to bare metal on the dead car's engine or a ground point, away from the battery
- Start the good car, wait a few minutes, then start the dead one; remove clamps in reverse order
+ 02 When not to jump
Leave it alone if
Don't jump a battery that's cracked, swollen, leaking or smells of rotten eggs, and don't jump one that might be frozen. Hybrids and EVs have their own rules for jump points; check the manual. When in doubt, call and let the tech handle it.
Questions about jump start service
How long should I drive after a jump start?
At least thirty minutes of steady driving helps the alternator put charge back. A short trip may not be enough, and the car may not restart.
Can jump-starting damage my car?
Done incorrectly, it can damage electronics. Correct cable order, a ground point away from the battery and a quality jump pack keep it safe.
My car needed a jump twice this week. Now what?
Time for a test. The battery may be failing, the alternator may not be charging, or something may be draining it overnight.