A dead battery can strand anyone—whether you left the headlights on, forgot the interior lights, or are unfamiliar with a rental car on vacation.
Don't call an expensive tow truck. With jumper cables and a helper vehicle, you can get back on the road safely and quickly. As automotive experts with years of roadside assistance experience, we've helped countless drivers with this reliable method. Follow these proven steps:
Park a vehicle with a fully charged battery next to yours. Turn off both engines and engage the parking brakes for safety.
1. Attach one red clamp to the + terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other red clamp to the + terminal of the good battery.
3. Attach one black clamp to the - terminal of the good battery.
4. Secure the other black clamp to an unpainted metal part of the dead car's engine block or chassis (away from the battery), as shown:
5. Start the good vehicle and let it idle for 1-2 minutes.
6. Try starting your car. If it doesn't start immediately, wait another minute and try again.
7. Disconnect in reverse order: black chassis clamp (4), black good battery (3), red good battery (2), red dead battery (1).
Your car is running again! Let it idle for 2-3 minutes (or drive for 20-30 minutes) to recharge the battery.
Pro tip: Avoid connecting the black clamp directly to the dead battery's negative terminal to prevent sparks near hydrogen gas. This method minimizes risks, as recommended by AAA and major automakers.
Keep a set in your trunk for emergencies. We recommend these affordable, highly rated jumper cables for their durability and ease of use:
