If your car battery has died, you may be able to use jumper cables to jump-start it with the help of some good Samaritan's vehicle. If you can safely use jumper cables on your vehicle, make sure that the
battery on the good Samaritan's vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own. As long as you hook up the cables properly, it doesn't matter whether your vehicle has negative ground and the other vehicle has positive ground, or your vehicle has an alternator and the other vehicle has a generator. If either vehicle has an electronic ignition system or is an alternatively fueled vehicle, the use of jumper cables may damage it. To safely jump-start, follow these steps:
If your car doesn't start, check out these tips for troubleshooting a car that won't start. About This ArticleAbout the book author:Deanna Sclar is an acclaimed auto repair expert. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows, including NBC's Today show and the NBCNightly News. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies. This article can be found in the category:
The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more. So you want to know how to start a car with a dead battery without another car? Well, fine sir or madame, hold your horses. Unless your car has a manual transmission, you’re dreaming the impossible dream. While jump-starting a car is a simple skill, you’ll need a back-up plan for when you’re out in the sticks with no cables, no jump box, and not another human/car in sight. Some MacGyvers in the audience may swear the battery-on-battery method (don’t ask) is perfectly safe, but if your automatic-transmission car’s battery is dead, and you’re without jumper cables, you’ve got two options: grab the portable jump-starter you’ve got stowed in your car, or call a tow truck or the AAA for battery service. But let’s say you’ve got a standard-shift and you’re game to push-start your car. We’re going to show you how to do it safely, and give you some other options just in case it’s not your battery that’s the problem after all. To get you back on the road and roaring off into the sunset, The Drive’s crack How-To team is here to help you jump start your car without another car, when at all possible. Got your running shoes on? BasicsEstimated Time Needed: 30 minutes Skill Level: Intermediate Vehicle System: Electrical Starting a Car With a Jump Starter, DepositphotosSafetyIt’s important to remember you should never attempt to jump-start a car with a damaged battery, which can catch fire or even explode. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure you keep your skin spotless and your heart thrumming to Rhythm Nation’s beat.
Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.) Jump Starter, DepositphotosEverything You’ll NeedWe’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. Tool List
Here’s How to Start a Car With a Dead Battery Without Another CarLet’s do this! Push-StartingPush-starting, also known as pop- and/or bump-starting, is a method of resurrection by which the engine is spun to life by force instead of a battery-powered starter. You’ll need a short, flat distance of street or a slight incline and a strapping friend or two to do the pushing. Ready?
Utilizing a Jump-Start BoxJump boxes are essentially small portable batteries with jumper cables attached. They also use software to prevent voltage spikes that can damage your car’s electrical system, so they’re safer than jumper cables. Some come with onboard safety lights, AC outlets, and USB ports to charge your phone. They’re also inexpensive and available at hardware, auto parts, and online stores. For all they can do, it’s worth getting one to keep in the car in case of emergencies. Here’s how to use one:
Call For Roadside AssistanceRoadside assistance is often built into your car or motorcycle’s insurance plan, although you’ll have to check your specific coverage—roadside assistance phone numbers are usually printed on your insurance card. Local towing services will have jump-starters for dead-battery situations.
Safety Third!These methods are only to be used when you're in mortal danger, and it's riskier to not start your car than try these, (e.g. evacuating a war zone, running from zombies, if you're terrified of small birds and there’s a flock of parakeets descending upon you, Seinfeld announced a one-time-only cast reunion and it starts in twenty minutes, or if The Drive’s Mike Spinelli has decided to streak down 5th Ave and you, unfortunately, have a front-row seat.) (We’re sorry for that last visual—Ed.) The MacGyver
The Shocker
The Mike Tyson
Get Help With Starting Your Car From a Mechanic On JustAnswerThe Drive recognizes that while our How-To guides are detailed and easily followed, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere can derail a project. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. Pro Tips To Start Your Car Without Another CarHere are The Drive’s pro tips for starting your car's dead battery without another car.
Featured ProductsGot a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: How much does a jump start usually cost?If you call a local towing company or roadside assistance company, they might charge you anywhere from $50 to $100 for a jump start.
Can you Uber for a jump start?However, calling Uber might be a smart move. They'll be more than happy to take your money for a jump start.
How do you give your car a jump without another car?What you have to do is set the ignition key to the On position, set the car into 2nd gear, get someone to push the car until it picks up a little speed, then release the clutch pedal. At that point, the transmission will turn the engine over enough for it to start. This method usually works.
How can I get my car jump started?How to jump start a car. Park. Park the cars close to one another, without touching. ... . Prep. Pop the hoods, and locate the batteries. ... . Attach. Hook the red (+) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. ... . Start 'er up. Start the working car. ... . Remove: Remove the cables in the reverse order you attached them.. Let 'er run.. |
How to get a jump for your car
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