How to Properly Jump Start a Car

What is required to jump start a car?

A. Jumper cables and a jack
B. A power source and a jack
C. Jumper cables and a wrench
D. Jumper cables and a power source

Answer:

D. Jumper cables and a power source

Jump starting a car requires jumper cables and a power source. When a car's battery is dead, you can use jumper cables to connect it to another vehicle or a portable power source to give it the boost it needs to start. Jumper cables are equipped with two color cables – red and black. The red cable is positive, while the black cable is negative.

To jump start a car, follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparation

Ensure both vehicles are turned off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Park the vehicles close enough for the jumper cables to reach but not touching each other.

Step 2: Connect the Jumper Cables

1. Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other red clip to the positive terminal of the working battery.
3. Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal of the working battery.
4. Connect the other black clip to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery (this serves as the ground).

Step 3: Start the Working Vehicle

Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.

Step 4: Start the Dead Vehicle

Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start, check the connections and try again. Once the vehicle starts, leave it running and disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order.

It's important to follow these steps carefully to avoid any damage to the vehicles or injury to yourself. If you're unsure about jump starting a car, it's best to seek the help of a professional.