HELP-02 · Roadside · 10 min

How to jump-start a car (the safe way)

The right cable order, what to do if it still won’t start, and how to tell if the battery is the real problem.

The short answer

Red to dead (+), red to good (+), black to good (−), last black to bare metal on the dead car, away from the battery.

HELP-02 · Video walkthrough coming soon

We’re filming these in the shop.

Step by step

0 / 6 done

Tap each step as you go.

Keep in mind

Don’t jump a battery that’s cracked, leaking, bulging or frozen.
Never let the clamps touch each other while connected.
A portable jump pack follows the same order and is a great thing to keep in the car all winter.

More free help

Tap the light on your dash to see what it means, how serious it is, and whether you can keep driving.

Which battery it takes, how to open it, and how to start the car even when the fob is dead.

How to get off the road, put on the spare (or use the inflator kit), and what to do next.

Rather we handle it?

Call or text 603-818-3121. Send a photo and we’ll tell you what we think, even before you come in.