There’s nothing more frustrating than turning your key or pushing the start button only to hear the dreaded click-click-click. A dead battery can ruin your plans in seconds. The good news? If you have jumper cables and a willing helper, you may be able to jump-start your car on your own. But sometimes, it’s safer, and smarter, to call a professional roadside assistance service like ours. With this in mind, we at Citywide Towing Service would like to offer a guide on what to do, and when to leave it to the pros.
Step-by-Step: How to Jump-Start Your Car
Before you begin, make sure you have jumper cables, another working vehicle, and both cars are turned off.
1) Position the Cars: Park the working vehicle close enough to your car so the jumper cables can reach both batteries, but make sure the vehicles aren’t touching.
2) Attach the Jumper Cables in Order:
– Red to dead battery’s positive (+) terminal
– Red to good battery’s positive (+) terminal
– Black to good battery’s negative (–) terminal
– Black to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery itself—this helps prevent sparks)
3) Start the Working Car: Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
4) Try Starting Your Car: Turn the key or press the start button. If it starts, leave both cars running for a few minutes.
5) Disconnect in Reverse Order:
– Black from your car
– Black from the other car
– Red from the other car
– Red from your car
6) Drive for at Least 15–30 Minutes: This gives your battery a chance to recharge.
When to Call Us Instead
Jump-starting your car might seem simple, but it’s not always the safest option—especially if:
– You don’t have jumper cables or another car nearby
– You’re unsure where to connect the cables
– It’s dark, cold, or unsafe where you’re parked
– Your car still won’t start after a jump
– Your battery is leaking or visibly damaged
– You drive an electric or hybrid vehicle
That’s where we come in. Our roadside assistance professionals can come to you quickly, safely jump-start your vehicle, and check for signs of a bigger issue, like a faulty alternator or completely dead battery. We carry the tools and expertise to get you back on the road fast without the risk of damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Towing Service, Roadside Assistance & More in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
Knowing how to jump-start your car is a useful skill, but don’t hesitate to call for help if you’re not confident or the situation isn’t safe. Our team is available [24/7, if applicable] and just a phone call away. Whether you’re at home, work, or stranded on the side of the road, we’ve got your back. No matter if you need a jump start or any other roadside assistance service, or even a tow, call the experts of Citywide Towing Service now and we’ll be there in no time.
