The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

Did your car die in Valdosta? It can be a frustrating and scary experience. Whether you decide to call a jump-start car service or learn how to jump-start a car on your own, soon you’ll be back on the road and on with your day! If you’ve decided to learn how to jump-start a car, grab a pair of jumper cables and a friend’s vehicle, and follow the guide from the Valdosta Nissan service team below. 

How to Properly Jump-Start a Car

Before you can learn how to jump-start a car, you’ll need to get a pair of jumper cables and a second (preferably working) vehicle. If you don’t own a pair of jumper cables you can find them at any Valdosta auto store, the automotive section of most big-box stores, and even some larger gas stations. Once you have these two things, follow the instructions below:

1. Have the working vehicle park so it’s facing the engine of the dead car. Make sure both cars are off before continuing. 
2. Open the hoods of both vehicles and identify the batteries. Wipe away any dirt, corrosion, or water from the area. 
3. Find the positive ( + ) and negative ( – ) terminals. Ensure that they are also clear of corrosion, water, or dirt. 
4. Take one of the red clamps and connect it to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
5. Take the other red clamp and connect it to the positive terminal of the working battery. 
6. Take the paired black clamp and connect it to the negative terminal on the working battery. 
7. Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the dead vehicle. 
8. With all the clamps secure, start the engine of the working vehicle. Then start the engine of the non-working vehicle. 
9. With the once-dead vehicle jump-started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order you put them on. Take care to ensure the metal tips of the cables do not touch each other. 
10. Allow the newly-started vehicle to run for at least ten minutes so the alternator can charge the battery. 

Car Won’t Jump-Start?

If your car won’t jump-start you may need a new battery, or you may have a more serious problem with your engine. Read below to troubleshoot the issue:

• If your battery dies frequently, you may need a new one. The Valdosta Nissan parts center can help you get the right battery for your Nissan. 
• If you turn the key in your ignition but only hear a clicking sound, you could have a faulty starter. Schedule service at your Thomasville-area service center to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.
• If the electrical systems in your Nissan turn on (the lights, radio, entertainment system, etc), but the engine does not turn over, it could be the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a blown fuse. A Nissan technician can identify the problem and fix it for you. 
• If you allow your vehicle to run for at least ten minutes but it needs another jump-start later on, you could have a faulty alternator. If this is the case Valdosta Nissan can replace your alternator for you, or you can order a new one from our parts center. 

Schedule Service With Valdosta Nissan

Learning how to jump-start a car is relatively easy, but if you’re still experiencing problems with your vehicle bring it to the Valdosta Nissan service center! Our certified technicians will inspect your battery and engine to identify the problem. We can even replace your oil and rotate your tires while you’re here! Browse our service specials to find savings on our Nissan parts and services, then stop by our Hahira-area service center to get your Nissan back in working order. Make sure to read our DIY service tips for more information on how to keep your Nissan running like new, including how to start your Nissan with a dead key fob!