How to Jump-Start a Car
A dead battery can happen to any driver. The order you connect jumper cables matters, because the right sequence protects you and your vehicle’s electrical system. Below, the service team at Buchanan Automotive Chevrolet in Waynesboro walks through each step and the safety reasons behind it. We also cover what to do once your engine is running again.
How Do You Identify Battery Terminals and Choose Jumper Cables?
Find both battery terminals before you connect anything. Each terminal is marked with a symbol and pairs with a matching clamp color, as Cars.com outlines.
| Terminal | How It’s Marked | Clamp Color |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Plus sign (+) | Red |
| Negative | Minus sign (−) | Black |
On some vehicles, the positive terminal sits under a trim cover. The negative connection may be a separate grounding point under the hood, according to Chevrolet’s jump-starting instructions. Check your owner’s manual to find these points on your vehicle.
The terminals should be free of corrosion so the clamps make a good connection, as Kelley Blue Book notes. KBB also recommends 4-gauge or 6-gauge jumper cables for most vehicles and advises avoiding 10-gauge cables, which can be too thin. Before each use, check that the cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. Keep the red and black ends apart at all times, because touching clamps can spark.
What Order Do You Connect and Remove Jumper Cables?
Before You Connect
Chevrolet’s owner’s manual lists these steps before any cables go on. Confirm the donor vehicle has a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. Park the two vehicles close together without letting them touch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles and shift into Park. Turn off the ignition, lights and accessories in both vehicles.
Connection and Removal Order
Connect the cables in the order shown, then remove them in the exact reverse order once the disabled vehicle is running. This sequence follows Chevrolet’s owner’s manual.
| Step | To Connect | To Remove |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+) terminal | Black clamp from the ground point on the newly started vehicle |
| 2 | Other red clamp to the good battery’s positive (+) terminal | Black clamp from the good battery’s negative (−) terminal |
| 3 | Black clamp to the good battery’s negative (−) terminal | Red clamp from the good battery’s positive (+) terminal |
| 4 | Last black clamp to the disabled vehicle’s designated negative grounding point, or an unpainted metal bolt or bracket away from the battery | Red clamp from the previously dead battery’s positive (+) terminal |
The information in this article is general guidance and does not constitute a specific diagnostic or repair recommendation for any individual vehicle. Repair and maintenance decisions should be made in consultation with a certified technician based on the specific condition of your vehicle.
Starting the Disabled Vehicle
Start the donor vehicle and let it idle for at least four minutes, as Chevrolet directs. Then try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
Never let the clamps touch each other or any other metal while you connect or remove them. Doing the steps in the wrong order can cause electrical shorting and damage to the vehicle, Chevrolet cautions.
Why Shouldn’t the Last Black Clamp Go on the Dead Battery?
Completing the circuit can create a spark. Batteries give off flammable hydrogen gas, especially while they are charging, as OSHA explains. A spark at the dead battery’s negative terminal happens right where that gas collects, and battery gas can explode or ignite.
Making the final connection at a solid metal ground point away from the battery moves any spark away from the gas. According to Edmunds, it also provides a solid electrical ground.
Can You Use a Portable Jump Starter Instead of Jumper Cables?
Yes. A portable jump starter, also called a jump pack, contains its own lithium-ion or small lead-acid battery, according to Cars.com. It lets you jump-start a vehicle without a second car, so you can handle the recovery yourself.
| Method | Power Source | Second Vehicle Needed? | Before You Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumper cables | A donor vehicle’s 12-volt battery with a negative ground system | Yes | Inspect the cables for loose or missing insulation |
| Portable jump starter | Its own lithium-ion or small lead-acid battery | No | Make sure the pack is charged and switched on |
With a jump pack, you skip the cable-to-cable steps above. Edmunds notes that some units show a confirmation light when the clamps are connected correctly. A jump pack only helps if it’s charged, so keep it charged and in your vehicle.
How Long Should You Drive After a Jump-Start?
Drive for at Least 20 Minutes
A jump-start only gets the engine running. Your vehicle’s alternator recharges the rest of the battery as you drive. Plan to drive for at least 20 minutes so the alternator has time to work, as both KBB and Edmunds recommend.
When a Jump Isn’t Enough
If your vehicle needs another jump, the battery may be failing, especially if it’s a few years old. Have it tested instead of relying on another jump. Kelley Blue Book notes that a dealer service center can test the battery to see if it needs replacing.
How Temperature Affects Your Battery
Batteries lose starting power as temperatures drop. Below 0°F, a battery can lose more than half of its starting power, according to Cars.com. Heat is actually harder on a battery’s overall lifespan, Cars.com notes. Most conventional car batteries last three to five years under average conditions, according to KBB. Have yours tested once it passes three years old.
Does Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Jump-Start a Dead Battery?
Yes. Chevrolet Roadside Assistance includes a battery jump-start. Here is what the program covers.
| Chevrolet Roadside Assistance | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| EV tow coverage | 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Services included | Battery jump-start, towing to the closest Chevrolet dealer, flat tire change using your spare, vehicle unlock service and emergency fuel delivery |
| Roadside line | 1-800-243-8872 |
| EV owners | 1-888-811-1926 |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Coverage details can vary, so check your owner’s manual or ask our service team about your vehicle.
Where Can You Get a Battery Tested in Waynesboro After a Jump-Start?
Drivers in Waynesboro can have their battery checked and replaced at Buchanan Automotive Chevrolet, located at 1035 E Main St. A battery test shows whether a jump-started battery needs replacing.
Our GM Certified Service technicians test your battery and starting system and help with a replacement if you need one. We offer and install ACDelco batteries, and our service center handles full vehicle diagnostics when the problem goes beyond the battery. Learn more on our battery service and replacement page, or call our service center at (717) 762-3141.
Common Questions About Jump-Starting a Car
Can jump-starting a vehicle damage its electronics?
Connecting or removing jumper cables in the wrong order can cause electrical shorting and vehicle damage, which may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Follow the exact connection sequence, turn off lights and accessories, and keep the clamps from touching each other or any other metal.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
How long should you drive after getting a jump-start?
Drive for at least 20 minutes so the alternator can recharge the battery. If the battery dies again soon after, have it tested, because it may need to be replaced.
How many years does a car battery last?
Most conventional car batteries last three to five years under average conditions. Cold weather reduces a battery’s starting power, and heat is harder on its overall lifespan. Have your battery tested once it is more than three years old.
Schedule Your Battery Check at Buchanan Automotive Chevrolet
The right jump-start procedure keeps you safe and protects your vehicle’s electrical system. If your battery has needed a jump recently, a quick test can tell you whether it’s time for a replacement. Schedule service with our team in Waynesboro, and explore more DIY guides in our Service & Parts Tips hub.
Disclaimers
The information in this article is general guidance and does not constitute a specific diagnostic or repair recommendation for any individual vehicle. Repair and maintenance decisions should be made in consultation with a certified technician based on the specific condition of your vehicle.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
