How to jump-start a car safely
Jump-starting is safe when the leads go on in the right order and both vehicles are parked well away from traffic. Always check the owner's manual first — some cars, including many hybrids and EVs, have specific jump points or rules.
Safety classification
Safe homeowner task
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Park safely
Both cars off the road, in park or neutral, handbrakes on, ignitions off and not touching each other.
- 2
Connect the red lead
Red to the positive (+) terminal of the flat battery, then red to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- 3
Connect the black lead
Black to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery, then the other black clamp to bare, unpainted metal on the flat car's engine, away from the battery.
- 4
Start the cars
Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes, then try the flat car. Do not crank for more than a few seconds at a time.
- 5
Disconnect in reverse
Remove the leads in the reverse order and keep the jumped car running for at least 20 minutes. Have the battery and charging system tested.
When to stop
- The battery is cracked, swollen, leaking or frozen
- You are on a road shoulder near live traffic
- The owner's manual prohibits jump-starting
- The car will not start after a couple of attempts
Roadside assistance
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category and service will be pre-filled.
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