If you are unable to start your car, a jump-start, car battery service, or something similar may be required. In most cases, jump-starting the battery should fix the issue. If you are not sure how to properly jump-start a car, the automotive experts at Alexandria Volkswagen have provided a quick guide below. You should not need to call a jump-start car service. If you discover that the battery is in need of replacement, our team can help you find the right one for your particular make and model. Learn how to jump a car in no time with Alexandria Volkswagen.
The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car
If you have a set of jumper cables and another vehicle that can assist you, you are ready to begin the process of jumping a car. If you do not, you have the option to call a jump-start car service like AAA. Here is what you need to do when you follow our jump-start car tips:
- The vehicle with the working battery should park facing the other vehicle. That vehicle needs to be turned off. Engage the parking brakes in both vehicles.
- Open both hoods and find the batteries. With some vehicles, there may be a plastic hood covering the battery terminals.
- Find the positive and negative terminals. Ensure that they are clean and that there is no evidence of corrosion.
- The red clamp should be connected to the positive post on the dead battery.
- Uncoil the battery cable and attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
- The black clamp should be attached to the negative post on the good battery.
- Find an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the car where you can attach the final black clamp.
- Ensure that all components are hooked up securely. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first. Then you can start the vehicle with the dead battery.
- Once the dead vehicle has been jump-started, you can begin to carefully remove the jumper cables. This will need to be done in the reverse order that they were placed on. After they have been safely removed, turn off the car that assisted with the jump-start.
- For the vehicle that was restarted, the engine should remain running for at least 10 minutes. This gives the battery time to recharge so it doesn’t immediately die again. There may be different recommendations from the manufacturer, so it is a good idea to take a look at your owner’s manual.
These directions on how to jump-start a car should help you get back on the road safely!
Additional Battery Care
What happens when your car won’t jump-start? It may be an indicator that the battery needs to be replaced. However, it can also signal a bigger issue with the car. Try some of these troubleshooting tips below before visiting our Alexandria service center:
- If you try to start the car but only hear a clicking sound, it could be due to an issue with the starter. If this is the case, you can set up a service appointment near Washington DC right here at Alexandria Volkswagen.
- If the electrical systems of the car turn on, but the engine fails to turn over, several causes are possible. This issue could be due to the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. Once again, it is a good idea to have the issue diagnosed by a professional.
- If you don’t allow your vehicle to run for an adequate amount of time after the jump-start, the battery may die again shortly after. It needs time to fully recharge after it has been drained.
Find Reliable Automotive Service at Alexandria Volkswagen
From helping you find a new battery to changing the oil in your vehicle or jumping a car, the service department at Alexandria Volkswagen near Springfield is here to assist you. If your car won’t start and you need major repairs, we can help you get car repair financing. Now that you know how to jump a car, if you have any questions about automotive maintenance or if you need to set up your next appointment, feel free to contact us at your convenience.
