How to Jump-Start a Car

It’s happened to even the smartest Valparaiso driver. You forget to turn off the headlights in your car and come out to find the battery is dead. The service center at Bosak Chevrolet is here to help. So, we’ve put together the guide below on how to properly jump-start a car. We’ll even talk about how to jump start a car without another car.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

If you have access to another car’s battery, just follow the steps below on the proper way to jump start a car using another car. Skip to the next section to find out how to jump start a car without another car:

The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

1. Turn both vehicles off.
2. Clamp one end of the red cable to the positive (+) post on the dead battery, then connect the other end to the positive post on the good battery.
3. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative post (-) of the good battery.
4. The other end of the black cable should be attached to the metal frame of the car.
5. Start the engine of the working car and let it run for a minute or two.
6. Try starting the car with the dead battery.
7. Once the car has started, remove the clamps, beginning with the black cable, then the red.
8. Allow the jump-started vehicle to run for a few minutes and take it for a short drive, which will allow the alternator to charge the battery further.

How to Jump Start a Car with a Battery Pack

If there’s no one else in sight, you may be wondering how to jump start a car without another car. Just follow the steps below to get your car back to running on our Chesterton roads:

How to Jump Start a Car with a Battery Pack

• Make sure both the power bank and the car are turned off before connecting the cables to the terminals.
• Connect the positive cable, then the negative cable.
• Turn the battery pack on.
• Try starting the car. If it doesn’t start, wait 2-3 minutes before cranking the ignition again.
• Turn the battery pack off.
• Disconnect the negative cable, then the positive cable.
• Drive your car for about 20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.

Trust Your Car to the Battery Experts at Bosak Chevrolet of Burns Harbor

If your battery is truly dead and you can’t get it jump started, don’t panic. We make it easy for you to get your car serviced. You can even schedule an appointment online. We’re just a short drive away from Lake Station, so drop by or contact us today!