How to Jump-Start a Car

If you’re out on Merriam roads and your vehicle won’t start, you probably need to know how to jump-start a car or need a jump-start car service. Follow this handy guide on how to properly jump-start a car from the service team at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission so you can learn the proper way to jump-start a car. If you need a battery replacement, you can order one online or make a service appointment.

The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

Let’s start with the basics of how to properly jump-start a car. You’ll need some jumper cables and another vehicle. You could also use a jump-start car service such as AAA or the roadside assistance that came with your new Chevy. To jump-start a car battery and get back on Kansas City roads, follow these simple steps:

1. Park your vehicles so they are facing each other. Then, turn off the cars and make sure they both have the parking brakes engaged.
2. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. You might need to remove a plastic casing to expose the battery terminals.
3. Identify the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals. Make sure the cables are clean and free of any corrosion.
4. Connect the red clamp of the jumper cable to the positive post on the dead battery.
5. Hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery on the other vehicle.
6. Connect the black jumper cable clamp to the negative post on the working battery. 
7. For the final black clamp, connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of your vehicle, or if you can’t find a good spot, to the negative post on your battery.
8. Once everything is securely connected, have the other driver start their vehicle (the one with the good battery). Then, start your vehicle. 
9. Once your car has been successfully jump-started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected. Then, the other driver can shut off their engine but keep your car running. 
10. Keep your car engine running for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the weak battery gets a full charge. 

How to Use Chevrolet Jump-Start Car Service and Roadside Assistance

New Chevy vehicles come with a jump-start car service and Roadside Assistance program. If you can’t get someone else to give you a jump-start, call the Roadside Assistance number to get a professional to assist you. The service is available 24/7, and happy to help. If for some reason, your car won’t jump-start, Roadside Assistance will provide complimentary towing to the nearest authorized dealership, such as Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission.

More Car Battery Tips and Tricks

If your car won’t jump-start, you probably need a battery replacement, or it may be a sign of a more severe problem, like an alternator malfunction. Following these steps can help you troubleshoot the issue.

1. If, when you try to start the car, you only hear a clicking sound, the starter might be malfunctioning. Schedule a service appointment at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission near Shawnee Mission
2. If the other electrical systems of your car are still working, but the engine still won’t turn over, there could be several issues. It might be the ignition switch, starter, or a blown fuse. Contact the Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission service center to get a quick diagnosis of the problem.
3. Make sure you keep your vehicle running for a while after getting the jump-start. That will allow the battery to recharge again fully.

Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission Is Always At Your Service

Just like a trusted friend, Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission is always at your service and ready to help. Whether you need help with a car battery replacement, new tires, or an oil change, we’re ready to assist you. Our service center is conveniently located near Overland Park, so contact us today.