How to jump start a car

the tldr; - if you need to jump start your car you better read the whole post mmkay?



Step 0: Don't do anything stupid* (see below) Both cars should be off.

Step 1: (+) cable to dead car
Step 2: (+) cable to good car
Step 3: (-) cable to good car
Step 4: (-) cable to somewhere else in the dead car, like a random nut on the engine. Sparks will happen.

Step 5: Start good car
Step 6: Wait a few minutes
Step 7: Turn off good car, or just start dead car

Step 8: Remove cables in reverse order,
(-) on ex-dead car
(-) on good car
(+) on good car
(+) on ex-dead car.


The good news: The shock you get from doing this wrong isn't enough to kill you, so don't panic too much.


* - stupid things. Don't do these:

• If your battery is cracked, leaking, or frozen, don't try to jump start it. It will just explode if you try.
• If there is corrosion around the battery, clean it off first!
  
• If your cable is heating up and the dead car isn't working yet, your cable is broken.
• Good cables are thick and cost more than $20
• Turn all the other things off, plugged-in chargers/radio/lights...
• Cars should be the same volt. Most cars are, unless it's really old.
• Make sure the brakes are on!
• Know your (+) usually red, from your (-) usually black.
  

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