How to Jumpstart a Car Safely |

Few things are as frustrating as turning the key and hearing nothing but a click—or worse, complete silence. A dead car battery is one of the most common roadside issues drivers face. The good news is that with the right tools and safety steps, you can jumpstart your car and get back on the road quickly.

At Leenoe Motors, your trusted auto repair and roadside assistance experts in Johannesburg, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to jumpstart a vehicle safely.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A set of jumper cables

• Another vehicle with a fully charged battery

• Safety gloves (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Guide to Jumpstarting a Car

Step 1: Position the Cars Safely

• Park the working car close to the dead car so the jumper cables can reach.

• Make sure both vehicles are in park (automatic) or neutral (manual) and the ignition is turned off.

• Engage the handbrakes on both cars.

Step 2: Connect the Jumper Cables

1. Red cable to dead battery (+): Attach one red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery.

2. Red cable to good battery (+): Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the working battery.

3. Black cable to good battery (–): Attach one black clamp to the negative terminal (–) of the working battery.

4. Black cable to unpainted metal surface: Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface (like a bolt or engine block) on the dead car—not the negative terminal. This reduces the risk of sparks.

Step 3: Start the Cars

• Start the engine of the working car and let it run for 2–3 minutes.

• Try starting the dead car. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a minute and try again.

Step 4: Disconnect the Cables

Once the dead car starts, carefully remove the cables in reverse order:

1. Black clamp from the metal surface on the dead car

2. Black clamp from the good battery

3. Red clamp from the good battery

4. Red clamp from the dead battery

Step 5: Let the Engine Run

Allow the revived car to run for at least 15–20 minutes to recharge the battery before driving off.

Safety Tips

• Never let the clamps touch each other once connected.

• Do not attempt to jumpstart a damaged or leaking battery.

• If the car doesn’t start after several attempts, the problem may not be the battery—it could be the alternator, starter, or wiring.

When to Call a Professional

If your car doesn’t start after trying these steps, it’s best to call in the experts. At Leenoe Motors in Johannesburg, we provide:

• Professional battery testing and replacement

• Alternator and starter repairs

• Complete auto electrical diagnostics

👉 Book your battery service or replacement in Johannesburg today at Leenoe Motors and drive with confidence.

📍 Visit us at: 4 Shaft Street, Westgate, Johannesburg
📞 Call: 073 900 6493
💻 www.leenoemotors.com