How to Charge a Dead Car Battery Using Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies, you can give it a jump start by using jumper cables. Jumper cables are long, thin wires that are used to connect the positive and negative terminals of two batteries. This will allow the charge from one battery to flow into the other battery, essentially jump starting it. So long as you have a good set of jumper cables and another driver to give you a hand, you can charge up a dead car battery on your own.

Continue below for an instructional guide on how to jump start a dead car battery with jumper cables, plus what you can do if you are without your jumper cables.

 

 Step By Step Guide to Jump Starting a Dead Car Battery

To charge a dead car battery using jumper cables, you will need:

☐ Jumper Cables
☐ Another Car w/a Working Battery

How to Charge a Dead Car Battery

Charging a dead car battery using jumper cables is a relatively simple process. First, make sure that both cars are turned off. Then, connect one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Next, connect the other end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.

Now, connect one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery. Finally, connect the other end of the negative jumper cable to a metal part of the car with the dead battery (such as a bolt). This will complete the circuit and allow the charge to flow from the working battery to the weak battery.

Once the circuit is complete, start the car with the working battery. Let it run for a few minutes, then try starting the car with the problematic battery. If it starts, let it run for a while to charge up the battery. If it doesn’t start, you may need to replace the battery.

Jumper cables are a handy tool to have in your car in case of a dead battery. By following the above steps, you can easily charge a car battery using jumper cables.