A dead car battery can disrupt your plans, but with knowledge and a little bit of planning, you can quickly get back on the road. At Foundation Chevrolet, we’re here to guide you through the process of jump-starting your car safely and efficiently. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and learn when to schedule Chevrolet service if you suspect a deeper problem.

Step-by-Step Guide to Jump-Start a Car Battery

It’s not hard to jump-start a battery, but it takes a little care and know-how.

1. Gather the Necessary Tools: You’ll need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a charged battery.

2. Position the Vehicles: Park the cars close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but make sure they don’t touch. Turn off both vehicles and engage their parking brakes.

3. Attach the Jumper Cables:

  • Red Clamp (Positive): Connect one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery and the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the charged battery.
  • Black Clamp (Negative): Attach one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the charged battery. Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery, such as a bolt or bracket.

4. Start the Donor Vehicle: Turn on the engine of the vehicle with the charged battery and let it idle for a few minutes.

5. Start the Dead Vehicle: Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few minutes and try again. If it still won’t start, have your vehicle towed to our service center.

6. Remove the Jumper Cables in Reverse Order:

  • Remove the black clamp from the metal surface of your car.
  • Remove the black clamp from the negative terminal of the charged battery.
  • Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the charged battery.
  • Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of your previously dead battery.

7. Let the Engine Run: Allow the jumped vehicle to run for at least 15 minutes to recharge the battery, including drive time.

What to Do if Your Car Battery Loses Charge Often

If your car battery frequently dies, it may indicate a deeper issue. Here’s what you can do:

  • Inspect the Battery: Look for corrosion, loose connections, or physical damage.
  • Test the Battery: Visit our service center at Foundation Chevrolet to check the battery’s health. It may need replacement if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
  • Check the Alternator: A failing alternator may not charge the battery properly, so you should have it inspected by a professional.
  • Reduce Battery Drain: Turn off lights, radio, and other accessories when the engine is off to prevent unnecessary battery drain.
  • Invest in a Portable Charger: For added convenience, consider a portable battery charger from our Chevrolet parts department to avoid getting stranded.

Schedule Expert Chevrolet Battery Service in Wheat Ridge, CO

Whether it’s a quick jump-start or a complete battery replacement, the Foundation Chevrolet service team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure your car is ready to go when you need it most. Let us keep your Chevrolet running smoothly and reliably!