Comments on: How to Jump-Start a Car

on 9/30/2008 The textual instructions different greatly from the video instructions. The video instructions are more accurate, so I would listen to those before I looked at the erroneous text instructions.

on 9/9/2008 should the other car not be left idling when you start try to start the car with the flat battery?

on 8/22/2008 sorry for the double post - computer hiccuped :)

on 8/22/2008 It's also a good idea (if you aren't comfortable using your car as the "jump" vehicle - for fear of battery damage) is to invest in a portable "jump station", which are available at most auto parts, Wal-mart, those type of stores (Some can be found as low as $50). You can keep it in the trunk and what's great about these is that they're easy to use, have clear instructions, and it takes the guesswork out of wondering if you have everything hooked up correctly. It's just a matter of connecting the clamps and flicking a switch. However, the use of a jump station is limitted to the size of the vehicle. I've found that mine will start my small GMC Safari, but will not start a full-sized commercial cube(box) Van with large 8 cylinder engine. Of course, you will only need one that will be able to handle most regular non-commercial vehicles.

on 8/22/2008 It's also a good idea (if you aren't comfortable using your car as the "jump" vehicle - for fear of battery damage) is to invest in a portable "jump station", which are available at most auto parts, Wal-mart, those type of stores (Some can be found as low as $50). You can keep it in the trunk and what's great about these is that they're easy to use, have clear instructions, and it takes the guesswork out of wondering if you have everything hooked up correctly. It's just a matter of connecting the clamps and flicking a switch. However, the use of a jump station is limitted to the size of the vehicle. I've found that mine will start my small GMC Safari, but will not start a full-sized commercial cube(box) Van with large 8 cylinder engine. Of course, you will only need one that will be able to handle most regular non-commercial vehicles.

on 7/31/2008 Hey, pretty good video. I'd like to add something similar to my website but not sure how to go about the process. http://www.arizonahomeownerinsurance.biz

on 5/5/2008 Excellent video! I would suggest adding a CAUTION to ensure the red(+) and black(-) clips do NOT touch each other, causing a short circuit, when the clips on the opposite end are connected to a battery.

Brother Wayne

on 4/30/2008 Thank you so much for this video and your clear instructions, I was always afraid to do this, but now I think I could.

on 3/20/2008 Informative article. Thanks for writing it!

on 3/20/2008 Informative article. Thanks for writing it!

on 2/24/2008 You may have early symptoms that your battery is in trouble. Most modern cars will act as if there is a vacuum leak or like your car is running out of gas. Power surges in the engine performance and sputtering fallowed with dimming or flickering headlights and dash instruments are all signs that your battery has a dead cell, and will not take a charge. This is not repairable and you will need a new battery.

on 2/24/2008 To avoid voltage spikes I will usualy leave the ignition on in the vehicle being jumped and turn on the climate control fan, set to low. This will absorb any spike from damaging computer components and reduce sparking when making the final ground connection to the disabled vehicle.

on 2/24/2008 Never engage your starter for more than a few seconds. They draw alot of current and generate heat very quickly. They are only made for short bursts at a time. Start for a few seconds and let rest for a few seconds between tries. Anything over 8 seconds and your askin for more trouble than just a dead battery.

on 2/15/2008 I wouldn't recommend putting a car with a standard (stick) transmission in gear before trying a jump start. When you try to start the car, if it is in gear, it will surge forward and potentially hit the other car, or worse, a person. You could even pin someone between the cars. All scenarios could result in injury or death. Just use the parking brake and leave a standard transmission in neutral.

on 12/18/2007 READER BEWARE - If you follow the written instructions, your car will not start! Not only did they get the cable connection order wrong--it should be 1) + booster battery, 2) + dead battery, 3) - dead, 4) - booster, but they omit the step of starting the car with the booster battery! Please, on a topic as important to get right as jumping a battery, let's do some proofreading!