How To Jump-Start a Dead Battery Correctly

A battery jump-start looks straightforward, but done incorrectly it can damage both the battery and the vehicle's electronic systems. Knowing the correct sequence is essential.

What you need

• Jump leads (at least 1.5 metres long)
• A donor vehicle (preferably the same voltage — 12V)
• Gloves and safety goggles (recommended)

Connection sequence

1. Connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of the flat battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red cable to the (+) terminal of the charged battery.
3. Connect the black cable to the (−) terminal of the charged battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black cable to a bare metal part of the dead vehicle's chassis — not to the (−) terminal of the battery!

That last step is critical: if you connect the black cable to the dead battery's negative terminal, you risk sparking and even an explosion.

Starting the engine

Start the donor vehicle and let it run for 2–3 minutes. Then try to start the dead vehicle. If it starts, remove the cables in the reverse order of connection — without switching off the engine.

If it still doesn't start

If the battery is completely drained or damaged, a jump-start may not be enough. In that case, call a roadside assistance service. We provide on-the-spot battery jump-starts across Trabzon and the surrounding area (0537 495 18 61).