A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for roadside calls, especially in winter. While it's often a simple fix, doing it wrong can damage modern car electronics or cause injury.
Diagnosing the Problem
Turn the key. If you hear a rapid clicking sound or silence, and your headlights are dim or off, it's likely the battery.
Safety First
- Never jump a frozen battery (it can explode).
- Check your owner's manual—some hybrids/EVs have specific jump points.
- Wear eye protection if available.
- Don't let the cars touch.
How to Jump Start
- Red to Dead: Connect positive clamp to the dead battery.
- Red to Donor: Connect positive clamp to the working battery.
- Black to Donor: Connect negative clamp to the working battery.
- Black to Metal: Connect negative clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine block.
- Start the donor car, wait a few minutes, then try the dead car.
When to Call a Pro
If you're unsure about the connections, if it's pouring rain, or if the battery is leaking/swollen, don't risk it. Call Roadial.
