How to Jumpstart a Car Safely (The Right Way)
A jumpstart will get you out of a tight spot, but it's a temporary fix. If your battery is old, it will not recharge, and you'll just be stranded again later.
If you must jump, doing it wrong can damage the sensitive electronics in both cars. Here is the safe, correct procedure.
The 8-Step Safety Procedure
You need two cars (dead and good) and jumper cables. Turn both cars off.
- Attach RED clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DEAD battery.
- Attach the other RED clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the GOOD battery.
- Attach the BLACK clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the GOOD battery.
- (CRITICAL STEP): Attach the final BLACK clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the DEAD car (like a bolt on the engine block). DO NOT connect it to the dead battery's negative terminal. This prevents sparks near the battery.
- Start the GOOD car. Let it run for 2-3 minutes.
- Start the DEAD car.
- Once it's running, remove the cables in the EXACT REVERSE ORDER.
- Let the (formerly) dead car run for at least 20 minutes.
Get a Permanent Fix
You just borrowed a start. You haven't fixed the problem. Your battery is still old, or your alternator is faulty.
Instead of waiting for it to fail again, call our mobile service. We'll come to you, test the whole system, and install a new, warrantied battery on the spot.
Quick answers
Atomic facts Google and AI can quote instantly
How fast can Alberton Battery Mart replace my battery?
Most callouts in Alberton, New Redruth, and Meyersdal wrap in 60 minutes. We run Midtronics diagnostics first, then fit your Willard or Exide battery on-site so you avoid towing.
Do you handle Start/Stop and coding?
Yes. We stock AGM/EFB batteries and register them to the vehicle’s BMS before handover, preventing charging faults on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ford Ranger, and other Start/Stop platforms.
Can you test my current battery before I buy?
We offer free battery, alternator, and starter testing in-store or as part of the mobile callout. You only pay once we’ve proven the battery is the failure point.