In case of a battery failure, it’s important to have booster cables (also known as jumper cables) handy. At Canadian Tire, we offer a selection of battery jumper cables that come in various lengths and gauges.
When it comes to using the cables to jump start your car, we recommend you review your owner’s manual for any information you should be aware of. It’s important to wear protective goggles and gloves to protect from fumes and sparks. If mishandled, jumper cables can be dangerous.
How To Jump Start A Dead Battery
Here are some steps you can follow to safely boost your car with jumper cables:
· Position the booster vehicle close to the car with the dead battery so that the jumper cables can reach each other. Before attaching the clamps, both vehicles should be off.
· Locate the positive and negative posts on the battery.
· Get your jumper cable and connect one of the red clamps to the positive terminal of the dead battery. For a solid connection, wiggle the clamp.
· Clamp the matching end of the same cable to the positive post on the functioning vehicle’s positive battery terminal.
· Next, attach the black clamp to the negative post of the functioning battery.
· Instead of connecting the other end of the cable to the negative terminal, attach that clamp to an unpainted metal part of the dead car, like a bolt or a screw. This will ensure a safe jump.
· Start the working vehicle’s engine first, then start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, leave the booster cables for a minute or two, then try again.
· Once the dead vehicle is running, remove the cables in the reverse order.
· Drive the car that was jumped to help recharge the battery.
For more information on how to jumpstart your vehicle, see our guide on How to Boost Your Car With Cables.
What is the order to hook up jumper cables?
This is the safest order to connect jumper cables recommended by professionals:
1. Clamp a red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery
2. Attach the other end of the same cable to the positive terminal on the working vehicle’s battery.
3. Clamp a black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery.
4. Instead of connecting the other end of the cable to a negative terminal, clamp it to an unpainted metal part of the vehicle with the dead battery.
