So, you tried turning the key in your vehicle’s ignition, and now it won’t start? Don’t panic! At Jack Stoldt Auto Service in Springfield, IL, we know exactly what to do to get your car running again until you can come to see us! If you’ve never jumpstarted a car before, there are a few key steps that you must know before you begin. Whether you have jumper cables or you’re completely stranded, our team is here to help you along the way. Keep reading to learn how you can get your car running with a dead battery.
What to Do If You Have Cables
One of the first steps in jumpstarting your car is identifying the tools you have to get your battery started. Many car owners keep a safety kit or extra pair of jumper cables in their trucks in case of an emergency. If you have jumper cables, great! You’ll just need a friend with a working car battery to help you from here.
Once you have a working battery to attach your cables to, ensure both vehicles are off before starting the jumping process. Then, connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of your vehicle and the other red cable to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, you’ll connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and the other black cable to a metal surface under the hood of your car. Once everything is connected, have your friend start their car and let it run for a few minutes before turning your vehicle on. This should give your battery enough power to keep your vehicle running until you need to get it replaced.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Cables
If you do not have jumper cables, don’t worry, we have just the solution to get your manual vehicle running again shortly. If you are with friends when your car battery dies, find a long stretch of downhill terrain. Start by sitting in the driver’s seating and directing one or two of your friends to get behind the vehicle to push. Next, fully depress the clutch and put your vehicle in first gear while turning the ignition on.
Take your foot off the brake and let your vehicle begin to roll downhill, leaving the clutch fully depressed. Once your vehicle has reached 5-7 miles per hour, release the clutch and allow the engine to turn. From here your vehicle should start long enough to take it into our shop and have your battery inspected.
Don’t Forget to Be Safe
While it may be frustrating to deal with a dead car battery, always remember to be safe while exiting your vehicle and on the road. If at any time you feel uncomfortable trying to start your car or do not have the resources to get it started yourself, contact us on our website or give our experts a call at 217.522.9113, and we would be happy to assist you.
