When your car suddenly refuses to start, it can be frustrating—especially if you’re rushing to work or trying to make a long trip. A dead battery is often the culprit, and knowing how to jump start a car is an essential skill every driver in Nigeria should have.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely revive your car battery, explain the tools you need, and share important safety tips.
Why Cars Fail to Start in Nigeria
Car batteries in Nigeria can drain faster due to factors such as:
- Hot climate affecting battery fluid
- Leaving lights or electronics on overnight
- Irregular servicing
- Old or weak batteries
Understanding these reasons helps you prevent battery failure and reduces the chances of being stranded.
Tools You Need to Jump Start a Car
Before attempting to jump start, make sure you have the following:
- A pair of jumper cables
- A second vehicle with a fully charged battery
- Safety gloves (recommended)
If you don’t have these tools, Travo.ng offers roadside assistance services that can help you on the spot.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Jump Start a Car
Follow these steps carefully to jump start your car:
- Position the Cars – Park the working car close to the dead car without the vehicles touching.
- Turn Off Both Engines – Ensure both cars are switched off before connecting cables.
- Connect the Jumper Cables:
- Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach one black clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface of the dead car (not the battery).
- Start the Working Car – Let it run for a few minutes.
- Start the Dead Car – Try turning on the ignition. If it starts, keep it running.
- Disconnect Carefully – Remove cables in reverse order.
Safety Tips When Jump Starting a Car
Jump starting a car is straightforward, but safety comes first:
- Never let the clamps touch each other.
- Avoid jump starting a visibly damaged battery.
- Do not smoke or use open flames near the battery.
- If your car doesn’t start after two attempts, call a professional instead of forcing it.
Travo.ng can connect you with professional drivers and roadside help to keep you safe on the road.
What to Do After Jump Starting
Once your car is running again:
- Drive for at least 15–20 minutes to recharge the battery.
- Schedule a check-up with your mechanic to confirm battery health.
- Consider regular maintenance support through Travo.ng to avoid future breakdowns.
When to Call for Professional Help
Sometimes, jump starting won’t work—especially if the battery is too old or there’s a deeper mechanical issue. In such cases:
- Request Travo.ng’s roadside assistance
- Book airport transfers or car rentals if your trip can’t be delayed
- Use Travo.ng’s logistics services if you need urgent deliveries despite car issues
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to jump start a car is a must-have skill for every Nigerian driver. While it can get you back on the road quickly, it’s also a reminder to stay prepared with the right tools and maintenance.
And when you need extra support, Travo.ng is your reliable partner—offering logistics, car rentals, airport transfers, and roadside assistance designed to keep you moving without stress.
