Every driver dreads the moment their car won’t start, especially when the battery dies unexpectedly. Whether it happens in Lagos traffic or on a quiet road, knowing how to jump start a car can save time, money, and frustration. Travo.ng, Nigeria’s trusted travel and logistics solutions provider, explains how to safely jump start your car, what tools you need, and when to seek professional help.
What Does It Mean to Jump Start a Car?
Jump starting a car means using another vehicle’s battery or an external power source to restart your engine when your battery is too weak or dead. It provides the necessary electrical charge to start your vehicle and recharge the weak battery.
Common causes of a dead car battery include:
- Leaving headlights or interior lights on overnight.
- Extremely hot or cold weather.
- A weak or old battery.
- Faulty alternator or electrical system.
What You Need to Jump Start a Car
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- Jumper Cables: A reliable, thick pair of red and black cables.
- A Second Vehicle: One with a fully charged 12-volt battery.
- Protective Gear: Gloves and safety glasses (optional but recommended).
If you don’t have access to another car, you can use a portable jump starter — a convenient tool available in many Nigerian auto shops.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jump Start Your Car
Follow these steps carefully to avoid damage or injury:
- Position Both Cars Safely: Park the cars close together without touching.
- Turn Off Both Ignitions: Ensure both vehicles are in park or neutral and handbrakes are on.
- Connect the Jumper Cables:
- Attach the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach the black cable to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach the remaining black cable end to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery).
- Start the Working Car: Let it run for 2–3 minutes.
- Start the Dead Car: Try turning on the ignition. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
- Remove the Cables: In reverse order of how you connected them.
- Keep the Engine Running: Let your revived car run for at least 15–20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Safety Tips When Jump Starting
- Never connect the negative cable directly to the dead battery’s terminal.
- Avoid touching the metal clips while the cables are connected.
- Don’t let the jumper cables dangle or touch engine parts.
- If you notice sparks or smoke, stop immediately.
- Call for professional roadside assistance if the car doesn’t start after several attempts.
When to Call Travo.ng for Help
Sometimes, a car won’t start even after multiple jump-start attempts. This may indicate a deeper issue with the alternator, starter, or battery terminals. Travo.ng provides reliable roadside assistance and breakdown services across Nigeria to get you moving again safely.
Conclusion
Knowing how to jump start your car is an essential skill for every Nigerian driver. With the right tools and knowledge, you can restart your car safely and avoid being stranded. For reliable roadside assistance, towing, and automotive guidance, trust Travo.ng — your dependable partner for travel and logistics solutions in Nigeria.
