A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for a car not starting, and jump starting it is often the fastest way back on the road. But the process is easy to get wrong — connecting cables in the wrong order isn't just ineffective, it can cause a spark near battery terminals or damage sensitive electronics in modern vehicles.
Here's how to do it safely, and how to tell when a jump start is only a temporary fix.
Before You Start
Confirm it's actually the battery: Dashboard lights that are dim or absent, and a clicking sound (or no sound at all) when turning the key, usually point to a battery issue rather than something else like a fuel or starter problem.
Inspect both batteries: If either battery is visibly cracked, leaking, or swollen, don't attempt a jump start — this points to a battery that needs replacing, not jumping.
Match voltage: Both vehicles should be the same voltage system (almost all passenger cars in the UAE are 12V, but it's worth confirming with commercial or older vehicles).
Step-by-Step: Jump Starting a Car
1. Position the Vehicles: Park the working vehicle close enough that the jumper cables reach both batteries comfortably, without the cars touching. Turn off both engines and engage the parking brake on each.
2. Identify the Terminals: Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both batteries. The positive terminal is usually marked with a red cover or a '+' symbol; negative is typically black or marked '−'.
3. Connect in the Correct Order:
- 1. Red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery