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How to Jump-Start a Car

jump start a car

If your car engine won’t turn over, you probably need a jump-start, to call a jump start car service, or to get a new battery from the Silko Volkswagen parts store. If you don’t know how to jump start a car, you can learn how to properly do so with Silko Volkswagen in Brockton. If you need auto service, schedule an appointment with our service team. We’re always happy to help!

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The Proper Way to Jump-Start a Car

To start, find yourself a set of jumper cables and call a neighbor or a friend with another working vehicle. You can also call AAA or another jump-start car service. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Park your cars so that the car with the working battery is facing yours.
  2. Turn your vehicles off and set your park brakes.
  3. Open both hoods and locate the batteries. You may need to remove a plastic casing to reveal the battery terminals.
  4. Find the positive and negative terminals. They are typically marked with a (+) sign and a (-) sign.
  5. Make sure the terminals are free of any corrosion. If they look dirty, clean them using baking soda.
  6. Connect a red clamp of the jumper cable to the positive post on the dead battery.
  7. Hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the other battery with the charge.
  8. Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the working battery.
  9. For the final black clamp, connect it to an unpainted metal portion on your vehicle’s frame.
  10. Check that the connections are secure and ask your friend to start their car. Next, start your vehicle.
  11. Carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
  12. Your friend can now shut off their car.
  13. Keep the engine running on your vehicle for at least 10 minutes to ensure that your battery doesn’t die again.

Jump-Start Car Service

If you can’t get help from another driver or don’t have jumper cables, you can always use a jump start car service, like AAA. Also, most new Volkswagen models come with 24/7 roadside assistance. If your car won’t jump-start, most new car warranties provide complimentary towing to the nearest authorized dealership.

Other Battery Tips and Tricks

If you try everything and still can’t jump start your car battery, you probably need a battery replacement or may have a more serious problem. The steps below will help you troubleshoot the issue:

  • The starter might need to be replaced if you try to jump start your car battery but only hear a clicking sound.
  • If the other electrical systems of your car still work, such as your headlamps and stereo, it could be a faulty ignition switch, battery, starter, or a blown fuse. Contact the service team at Silko Volkswagen near Stoughton to get assistance.

Turn to Silko Volkswagen for All Your Auto Service Needs

Whether you need a new battery, an oil change, or a new Volkswagen, we are here to help with all of your automotive needs. Our service center is conveniently located near West Bridgewater, so contact us today.