How to Jump Start a Car

If you find your new or used vehicle isn’t starting, you probably need a jump start, car service, or something else related to the battery. More than likely, you need a jump start. Car battery issues present themselves if a car is idling too long or a light or door was left on or open overnight, and some other potential reasons. Learn how to properly jump start a car with our team at Santa Cruz Toyota. You don’t need to call a jump start car service as long as you have everything you need in your car. 

The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

There are two things you’ll need when you are jumping your car: jumper cables and another vehicle. Another option is to call a jump start car service in your area. Now, if you have another car and jumper cables, follow these directions:

1. Ideally, you will have the vehicles facing towards each other or right next to each other. Make sure the vehicles are off and the parking brakes engaged. 
2. Open the hood of each vehicle and locate their batteries, then remove the plastic hood to expose the battery terminals. 
3. Make sure the positive and negative terminals are clean and free of corrosion. 
4. Clamp the red clamp onto the positive post of the dead battery first.
5. Then, hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the charged battery. 
6. Next, attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the charged battery.
7. Finally, attach the other black clamp to any piece of unpainted metal on the dead car’s frame.
8. Once you have secured the clamps to their respective positions you’ll want to start the engine of the vehicle with the functioning battery. Once you do that, you can then start the engine with the dead battery. 
9. Let the vehicles run like this a bit, then remove the clamps in the reverse order of how you placed them.
10. Keep the engine running on the restarted vehicle for at least 10 minutes. Consult your owner’s manual for more info on recommended times.

Jump Start Car Service With Toyota Roadside Assistance

All of our new vehicles from Santa Cruz Toyota come with Roadside Assistance. If you aren’t able to get assistance from another driver or maybe prefer professional help, you can call the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance number. ToyotaCare provides you with 24-hour roadside assistance available at no cost for 2 years from the effective date, and unlimited miles. One of our professionals can meet you at your location if your car won’t jump start, and can provide you with complimentary towing.

Tips and Tricks to Jump Start Car Battery 

If your car won’t jump start there is a chance you need a battery replacement or you have a more serious problem. You can take these steps to troubleshoot your issue: 

1. If you are trying to start the car, but you are only hearing a clicking sound, your starter may not be functioning. You can schedule a service appointment with our Santa Cruz Toyota team near Santa Clara to get a replacement. 
2. If your electrical systems turn on, but your engine won’t turn over there are a number of issues that could be presenting themselves. The ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse could cause the issue. In this case, you could bring your vehicle to your local Santa Cruz-area dealership to get a proper diagnosis. 
3. After you jump start your car it’s important to keep the vehicle running for some time. This allows the battery to recharge after being drained. 

Come to Santa Cruz Toyota for Service

Whatever routine maintenance you need, our service team at Santa Cruz Toyota is here to help. We can provide you with any help you need. By using ToyotaCare you know your vehicle is backed up in case of an emergency. You can stop by or contact us today if you have any more questions.