Jumpstarting Your Car In 7 Simple Steps: A Complete Guide

Acorn Tyres and Servicing • October 5, 2023
Brake pad replacement

If you’re in an emergency situation with a flat car battery, knowing how to jumpstart your vehicle could get you out of trouble! Our guide has outlined everything you need to know and what you need to do in order to jumpstart your car. To find out more, keep reading.



Jumpstarting Your Car: Explained

Jumpstarting your car is actually much easier than you may realise. While the task may seem overwhelming, our friendly guide is here to get you through it!


What Do I Need?

You don’t need a complicated list of tools to jumpstart your car, you only need:

●    Working jump leads

●    One vehicle with a flat battery

●    One vehicle with a working/fully-charged battery (not a hybrid)


It’s important to be as safe as possible when jump-starting a car. If your jump leads look a little tattered or broken, do not use them. Also, if they start getting hot or your car is smoking, stop using them.


Step By Step Guide

Here is our step by step guide to jump-starting your car!


Line Up Both Cars

Park your cars with batteries facing each other for easy reach and be sure to turn off your ignition (but keep your handbrake on). 


Connect The Red & Black Leads

A simple way to remember the ways you should connect your leads is positive to positive and negative to negative. Connect your red lead first, to the flat battery’s positive terminal.


Then, connect your black jump lead to the negative terminal. Ensure that the other end of your black lead goes to an earthing point of your car, well away from the battery and fuel.


Start The Car With The Charged Battery

Keep your engines off for a moment and then start the charged car’s engine.


Start Your Car

Turn on your car after the other engine has been running for a minute.


Leave The Cars To Run

Leave both cars running for about 10 minutes or so.


Turn Off Your Cars & Disconnect Leads

Carefully turn off both engines, and disconnect the leads in reverse order (black then red) and ensure that the leads do not touch each other.


Restart Your Car

Turn your keys in the ignition and your car should be up and running again! If your car still isn’t up and running, you may need to contact a professional.


Car Servicing & Repairs: Acorn Tyres

If your car isn’t starting or you suspect further problems, it’s best to call a professional service or take your car to an MOT garage for repairs. Here at Acorn Tyres, we specialise in a range of full car services to keep you safe on the roads.


For more information, feel free to contact us today to speak to our team!

February 28, 2025
Learn about our car tyre solutions, from replacements and fittings to repairs, and discover what you can expect from Acorn Tyres and Servicing.
January 29, 2025
Discover the key signs that your vehicle's exhaust needs inspecting, and ensure optimal vehicle performance with expert mechanics at Acorn Tyres.
January 7, 2025
Wondering what has changed for UK road users in 2024? Discover everything you need to know in this simple guide from our experts at Acorn Tyres.
November 22, 2024
Vehicles can really struggle during the colder months, and our blog is here to help you spot signs that your car may not be coping with winter temperatures
October 23, 2024
In this blog, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to find the perfect MOT test centre for your car. Here are some key things to consider.
September 3, 2024
Our blog takes a closer look at hybrid and electric vehicles, alongside some of their most common problems, and what you can do to avoid them.
July 5, 2024
Unsure of what a full car service entails and how it can help your vehicle stay in great condition? Find out everything you need to know here.
Underside of a car
By Acorn Tyres and Servicing May 1, 2024
Your vehicle should be serviced regularly, but especially if it is showing signs of wear - read on for our top indications that something is amiss.
A close up of a man servicing a car
By Acorn Tyres and Servicing April 4, 2024
Are you wondering what you need to do to keep your car well-maintained? Here is a complete checklist for your care servicing and maintenance.
A stack of new tyres in a garage
By Acorn Tyres and Servicing April 4, 2024
Your car’s performance can be massively improved by a tyre fitting service. Here is how you can benefit from new car tyres from your local tyre fitters.
Show More