Using jumper leads should only be done by those who know what they are doing. It is easy to place them incorrectly and this is dangerous. If possible, try to find a professional mechanic to help. Many times the owner’s manual will have information about what to do in the event the battery dies and you are left stranded. You will want to read specific instructions on correct use. If the owner’s manual outlines how to jump a vehicle, follow those guidelines, otherwise the ones here are good in the absence of instructions.
Ensure safety when using jumper leads by practicing safety rules. The leads connect to a battery with live electricity. During a jump, make sure not all metal objects will touch the battery post. This includes any jewelry, watches, rings, any tools or even wires or clips. Should something like this touch the post it may cause a spark and ignite or explode the battery, which contains acid that burns. Before you attach the leads, remove all jewelry and closely inspect the battery for leaks or damage. If it is damaged, you need to remove and replace it.
Use common sense when jumping a battery. Never smoke or use lighters or matches around the battery, the vapors from the battery are highly flammable and if ignited it may explode. Be cautious with clothing, when bending over a running engine, keep clothing away, running belts can grab and pull in. Examine the jumper leads too, if they appear damaged, do not use. Using damaged jumper leads can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Just use common sense and think before acting to be as safe as possible.
With both engines off make sure the voltage of the batteries match before proceeding. Once you are sure they do, connect the positive terminal of the live battery to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then connect the negative with the black lead on the live battery and then connect to a spot on the engine of the dead battery as an earthing point — this must be connected away from both the battery and the fuel system. Give the engines a couple of minutes for equalization of the voltage. Start the engine of the live battery vehicle and give it a minute to charge. Start the engine of the dead battery and allow both to run for ten minutes. Turn off both engines to remove the jumper leads, removing the negative from the dead battery vehicle, then the live vehicle, and then remove the positive lead from the dead battery vehicle and likewise with the live vehicle, doing it in reverse order. The battery should be charged enough to start and drive.
