There are few car problems more frustrating than turning the key and the engine not starting. Sometimes a dead car battery can be chocked up to a silly mistake like leaving your headlights on, and sometimes it's just a matter of an old battery.
Regardless of how it happened, you'll want to be prepared by keeping jumper cables in your trunk at all times. And once you've dug out the cables, you'll want to be sure how to use them correctly and safely! Follow these step-by-step directions from the experts at our Acura Service Center serving
 Columbus:
- First, park your car next to a vehicle with the good battery and be sure both vehicles are off. Be sure the vehicles are not touching.
- Second, open the hoods to locate the battery in both vehicles. Typically, you can find it situated on either the left or right side, but consult the owner's manual to find it quickly and correctly.Â
- Before using your jumper cables, it's important to make sure the black ends never touch the red ends once they are connected to the batteries.
- Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
- Then, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
 - Connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the other negative clamp (black end) to a piece of metal in the dead car. Usually a nut,bolt or other shiny metal that is attached to the engine will work. You may see a small spark when you connect it.Â
- Once you're sure none of the cables are dangling under the hood, start the vehicle with the good battery and let it rev for 1 to 2 minutes. By doing this, you are charging the dead car.Â
- Next, start the car with the dead battery. If it does not start, turn off the vehicle, disconnect the last connected cable, and wiggle each clamp to ensure your connection is strong.
- Once the vehicle starts, be sure to drive the vehicle for at least 20 minutes. If it doesn't start, the issue is probably not the battery. In that case, it's worth leaving it to the experts at our Acura service department near Columbus.
 Remember: the best way to avoid battery trouble is to have it inspected routinely. If your battery repeatedly dies, or you think you could use a replacement, contact our Service Department at Acura Columbus or call 888-218-3460.
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