Hooking the jumper cables up backwards can create disastrous results⁠. Possible outcomes include irreparable damage to the battery, fried electronics, and even serious personal injury. You might cause personal injury and/or damage to your car if you accidentally hook your jumper cables up wrong.

Can you hook up jumper cables?

To hook up jumper cables, you typically need two cars. Pop both hoods, and then connect the red and black clamps to the battery in the car that wont start. Then do the same to the other vehicle. Turn on the dead car, disconnect the cables from both vehicles, and youre good to go!

Can using jumper cables damage your car?

Car batteries contain sulfuric acid that can become vapors, leaking out of vents. These vapors can be highly flammable. Jumper cables are known to cause sparks and can ignite these vapors, causing fires or even possibly an explosion. Improperly jumping your car can cause harm to these electronics.

How long should I leave jumper cables on?

If your car does start, let it run for a few minutes to help charge the battery further. Unhook the clamps in the reverse order of how you put them on. Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge. Otherwise, you might need another jump start.

How long should I let my car run after jumping the battery?

Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge. Otherwise, you might need another jump start.