How to Jump Start a Car
How to Jump Start a Car

Stuck on the side of the road or in a San Fernando Valley-area parking lot with a car that won’t start? This guide from Frontier Toyota explains how to properly jump start a car so that you can get back to your drives in the Palmdale area with limited interruption. And remember, if your car won’t jump start and it’s time for a new battery, visit our service center in Valencia for a replacement.
Proper Way to Jump Start a Car
The proper way to jump start a car involves another vehicle and a set of jumper cables. Seek the help of another driver nearby, or contact a jump start car service provider to come directly to your vehicle. If working with another driver, follow these steps on how to jump start a car.
- Have the driver who is helping you park their car facing yours. Make sure both vehicles are turned off with their parking brakes engaged.
- Pop the hoods of the cars, and locate their batteries. Sometimes, you will have to remove a plastic cover to expose the battery terminals.
- Identify the positive and negative terminals. Make sure they’re clean and free of any corrosion.
- Starting with the dead battery, connect the red clamp to the positive battery post. Then, hook the other red clamp to the positive battery post on the other car.
- Connect the black clamp to the negative battery post of the charged vehicle, and connect the final clamp to an unpainted metal surface on your car’s frame.
- With everything securely connected, have the other driver start their vehicle. You can then start yours.
- When both cars are up and running, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that you attached them. The secondary car can then be turned off.
- Keep the jump-started car running for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that the battery doesn’t die again right away.
Jump-Start Car Service With Toyota Roadside Assistance
All new Toyota models come with Toyota Roadside Assistance for the first two years of ownership, without mileage limits. That means that if you find yourself in need of jump start car service, you can contact Toyota Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you do, a Toyota professional will meet you at your location to jump start the car battery for you. If your car won’t jump start, Toyota Roadside Assistance allows for complimentary towing to the nearest authorized dealership.
More Battery Tips and Tricks
If your car won’t jump start, then it may be time for a new battery. However, it also may indicate a more serious issue with your vehicle. Consider the following:
- If you hear a clicking sound when you try to start your car, there might be an issue with the starter. Schedule service at Frontier Toyota near Lancaster for assistance.
- If the electrical systems in your car power on but the engine fails to start, there could be a number of issues, including with the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a fuse. Bring your vehicle to Frontier Toyota to diagnose the issue.
- Be sure to keep your vehicle running for a while after getting the jump. This allows the battery to recharge fully after it’s been drained.
Turn to Frontier Toyota for Service Tips
Whether you need help with a new battery or are due for your next oil change, Frontier Toyota is here for you. Our service center is located near Van Nuys, so stop by today or contact us with any questions.