Dead battery:
how to jump-start it right

Almost all of us have had a dead battery at least once. Jump-starting is simple if you follow the order. Done wrong, it can damage the electronics.

The correct cable order

Red to the positive of the dead battery, then red to the positive of the helper car. Black to the negative of the helper car, and the other black end to a metal part of your car, not directly to the battery negative.

Mistakes that damage

Don't reverse the polarity and don't let the clamps touch. On modern cars, a wrong spark can burn out a computer. If you're not sure, better to call.

A wrong jump-start costs more than a tow.

After it starts

Keep the engine running for a while or drive for 20 minutes so the battery charges. If it drains quickly again, the battery is at the end and is better replaced.