After a minor car accident: what to do and record
Stay safe, stay at the scene, record the right details and tell your insurer, even when the damage looks small.
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Jump-start a car safely
Cables on in the right order, a start, and cables off. Use the car's manual first.
Before you connect (7)
- Read the manual for jump-start points; some cars have special terminals
- Turn off both cars, remove keys, switch off lights, radio and AC
- Park the donor car close but not touching, both in park or neutral with handbrake on
- Look at the dead battery: do not jump if it is cracked, leaking or frozenCall roadside help instead.
- Check the cables are not frayed and the clamps are clean
- Do not smoke or use a naked flame near the battery
- Take off loose jewellery
Connect in this order (5)
- Red clamp to the dead battery's + (positive) terminal
- Other red clamp to the good battery's + terminal
- Black clamp to the good battery's - (negative) terminal
- Last black clamp to bare metal on the dead car's engine or frame, away from the batteryNot on the dead battery's negative terminal, to avoid sparks near it.
- Check the clamps are not touching each other
Start (4)
- Start the donor car and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes
- Try to start the dead car; if it won't, wait 5 more minutes and try again
- Do not crank for more than 10 seconds at a time
- If it still won't start after 2 or 3 tries, the battery or starter may be dead: call for help
Disconnect in reverse (5)
- Remove the black clamp from the metal on the car that was dead
- Remove the black clamp from the good battery
- Remove the red clamp from the good battery
- Remove the red clamp from the car that was dead
- Do not let the ends touch while any are still connected
After (5)
- Keep the engine running; drive for 20 to 30 minutes
- Do not switch off the engine at your first stop
- Get the battery tested if it was flat for no clear reason (lights left on)
- Replace a battery that is more than 4 to 5 years old
- Keep a set of cables and a torch in the boot
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