Jump-Start a Dead Battery in 5 Minutes

The Problem

Your car won't start. Battery is dead. You're stuck in a parking lot.

The Hack

Red cable: connect to dead battery positive (+), then helper battery positive (+). Black cable: connect to helper battery negative (-), then to bare metal on dead car's engine block (NOT the battery). Start helper car, wait 2 min, start dead car.

Why It Works

The helper car's alternator provides enough current to crank the dead car's starter motor. Connecting black to engine block instead of the dead battery prevents sparking near hydrogen gas that batteries emit.

Pro Tips

• Red to red (+), black to GROUND (bare metal) — never black to dead battery negative
• Let helper car run 2-3 minutes before trying to start dead car
• After jump, drive for 20+ minutes to recharge the battery
• If battery dies again soon, it needs replacement ($80-150)