How to Jump-Start a Car Safely
A flat battery? Here’s how to jump-start safely — and why modern European cars need care. A Cranbourne West specialist explains.
The safe method
Connect red to the flat battery’s positive, red to the good battery’s positive, black to the good battery’s negative, and the final black to an unpainted metal earth point on the flat car (not the battery negative). Start the good car, then the flat one, and remove the leads in reverse order.
On many modern European cars there are designated jump points under the bonnet rather than direct battery terminals — use those.
Important cautions for modern cars
Modern cars have sensitive electronics — never reverse the leads, and avoid cheap surges. If you’re unsure, a portable jump pack or a call to roadside is safer than risking damage.
A car that needs jumping has a flat battery for a reason — an old battery or a charging fault. Get it tested rather than relying on repeated jumps.
We’ll take care of it
Prefer to leave it to a specialist? We look after all of this as part of a service or a quick check — with honest advice on what your car actually needs, not what sells.
Book online in 60 seconds or call a Cranbourne West European specialist on 03 8782 0711.
How to Jump-Start a Car Safely — FAQ
Red to flat +, red to good +, black to good -, last black to an earth point on the flat car. Start good, then flat; remove in reverse.
It can if done wrong — never reverse leads, use designated jump points, and consider a jump pack.
An old battery or a charging fault — get it tested instead of repeatedly jumping.
If it’s old or repeatedly flat, yes — we test and fit the correct type.
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