Dead Car Battery in Baton Rouge: Safe Jump Start Steps

It is a hot afternoon in a Baton Rouge parking lot, somewhere between Bluebonnet Boulevard and the nearest cold drink. You turn the key and your car answers with one tired click. Not the answer you were hoping for.

Short answer: you can jump start a car with jumper cables and a second running car, in about ten steps. Connect the cables in the right order, start the helper car, then start yours. If it does not work, or you do not feel safe, call (225) 612-8725 for 24/7 roadside help.

What do you need to jump start a car?

A set of jumper cables in good shape, with no cracked insulation.
A second car with a working battery, parked close enough for the cables to reach without stretching.
Your owner’s manual, in case your car has special jump start points.
Gloves and eye protection, if you have them.

How do you jump start a car safely in Baton Rouge?

Safety comes first here. Take these steps slowly and in order.

Stop if the battery is cracked or leaking, or if you smell fuel. Do not jump it. Call for help.
Turn both cars off, set the parking brakes and turn off lights, radio and air conditioning.
Clip one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Clip the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
Clip one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
Clip the last black clamp to bare, unpainted metal on the dead car, away from the battery. Do not clip it to the dead battery’s negative terminal.
Start the helper car and let it run for a few minutes.
Try to start your car. If it starts, leave both cars running.
Remove the clamps in the reverse order, and do not let the clamps touch each other.
Drive your car for a while so the battery can charge, and have the battery checked.

What should you avoid when jump starting a car?

Most jump start problems come from a few simple mistakes. Keep these in mind before you touch a cable.

Do not let the metal ends of the clamps touch each other once they are connected to a battery.
Do not use cables with cracked or damaged insulation.
Do not smoke, or hold a flame or spark near a battery.
Do not lean over the battery while you connect the cables.
Do not try again and again if the car will not start. After a couple of tries, stop and call for help.

What should you do after the car starts?

Getting the engine running is only half the job. The battery is still low, so give it time to recover.

Keep the engine running and drive for a while, rather than switching the car off right away.
Go easy on the air conditioning, radio and other extras for the first few minutes.
Have the battery and the charging system checked soon, even if the car seems fine.
If the car will not restart later, the battery may need to be replaced.

What if your car still will not start in Baton Rouge?

A jump start only helps when the battery is the problem. Here is a quick way to read the signs.

What you notice	What it may mean	What to do
One click, dim lights	A weak or dead battery	Try the jump start steps above
Engine turns over but will not start	Not a battery problem, possibly fuel or ignition	Stop, and call for help or a tow
Starts after a jump, then dies again	The battery or the charging system may need repair	Have it checked by a mechanic
Fuel smell, smoke or a cracked battery	A safety risk	Do not jump it. Move away and call for help

In Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish

If your battery dies while you are out in Baton Rouge, you do not have to figure it out alone. Our roadside assistance in Baton Rouge includes jump starts, tire changes, lockouts and fuel delivery. If the car cannot be fixed on the spot, we also offer towing in Baton Rouge. Before you head out, check road conditions on the Louisiana 511 traffic site, and find local services through the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge.

Jump start questions

Can I jump start a car without another car?

Some drivers use a portable jump starter pack. Follow the instructions that come with it. If you do not have one, call for roadside help.

Which cable goes on first?

Start with the red clamp on the dead battery’s positive terminal. Then the other red clamp on the good battery’s positive terminal. Then black on the good battery’s negative terminal, and last, black on bare metal on the dead car.

How long should I let the helper car run?

A few minutes is common before you try to start your car. If it does not start, check that the clamps are tight and try again once. After that, call for help.

Is it safe to jump start a car in the rain?

Be extra careful. Keep the clamp ends and your hands as dry as you can, and do not stand in water. If you are not comfortable, wait for roadside help.

Does Jayme Timely Roadside Service do jump starts in Baton Rouge?

Yes. We offer jump starts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (225) 612-8725 or send the quote form.

Dead battery in Baton Rouge? Call us

Call (225) 612-8725 any time, day or night. See all our services on the Jayme Timely Roadside Service home page.