When it comes to jump starting a car, the first step is making sure it is the battery that’s dead.  If you turn the key and your vehicle does absolutely nothing, no turnover, no crank, then there is a strong chance that you have a dead battery on your hands and jump starting it will be your most viable solution.  Read on for our handy step-by-step guide to jumpstarting your automobile.

(As a side note: You should always carry jumper cables in your car with you, they can come in handy when you least expect it).

1. Make sure both cars are turned OFF .

2. Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive end on the battery that’s dead.

3. Next, connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the live battery.

4. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the live battery.

5. Connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car’s hood. Somewhere on the engine block is a good place. Unless you want to see sparks fly and a possible explosion, then don’t connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery.

6. Start the car that’s doing the jumping and allow it to run for about 2-3 minutes before starting the dead car.

7. Remove cables in reverse order.

8. Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.

Keep in mind that if you are having trouble jump starting your car or are unsure if there is more than a battery problem never hesitate to call your local tow service or auto mechanic for assistance.

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore region in towns such as Kenilworth, Skokie, Wilmette, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Deerfield, Northbrook and more.  Call us 24/7 for service at (847) 966-1920.

“It was remarkable.  I called Rick at Illinois Towing and within twenty minutes of his dispatch a tow truck was over to my driveway in Morton Grove for aid,” Yalowitz told us.

It turned out Allan’s automobile needed a jumpstart and we were happy to provide him with a car battery charge to get him on his way.

“I was getting so stressed out.  I needed to get the kids to class and handle some important business on the job out in Northbrook.  I am very thankful that the tow truck team was there to help me isolate the problem and rectify it when no one else was around to help.  Their service guy was very polite and gave me pointers on how to avoid future battery drainage,” said Yalowitz.

At Illinois Towing Service we pride ourselves on upholding our top notch quality and service reputation that we’ve built up in Chicagoland’s North Shore area over the years.  No auto problem or towing need is too big or small for us here at ITS.  If you ever experience a similar problem to Allan’s where your car won’t start up, we have created a list of pointers to follow in this kind of situation:

• The most common reason a car won’t start is due to a dead battery.  This does not necessarily mean the battery is no longer good, it can simply mean that it has lost its charge for one reason or another.
• Giving the battery a jumpstart usually takes care of the problem, even if so temporarily.  If you need a jump to start your vehicle every time you want to start it, it is definitely time to start investigating the purchase of a new battery.
• If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with jumpstarting an automobile, then call your local tow or auto service for their aid.
• If you so choose to jump the car battery yourself, be sure to wear a pair of gloves and never touch the cable clasps to each other or any other piece of metal in the car.  This will result in major sparking and can also create explosions, so be extremely careful when conducting this procedure on your own.
• Connect the positive (+) cable (Red) clamps to the positive battery terminal on each car.  Make absolutely sure that you are connected to the positive terminals on both batteries with the same side of the cable.  Next, connect the negative (Black) clamp to the negative terminal on the good battery.  There should be no sparks.
• Another obvious cause of an auto not starting is not having sufficient amount of fuel in the tank. Always be sure to keep your car filled with an adequate amount of gasoline.  In the winter season we recommend never going below half way on the tank.
• Other various reasons for a car not starting are forgetting to turn headlights or dome light off upon exiting vehicle, loose connection between the battery and the cables its attached to, a defective trunk lamp switch that leaves the bulb lit up or an old battery that has lost its ability to maintain a full charge.

When in troublesome situations and your car simply will not start we have provided the following checklist of pointers to adhere to:

• Remain calm.  We know how much stress car trouble can cause and we have been helping people with it for years.  Do your best to remain in control of the situation because there are definitely methods to employ and assistance to call for if needed.  Even in the wee hours of the night you can rely upon us at Illinois Towing Service with our 24/7 availability.
• Always have a set of jumper cables, a spare tire, a blanket and a spare bottle of water for emergency car stall situations.
• Other items that are recommended to keep in your car are a flashlight, ice scraper and first aid kit.
• Have our phone number stored in your cell phone just in case – (847) 966-1920.

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore such as Morton Grove, Skokie, Wilmette, Niles, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Deerfield, Northbrook and more.  Call us 24/7 at (847) 966-1920.

**By no means is this a comprehensive list as there are many factors and maintenance routines that go into making an automobile function properly.  Please consult your mechanic, tow service or dealership if you are experiencing automobile difficulties, vehicle troubles, or need assistance with car problems you cannot handle on your own.