Now that winter weather is in full swing, you might start to realize a couple of changes with your vehicle. That startup might be sluggish, it might take more time to warm up, etc. Just like us, winter can be very hard on our vehicles, especially if your vehicle has an old battery. If your ride has an older battery or a battery that you’ve experienced issues with, it might be a long winter for you.

In the case that you find yourself stuck in the winter weather with just the ticking noise of your battery that won’t turn over, we’ve prepared a “how-to” to help you jump your battery and help you get on your way. If you keep experiencing battery issues you might want to get your battery checked out by our professionals. If you have any issues with the tips below do not turn your battery over, be sure to call a tow truck and get to warmth sooner than later.

Take out your jumper cables.
– It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in your car.

– If you don’t have jumper cables, phone a friend who can meet you with jumper cables and a vehicle that can jump yours

Hit the brakes:

– Place both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars.
– Engage both parking brakes as well.

Positive or negative?
– Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery.
– It has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal.
– Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other car.
– Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the other battery.
– Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery.
-Use one of the metal struts that holds the bonnet open.

Try to start your vehicle.
– If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and have your friend run his or her engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.