How to Jump Start Your Car Safely – A Colorado Driver’s Guide

Stuck with a Dead Battery? Here's What to Do

It’s a crisp Colorado morning—maybe you're heading to a trailhead or just trying to get to work on time. You slide into the driver’s seat, turn the key (or push the button)... and nothing. No crank. No start. Just a cold, stubborn silence. Chances are, your battery is dead—and winter weather in Boulder doesn’t make things easier. But don’t worry. With the right tools and a little know-how, jump-starting your car can be quick, safe, and straightforward. At Pellman’s Automotive, we help Boulder drivers navigate battery issues all year long. Here's our step-by-step guide to safely jumping your car.

What to Know Before You Jump-Start:

• Only Jump Vehicles with a 12V System:
• You can safely jump-start any vehicle that runs on a 12-volt system—which includes the vast majority of cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road today.
• Never Jump a Frozen Battery:
• If your battery looks swollen or you suspect it may be frozen (a risk after very cold nights), do not attempt to charge or jump it. A frozen battery can crack or even explode. Instead, call for a tow and have it professionally inspected.
• Check for Corrosion First: 
• Before connecting jumper cables, inspect the battery terminals. Heavy corrosion can block a proper connection and cause a failed jump attempt. If you see buildup, clean it off carefully or visit a repair shop to avoid further issues.
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What You’ll Need:

You can jump-start a car two ways:

• Using jumper cables and another vehicle
• Using a portable jump starter (like our DieHard November 2025 Giveaway unit!) 
  
  

Either way, make sure you reference your owner’s manual and have:

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• A working vehicle (if using cables)
• Safety gear: gloves, glasses, and caution

Step-by-Step: How to Jump a Car with Jumper Cables

1. Park the vehicles close—but don’t let them touch.
   Put both cars in park (or neutral if manual) and turn off the ignition.
   
   
2. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
   Most are easy to find, but some are tucked away— always check your manual.
   
   
3. Attach the jumper cables in this exact order:
   🔴 Red to dead – Connect the red (+) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   🔴 Red to donor – Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
   ⚫ Black to donor – Connect the black (–) clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
   ⚫ Black to metal ground – Connect the final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block or frame (not the battery itself) to prevent sparks.
   
   
4. Start the working car.
   Let it run for a few minutes.
   
   
5. Try starting the dead car.
   If it starts, let both cars idle for 5–10 minutes to help recharge the battery.
   
   
6. Remove the cables in reverse order:
   ⚫ Ground clamp off
   ⚫ Negative from good battery
   🔴 Positive from good battery
   🔴 Positive from dead battery
   
   
7. Drive for at least 20 minutes.
   This helps the alternator recharge the battery. If the car doesn’t hold the charge, your battery or charging system may need professional help.

Using a Portable Jump Starter (Even Easier!)

If you’ve got a jump pack like the DieHard Platinum 2000 Peak Amp Jump Starter, you’re in luck. Here’s how to use it:

1. Turn off the car.
2. Connect the jump starter cables:
   Red to + terminal, black to – terminal
3. Turn on the jump starter and attempt to start the car.
4. Once started, disconnect the cables in reverse order.
5. Recharge the jump pack when you’re back home.

Pro-Tips for Jump Starting in Colorado Winters

• Never jump a battery with visible cracks or leaks—call for a tow instead.
• Keep jumper cables or a jump pack in your emergency kit year-round.
• If your car dies again after a jump, your battery or alternator may be failing.
• Pellman’s offers quick battery checks and charging system diagnostics to help you avoid getting stranded twice.
  
  

Bonus for Pellman’s Customers:
Thanks to our partnership with TechNet, any qualifying service (over $25) at Pellman’s comes with FREE Emergency Roadside Assistance—including jump starts, towing, flat tire help, and more. 

Need a Battery Check or Replacement?

If your battery’s been struggling or your car has been slow to crank in the mornings, come see us. We’ll perform a battery health test and offer honest, no-pressure advice on whether it's time to replace it.

Book a diagnostic or battery check with Pellman’s Automotive — trusted Boulder car care for over 30 years. Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t let a dead battery ruin your plans. Pellman’s Automotive has your back—rain, shine, or snow.