Fear not! Jump-starting a dead battery is a rite of passage for car owners, and doing it right can mean the difference between a quick fix and a tow truck ride. Here’s how to do it like a pro—plus what to do if your battery keeps pulling this stunt.

First, you’ll need a working vehicle or a portable jump starter. If you’re in a San Angelo parking lot, flag down a fellow driver (preferably someone who doesn’t look like they’re in a Mad Max sequel). If you’re smart, you’ve already got a jump pack in your trunk—because Texas heat murders batteries faster than a rattlesnake in a bad mood.

Position the working car close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but not so close that you reenact a Fast & Furious bumper kiss. Both cars should be off before you start connecting anything—unless you enjoy sparks and regret.

This is where most people mess up. Follow this sequence like it’s gospel:

1. Red to Dead – Attach the red (positive) clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal.

2. Red to Live – Attach the other red clamp to the good battery’s positive terminal.

3. Black to Live – Attach the black (negative) clamp to the good battery’s negative terminal.

4. Black to Metal – Attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (like a bolt or bracket). This grounds the circuit and reduces spark risk.

Why this order? Because electricity is dramatic and likes to arc if you give it the chance. This method keeps things safe(ish).

Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes to feed some juice to your dead battery. Then, try starting your car. If it cranks to life, hallelujah! If not, wiggle the clamps and give it another minute. Still nothing? Your battery might be beyond saving.

Once your car starts, don’t just peel out like you robbed a bank. Keep it running for at least 15-20 minutes to recharge the battery. If you shut it off too soon, you might be right back where you started.

If your battery dies more often than a cowboy’s phone at a rodeo, it’s probably time for a replacement. Signs your battery is on its last legs:

• Slow cranking (like your engine is running on 3 hours of sleep)

• Needing frequent jumps

• Swollen or leaking battery case (this is bad—replace it now)

• Your headlights dimming like a bad horror movie

If any of these sound familiar, swing by Ric Henry’s Auto Service in San Angelo. Our expert techs will test your battery (and your charging system, because sometimes the alternator is the real villain). Plus, we use dealership-grade tools and back all our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty—because we believe in fixing things right the first time.

A dead battery is annoying, but it’s not the end of the world (unless you’re stranded in July with no AC—then it feels like the end of the world). Stay prepared, know the steps, and when in doubt, let the pros at Ric Henry’s Auto Service handle it. Because let’s be real—you’ve got better things to do than play amateur electrician in 100-degree heat.