How to jump-start a car safely

You need: jumper cables and a second car with a working battery.

1. Park the working car close, nose to nose or side by side, without the cars touching. Both engines off.
2. Open both bonnets and find the batteries. + is usually red, - is black.
3. Connect in this order:
   • Red clip to + on the dead battery.
   • Other red clip to + on the good battery.
   • Black clip to - on the good battery.
   • Last black clip to bare metal on the dead car's engine, away from the battery. Not on the dead battery itself; that's where sparks are a risk.
4. Start the working car and let it run for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Try starting the dead car. If it doesn't start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
6. Once it runs, remove the clips in reverse order.
7. Drive for at least 20 minutes so the battery can charge.

If it needs a jump again the next day, the battery is probably worn out. Most last 3 to 5 years.