Jump to Specific Section 1 How to Use a Battery ChargerYou should keep a portable car battery charger at home or in the trunk of your car. These standalone units connect to your car’s positive and negative battery terminals. How to connect a battery charger:
After your battery is charged, turn off the power on the battery charger. Disconnect the leads to the battery and start the engine. 2 How to Use Jumper CablesJumper cables can supply power via a functional battery from another car. Keep a set in your vehicle. Connecting your car's battery to another car's battery with jumper cables is a common way to recharge a battery.
Once your car starts, remove the jumper cables starting with the negative or black leads. Follow by disconnecting the positive or red leads. Drive your car for a minimum of 15 minutes before shutting off the engine after a charge. Tip: See our guide on how to jump start a car for more detailed instructions on how to use jumper cables. 3 Car Battery Recharging TipsWhen to use a battery charger:
When not to use a battery charger:
When to use jumper cables:
When not to use jumper cables:
Car batteries have very specific disposal requirements. Follow local laws and bring it to the appropriate location for recycling. Download The Home Depot Mobile App for a selection of all the tools you need to replace a car battery without delay. |