By Deanna Sclar

If either vehicle has an electronic ignition system or is an alternatively fueled vehicle, the use of jumper cables may damage it.

To safely jump a start, follow these steps:

Take out your jumper cables. It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don’t have jumper cables, you have to find a good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but who has jumper cables as well.

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

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 hood open. The cables should look like this.

Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.