How to Push Start a Car: A Comprehensive Guide

Push starting a car, also known as bump starting, is a technique that can be used to start a car with a manual transmission when the battery is dead or the starter motor is malfunctioning. While not ideal and potentially risky for some vehicles, it can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, safety precautions, and important considerations for successfully push starting a car.

Important Considerations Before You Begin

Before attempting to push start a car, it’s crucial to understand the following:

* **Manual Transmission Only:** Push starting *only* works on cars with manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions require a functioning starter motor to engage the transmission.
* **Safety First:** Ensure the area around the car is clear of obstacles, traffic, and people. Choose a flat or slightly downhill surface to minimize effort.
* **Steering and Brakes:** The steering and brakes may be stiff or require more effort than usual without power assistance. Be prepared for this.
* **Catalytic Converter Risk:** Repeated or improper push starting attempts can flood the engine with unburnt fuel, potentially damaging the catalytic converter. Try not to push start more than a few times.
* **Electronic Parking Brake:** Some newer cars with electronic parking brakes may not allow push starting. Check your owner’s manual.
* **Hybrid Vehicles:** Push starting is generally *not* possible on hybrid vehicles due to the complexity of their electrical systems.
* **Check the Battery Terminals:** If you have jumper cables, try jump starting the car first. Clean corroded battery terminals before jumping. Corroded terminals can prevent enough current from reaching the starter, mimicking a dead battery.

Step-by-Step Guide to Push Starting a Car

Follow these steps carefully to safely and effectively push start your car:

Step 1: Preparation

1. **Gather Assistance:** Ideally, you’ll need one or two people to help push the car. More people make the task easier, especially on an uphill slope.
2. **Insert the Key and Turn to the ‘On’ Position:** Place the car key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” position. This activates the electrical system, including the fuel pump and ignition. *Do not* turn the key to the “Start” position, as this will engage the starter motor, which is what you’re trying to bypass.
3. **Check the Fuel Level:** Make sure you have sufficient fuel in the tank. A nearly empty tank can prevent the engine from starting, regardless of your push starting efforts.
4. **Release the Parking Brake:** Disengage the parking brake completely. Failing to do so will make pushing the car virtually impossible.
5. **Ensure the Steering Wheel is Unlocked:** Make sure the steering wheel is not locked. If it is, gently wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key to the “On” position to release the lock.
6. **Open the Driver’s Side Window:** This allows you to easily communicate with the pushers and provides ventilation.

Step 2: Positioning the Car

1. **Choose a Suitable Location:** Select a flat surface or, ideally, a slight downhill slope. This will make pushing the car easier.
2. **Check for Obstacles:** Ensure the area in front of the car is clear of any obstacles, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or debris.

Step 3: Getting Ready to Push

1. **Engage the Clutch and Select Second Gear:** Inside the car, depress the clutch pedal fully and shift the gear lever into second gear. Second gear provides a good balance between torque and speed for starting the engine. Avoid using first gear, as it may cause the wheels to lock up.
2. **Hold the Clutch Pedal Down:** Keep the clutch pedal fully depressed. This disengages the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to roll freely.

Step 4: Pushing the Car

1. **Instruct the Pushers:** Clearly instruct the people who will be pushing the car to push hard and consistently. They should focus on pushing from the rear of the car, preferably on the trunk or rear bumper.
2. **Begin Pushing:** Have the pushers start pushing the car. The goal is to get the car moving at a brisk walking pace, around 5-10 mph.

Step 5: Starting the Engine

1. **Release the Clutch Quickly:** Once the car is moving at a sufficient speed, quickly release the clutch pedal. At the same time, gently apply some pressure to the accelerator pedal (gas pedal).
2. **Listen for the Engine to Start:** As the clutch is released, the engine will be forced to turn over. Listen carefully for the engine to start. If the engine starts, it may sound rough initially, but it should smooth out quickly.
3. **Depress the Clutch Again Immediately:** As soon as the engine starts, depress the clutch pedal again. This prevents the engine from stalling and allows you to control the car.
4. **Gently Accelerate:** Once the engine is running smoothly, gently increase the engine speed by pressing the accelerator pedal.

Step 6: Keeping the Engine Running

1. **Allow the Engine to Warm Up:** Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. This will help the battery recharge and ensure the engine runs smoothly.
2. **Avoid Stalling:** Be careful not to stall the engine. Stalling will require you to repeat the push starting process. Drive cautiously until the battery has had a chance to recharge.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the car doesn’t start after a few attempts, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

* **Check the Connections:** Make sure all the electrical connections are secure, including the battery terminals and the connections to the starter motor.
* **Try a Different Gear:** If second gear doesn’t work, try using third gear. This may provide more torque, but it will also require more effort to push the car.
* **Check the Fuel Supply:** Ensure there is sufficient fuel in the tank. If the fuel level is low, add more fuel.
* **Look for Other Mechanical Issues:** Issues besides the battery could be preventing the car from starting. If you suspect this is the case, consult a qualified mechanic.
* **Check the Immobilizer:** If your car has an immobilizer system, it might be preventing the engine from starting. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to disable the immobilizer.

Safety Precautions

* **Never attempt to push start a car on a busy road or in heavy traffic.**
* **Ensure the area around the car is clear of obstacles and pedestrians.**
* **Communicate clearly with the people who are helping you push the car.**
* **Be aware of the increased effort required for steering and braking without power assistance.**
* **Avoid push starting a car repeatedly, as this can damage the catalytic converter.**
* **If you’re not comfortable with any part of the process, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance service.**
* **Wear appropriate footwear. Avoid sandals or shoes with slippery soles.**
* **Never push a car downhill without someone in the driver’s seat controlling the steering and brakes.**
* **Do not attempt to push start a car if you have any physical limitations that could make the process dangerous.**

When NOT to Push Start a Car

There are certain situations where you should *not* attempt to push start a car:

* **Automatic Transmission:** As mentioned earlier, push starting does not work on cars with automatic transmissions.
* **Hybrid Vehicles:** Due to the complex electrical systems, push starting is generally not possible on hybrid vehicles.
* **Electronic Parking Brake Issues:** Cars with electronic parking brakes that are malfunctioning may not allow you to disengage the brake, preventing push starting.
* **Severe Mechanical Problems:** If you suspect a more serious mechanical issue, such as a broken timing belt or a seized engine, do not attempt to push start the car. This could cause further damage.
* **Unsafe Location:** If the location is not safe due to heavy traffic, a steep hill, or other hazards, do not attempt to push start the car.
* **If you are alone:** It is very difficult and dangerous to push start a car by yourself.

Alternative Solutions to a Dead Battery

While push starting can be helpful in emergencies, consider these alternative solutions for a dead battery:

* **Jump Start:** The most common and safest option is to jump start the car using jumper cables and a working vehicle. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual carefully.
* **Portable Jump Starter:** A portable jump starter is a convenient device that can jump start your car without the need for another vehicle.
* **Battery Charger:** If you have access to a battery charger, you can charge the car’s battery overnight. This is a slower but more thorough way to recharge the battery.
* **Roadside Assistance:** Contact a roadside assistance service, such as AAA, for help. They can jump start your car or tow it to a repair shop.
* **Replace the Battery:** If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Have a mechanic test the battery to determine if it needs to be replaced.

Maintaining Your Car Battery to Prevent Future Issues

Preventive maintenance can help avoid dead battery situations. Here are some tips:

* **Regularly Check Battery Terminals:** Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. Clean them with a wire brush and baking soda solution if necessary.
* **Turn Off Lights:** Make sure to turn off all lights and accessories when you turn off the engine. Leaving lights on can drain the battery overnight.
* **Avoid Short Trips:** Short trips can drain the battery, especially in cold weather. Try to combine errands to minimize short trips.
* **Have Your Battery Tested:** Have your battery tested regularly by a mechanic to check its condition and performance.
* **Consider a Battery Tender:** If you don’t drive your car frequently, consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged.
* **Minimize Accessory Use When Idling:** Avoid using power-draining accessories like the radio, AC, or heated seats while the car is idling.

Conclusion

Push starting a car can be a useful skill to know in an emergency. However, it’s essential to understand the risks and precautions involved. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing safety, you can increase your chances of successfully push starting your car and getting back on the road. Remember, this technique is only applicable to manual transmission vehicles, and alternative solutions, such as jump starting, are generally preferred. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your vehicle.