Portable jump starters have additional uses besides just starting your car.
Have you ever tried to start your car on a chilly morning only to hear the dreaded clicking sound? If yes, then you know how important it is to get a quick jump.
In the past, we had to wait for roadside assistance or depend on the goodwill of strangers. But thankfully, there is a more practical substitute that is readily available.
But you don’t need to rely on a stranger’s assistance when you have a portable jump starter kit to get your car running again. Let’s discuss how to use a portable jump starter.
What Are Portable Jump Starters?
You must connect a dead car battery to a functional one from another running car in order to jump start it. In most instances, this occurs. However, relying solely on someone else’s generosity can be dangerous.
One is that, due to a variety of reasons, not everyone can stop and assist you. In a hurry, this can be a major inconvenience. Second, they may have ulterior motives.
Portable jump starters are useful in this situation. If you have one in your car, you won’t need to ask a stranger to charge your battery.
These small devices help a car start by boosting the dead battery. They include jumper clamps for connecting to the auto battery terminals. Plus, a portable power bank to transfer power to a vehicle’s discharged battery. Additionally, these devices have at least one USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets.
Things To Look For In A Portable Jump Starter
Portable battery jump starters can jump start a dead battery in addition to charging all of your devices via USB, which is useful in an emergency and for keeping the kids occupied. To fill tires that are low on air, some even have built-in air compressors.
Here are a few extra characteristics to watch out for:
- Radios
- Emergency Lights
- 12-Volt Outlets/Receptacles
- USB Chargers
- Air Compressors
- Inverters
Jump starters of today serve as portable charging stations for batteries, phones, laptops, and other devices that need to be charged. Remember that doing this will deplete the battery’s energy. Always remember to recharge your portable jump starter.
Battery Chargers Vs. Portable Jump Starters
Understanding the distinction between portable jump starters and battery chargers is crucial. Vehicle battery chargers normally plug into a household outlet (110-120 volt AC) in order to recharge a battery. An entire charge typically takes between a few hours and two days.
Even though the alternator in your car is supposed to charge your battery, there are times when a separate charger is required. If you only occasionally use your car or only use it at certain times of the year, this may be a crucial feature to have. Although they are not much use in the event of a roadside breakdown, they can recharge your battery once you get home, saving you money and trouble in the long run.
Unlike a charger, portable jump starters (aka battery boosters, emergency boosters, battery jumpers, and jump boxes) can be used anywhere. They are not required to be plugged into an outlet. They also don’t recharge your battery; instead, they give you the amperage you need to turn the key and start the car. The alternator powers the electrical system once the engine is running and charges the battery.
For safety’s sake, we advise carrying a portable jump starter, but keeping a plug-in model at home to fully recharge it. If you only need one, choose a portable unit; however, an at-home plug-in unit can be practical and cost-effective.
How Exactly Do Portable Jump Starters Work?
It is fairly easy to use a portable jump starter. The battery and jumper pack only need to be connected.
However, be careful to correctly match the colored alligator clamps to the battery terminals. Red for positive and black for negative.
The jump starter’s power should be turned on once the clamps are connected to the battery. Just press the button to turn the device on if it has a portable power bank. A power button is not necessary for some models, which automatically output amps.
The jump starter will start supplying the depleted battery with its maximum amperage. Launch the car after that.
Note: As crucial as taking care of your portable jump starter is taking care of the battery and terminals in your car. The unit may be unable to transfer its maximum peak amps if the battery is corroded.
How To Use Portable Jump Starters?
Verify that your portable jump starter is fully charged before anything else. Batteries are the power source for jumpstarters.
If you are using a power bank jump starter, we recommend charging it before going on a long trip.
Typically, a jump starter’s indicator light will let you know when a recharge is required. Charge the battery until the light on the power adapter indicates that it is fully charged.
Details can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes the significance of the colors used as light indicators. Red/orange is usually for charging, while green indicates a completed charge.
Note: Using a portable jump starter is similar to using conventional jumper cables and a backup vehicle to jump start a car. But it can be dangerous if you are not completely sure of what you are doing.
In this situation, dial a towing company or roadside assistance. The owner’s manual should always come first, too!
Using A Plug-in Battery Charger To Charge A Car
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions and the owner’s manual first, always!
- Turn the car off.
- A battery charger should be unplugged and turned off.
- A positive terminal should be connected to the red clamp.
- A grounded metal, the car’s frame, or the engine block should be connected to the black clamp.
- Connect the charger to an outlet once the two clamps are in place.
- The vehicle battery charger that plugs in should be turned on.
- Charge of the battery will begin. Overnight, leave the charger running.
- Deactivate the charger in the morning.
- Check if it runs by starting the car.
- The battery may need to be changed if the car still won’t start.
Check to see that the rate of battery charging isn’t too high. For proper use, always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Stop charging if the battery is getting too hot until it has had a chance to cool down. It can be hazardous and damaging to overheat the battery.
Make sure the jumper cables are connected to the proper locations while exercising extra caution. Exploding batteries and electrocution are possible risks. Black denotes negativity, while red denotes positivity.
Care And Maintenance Of A Portable Ump Starter
Keep your portable jump starter in a cool, dry location when not in use. Don’t leave it in your car, especially if it’s very cold outside.
In any other case, the plastic clamp wire covers may become compromised and the unit may drain. Maintain a moderate temperature for the appliance.
Additionally, keep the jump starter charged to maximize the peak amp output. If you treat it well, it will be able to repay you in the future.
Conclusion
Portable jump starters should be a standard vehicle accessory. One possibility is that your car might unexpectedly need a jump start in the middle of the street. Even worse is when nobody is available to help you.
Jumper cables are effective, no doubt. However, they are by no means a good choice for everyone. However, if you have a portable jump starter, you can start your dead battery without having to wait for help.
Most importantly, you won’t ever have to be concerned about being stranded due to a dead battery.