The car battery can stop working without warning. If you’re at home or in a populated area, you can probably find another vehicle and use its battery to jump-start yours. However, what if the battery goes dead somewhere without easy access to helpful car owners? While you can call for a tow, it’s better to bust out the portable car jump starter in the back of your car or truck.
What Is a Portable Car Jump Starter?
The portable car jump starter is a device for jump-starting the engine of a vehicle with a dead battery. It eliminates the requirement for a recovery vehicle with a working car battery, allowing you to jump-start your car or truck even if you’re miles from the nearest inhabited area.
In a standard jump-start procedure, you use jumper cables to connect the terminals of the recovery vehicle’s battery to the dead battery. The donor battery sends enough charge to start the engine. Once the alternator gets going, it generates enough power to drive the recipient vehicle to somewhere you can get it fixed.
Portable jump starters have an internal battery that stores enough power to start an engine multiple timers before needing a recharge. They make driving in remote areas safer.
Most portable car jump starters have two leads on their sides. The positive lead is red, while the negative lead is black. Their distinct colors help distinguish them and serve as a visible reminder of which lead connects to which battery terminal, reducing the risk of accidentally damaging the electrical system.
Types of Portable Jump Starter Batteries
Unlike jump cables, the portable car jump starter commands a significantly higher price tag. After all, the equipment includes a small, high-capacity battery that can match the output of a larger car battery.
The most common battery types in portable jump starters are lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid jump starters are budget-friendly and deliver sufficient power for most vehicles.
In comparison, lithium-ion jump starters take up less space and weigh less. They also have greater power storage capacity and better performance, allowing them to jump-start an engine more times than their older lead-acid counterparts.
Voltage
Most portable car jump starters provide the same charge as car batteries–around 12 volts. The more capable models can jump-start electrical systems with different voltage ratings, such as 6 and 24 volts.
Other Features
A portable jump starter can have additional features that enable it to do more than just jump-starting your vehicle. Examples include USB chargers to power compatible electronic devices and LED lights for illuminating the work area. Some portable car jump starters have an inverter for 110-volt appliances.
Tips on Using a Portable Jump Starter
Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your portable car jump starter:
Consult the Instruction Manual
The portable jump starter has an instruction manual that contains everything you need to know about the device. Always read the manual to learn how to use the jump starter safely and correctly. If you encounter a problem, consult the manual.
Practice With the Portable Car Jump Starter
The old saying “Practice makes perfect” applies to jump starters, too. After getting familiar with the contents of the instruction manual, set aside some time to try out the portable jump starter. Practicing will give you an idea of what to do when the real thing happens.
Fully Charge the Portable Jump Starter Beforehand
Charge your new jump starter immediately until its battery fills up completely. Portable car jump starters carry some charge from the factory, but you might need more power.
You can usually find the portable jump starter’s charging port on the device’s side. Most jump starters use a standard household plug.
Identify Your Portable Car Jump Starter’s Connections
You also have to familiarize yourself with the connectors of your portable jump starter. Some starters have permanently attached jump cables. Others have detachable cables that are easy to connect and disconnect to the device.
Connect the Cables to the Right Terminals
Attach the portable jump starter’s cables to their respective terminals. The red cable is for the positive post on the battery. Meanwhile, the black cable attaches to the negative post.
Most jump packs have reverse polarity protection. Even if you hook up the cables incorrectly, the pack won’t jump the vehicle.
However, if you hook up a jump pack that lacks reverse polarity protection, the current might damage the computer module or electrical system.
Most jump packs have reverse polarity protection, so if you hook the cables the wrong way, they will not jump the vehicle. However, if you use jumper cables, you risk frying the computers or causing major damage to the electrical system.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Place the Jump Starter on a Safe Spot
You must put the portable jump starter somewhere safe. Keep it away from parts that will begin moving once the engine starts successfully.
Only Turn on the Jump Starter When It’s Connected
If your portable car jump starter has a power switch, hold off on turning it on. Once you’ve made sure the starter is hooked up to the right terminals, you can flip the power switch and turn it on. Many jump starters also have a boost feature that lets them deliver a higher charge to overcome a dead battery.
Crank the Engine Until It Starts
With the portable jump starter connected properly, crank the engine over. If the issue was caused by a dead or depleted battery, the jump starter should fire up the engine.
However, if the engine doesn’t start despite the charge provided by the jump starter, you might have a different problem on your hands.
Disconnect the Portable Car Jump Starter
If your jump starter has a power switch, use it to turn off the device once the engine runs smoothly. Otherwise, you can proceed to the next part.
Disconnect the jumper cables from the battery terminals. Be careful to avoid accidental electric shocks.
Tips on Charging Electronic Devices And Appliances With the Jump Starter
There’s another use for the portable car jump starter: Charging devices. Some jump starters have USB ports that allow them to charge a compatible device. The ones equipped with an inverter can power small appliances.
If you don’t have a portable car jump starter in the trunk or back, consider getting one as soon as possible. It can get you out of a pinch.
Where to Get a Reliable Portable Jump Starter for Your Vehicle
As mentioned, having a portable car jump starter in your vehicle is useful during emergencies. If you’re in the market for an affordable jump starter that won’t let you down, look no further than CarParts.com.
We’re confident with the quality of our jump starters because we partnered with only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. That means you’re sure to get a starter that lasts.
Take advantage of our fast and reliable shipping. Place your order today and get it in as fast as two business days, thanks to our strategically located warehouses across the country. Our jump starters are also available at competitive prices to give you the best value for your money.
Check out our catalog and shop for a top-notch jump starter today!
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