What is a Jump Starter?
Today we will know about two frequently asked questions about how to use a jump starter and how to charge a portable jump starter. Before jumping out to the main part, you should take a look at the definition of a jump starter.
When your car battery becomes temporarily flat, it needs a boost or a jump start to get started again. Basically, jump starting refers to the flow of electricity to the dead battery from an external source. That source can be the working battery of another car or an electrical source.
A Portable Jump Starter
We call, the external portable power source, that flows electricity to the dead battery of a car, a jump starter. The operational process of such devices is similar to jumper cables. But the main difference is you don’t need another vehicle to do so.
There are two kinds of jump starters; one is the lead-acid one and another is the lithium-ion one. The lead acid jumper cable is too heavy and uncomfortable to carry. It gets automatically discharged and damaged by a process called sulfating.
On the other hand, the lithium-ion type of jump starter is of a recent invention kind. It’s not only lightweight and easily carriable but also durable for a long time.
How to Use A Jump Starter?
In order to get your battery charged and started, you have to properly connect the terminals to the exact points. You can’t leave them loosely attached. It will increase the risk of not flowing enough electricity or even worse; an electric short circuit.
Only for your convenience, I have shown the process in an infographic below. I have also detailed the process of how to use a jump starter in words later!
An infographic on How to Use A Jump Starter
Detailed Process of How To Use A Jump Starter:
Turn the car off
First, turn your car engine off. Never try to charge a car battery with the ignition turned on. It may result in a serious accident later.
Locate the battery
I know it sounds easy-peasy lemon squeezy to you! But hey, do you know some car batteries may not be situated inside your engine compartment? They can also be fitted within your car seats or in the trunk behind. But don’t get worried.
If this is the case, there are certainly some terminals available that are connected to the batteries, which you can find in the engine compartment. So, you first need to locate your car battery or such connecting terminals to get started.
Still confused with the identification of the terminals? Search for any “+” and “-“ signs. The “+” always indicates the positive terminal and the “-“ indicates the negative one. Be careful about not mixing them up!
Connect the Jump Starter
This is the most vital stage of using a jump starter. Try not to mess it up.
Firstly, connect the positive jump box cable to the positive terminal on the battery. I remind you again, the red one is always positive.
Secondly, connect the negative jump box cable to the engine block or any good ground position such as a grounded metal or the car’s frame.
Finally, check again if the cables are connected properly and tightly.
Set up the jump starter
Now set the jump starter in a secured position. So that it does not get detached or disconnected from the cable. Leave it like this for a couple of minutes.
Start your engine
At this stage, attempt to start your car engine. If you fail at first, don’t get disheartened. Try again for 5 seconds after a couple of minutes gap. Don’t keep trying again and again consecutively as it may permanently damage the jump starter.
Disconnect the jump starter
I hope your engine got started already and congratulations to you for that! Now it’s time for safely disconnecting the jump starter from your car battery. It’s the exact reverse of the connection process.
Firstly, disconnect the negative jump box cable and secure it to the jump box. Then, disconnect the positive jump box cable and secure it to the jump box. Now store it away in a safe place for future use. Also, don't forget to charge it back up for future uses in emergencies.
Hope you have now learned how to use a jump starter and now happy with your car engine howling! Bon voyage!
How to Charge A Portable Jump Starter
Actually, charging a portable jump starter is a quite easy process. If you are viewing this article through your mobile phone, you already know how to charge your mobile phone. So, you have no worries then! You already know how to charge a portable jump starter too.
Using an electric outlet
How do you normally charge your phone? You just plug-in the charger and then connect the adapter to an electric outlet. This is the same case with a portable jump starter. Just plug in and chill!
Some jump starters also come with a charge indicator system. It shows what percentage of charge is left or available in the jump starter just like your cell phone. It’s not an absolute necessity to always charge the device up to 100% as people suggest. But keeping it charged more than 80% will be helpful enough for you in emergencies.
Using your vehicle’s AC adapter
You can easily charge your jump starter using your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. It is also known as the AC adapter. When you are not at home or can’t find any electric outlet near you for charging the jump starter, you can always use this effective system.
It is a really fast charging process and acts as a savior for you when you are lost in the middle of nowhere. Most of the new models of the car come with this AC adapter. So, you have no worries unless you own a 40 years old modeled car. Just plug-in to the adapter and chill again!
Using the Solar System
The using of the solar system is on the rise nowadays. People are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and want to use more nature-oriented product everywhere. As a result, some companies are bringing out such types of jump starters which support the solar charging system. You just have to keep the jump starter in daylight facing the sun. It will get charged automatically.
It has some disadvantages too. Like it’s not easily portable. The size is bulky and uncomfortable. Moreover, you can’t charge it now and then if it’s a rainy or snowy day as there will be not enough sunlight out there.
So these are the main three processes to charge a portable jump starter. Do you know something more? Then shoot it out in the comment box!
Portable Jump Starter Not Charging?
Carefully tried all the processes again and again but still your portable jump starter is not charging? Let’s see what may be the reasons behind this.
- Lack of time to time maintenance is the number one reason to have a dead battery. I have already mentioned before that Lead acid batteries do self-discharge and get ruined automatically if stored for long periods of time at the empty state of charge. You have to charge the jump starter after each use and also have to charge it often for good maintenance.
- The life span is over. There is a limited life span for every jump starter battery which may vary from 3 to 5 years. If the life span is over, the batteries will die eventually in spite of good maintenance and frequent use.
- If your jump starters had not been kept in a dry and moderate temperature, it may have been damaged. You have to replace the batteries or buy a new one.
- The jump starter battery may also get damaged while charging the car battery. If you do not follow the proper procedure for jumping the vehicle and try to start the engine again and again without a gap, it may permanently damage the jump starter batteries.
So, that's it for today! If you have something more to share with us please leave it in the comment box. We would appreciate it a lot!
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