Portable car jump starters are compact, powerful devices that can be lifesavers when your vehicle's battery dies unexpectedly. These handy gadgets are essential for anyone who drives, ensuring you're never left stranded due to a dead battery. But besides just plugging them into a wall outlet to charge, how exactly do you use a portable car jump starter?
Think of a jump starter as a handheld rechargeable battery. Inside the jump starter's case are a series of battery cells designed to hold a charge. Charging it is straightforward: you connect it to a power source, either via a USB cable to a wall outlet for models like the Athena or through your car’s 12V outlet.
Here are detailed steps on how to boost a car using a car jump starter:
Step 1: Turn off the car and remove the keys from the ignition
Before you do anything, ensure your car is completely off, and the keys are removed from the ignition to prevent any electrical mishaps.
Step 2: Connect the red positive cable to the positive terminal on the battery
Identify the positive terminal on your car battery, usually marked with a plus sign (+). Attach the red positive cable from the car jump starter to this terminal.
Step 3: Connect the black negative cable to the engine block or a non-conductive piece of metal in your car
Instead of connecting the black negative cable to the battery's negative terminal, attach it to an unpainted metal surface, such as the engine block or frame of the car. This step helps avoid sparks and ensures a safer jump-start.
Step 4: Turn on the portable jump starter
With the cables securely in place, turn on your portable jump starter. Do not turn on your car’s ignition yet. Allow the jump starter to send a charge to the car battery for a few minutes.
Step 5: Attempt to start the engine
After a few minutes, try starting your car. If everything is connected properly and the battery isn't severely damaged, your car should start up.
Step 6: Disconnect the cables in reverse order
Once your car is running, turn off the jump starter. Disconnect the black negative cable first, followed by the red positive cable. Secure the cables back to the battery booster and store it away safely.
These steps are general guidelines for using most car jump starters. Always read the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model and take necessary safety precautions before attempting to jump-start your vehicle.
If you're in need of a car battery jump starter, consider the Amproad portable jump starter. It offers robust performance, reliability, and now, a great discount. The Amproad jump starter is designed to be compact yet powerful enough to jump-start various vehicles, making it a must-have for your emergency car kit.