Getting stranded in a dark parking lot or on the side of the road\u2014a common trope in horror movies\u2014can be terrifying. Roadside assistance and cell service aren\u2019t always available. If you want to avoid being the star of a scary story, some basic preparation is necessary.<\/p>\n
In addition to knowing how to change a tire<\/a> and having emergency items in your vehicle<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to purchase and know how to use a portable jump starter<\/strong> (aka emergency battery booster<\/strong> or jump box<\/strong>). With a charged jump starter in your trunk, you\u2019ll never have to worry about getting stranded with a dead battery.<\/p>\n Normally, when jump starting a vehicle<\/a>, you would need to connect your dead battery to the working battery of a separate vehicle. But it can be frightening and risky to depend on the charity of a stranger to jump your car. First of all, not many people will stop; second of all, they may have ulterior motives.<\/p>\n With a portable jump starter kit, however, you can get your car running again without relying on a stranger\u2019s help. To close out National Preparedness Month<\/strong><\/a>, let\u2019s discuss how to use a portable jump starter<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n In addition to jump starting a dead battery, portable battery jump starters also come with USB connections to charge all of your devices, important for emergencies and keeping the kids entertained. Some are even equipped with built-in air compressors to fill up tires that are low on air.<\/p>\n Here are some additional features to look out for:<\/em><\/p>\n Today\u2019s jump starters function as compact charging stations for batteries, phones, laptops, and anything else that requires a charge. Keep in mind that this will drain the battery power. Remember to periodically charge your portable jump starter.<\/p>\n There are many signs of a weak battery\u2014dim lights, electrical component issues, battery warning light\u2014but if your engine won\u2019t turn on at all, your battery is probably dead. This often happens when headlights or the ignition switch is left on while the car is not running.<\/p>\n The tell-tale sign that you have a dead battery is if the car makes a clicking noise when you turn the ignition, but it won\u2019t start.<\/p>\n To make sure the battery is the culprit, inspect the headlights. If the headlights are dim or don\u2019t turn on at all, the battery is probably dead. Bright headlights usually signify that something else is the problem.<\/p>\n If your radio, lights, windows, and other electrical components work perfectly, then the problem is usually with the starter, not the battery.<\/p>\n Still, dead batteries have some charge. If the dashboard lights don\u2019t flicker or come on at all, your problem might be with the ignition switch.<\/p>\n It\u2019s pretty easy to tell if you have a dead alternator versus a dead battery. Try jump starting the car and if the car dies again soon after, it\u2019s probably the alternator.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to know the difference between battery chargers and portable jump starters. Vehicle battery chargers<\/strong> normally plug into a household outlet (110-120 volt AC) in order to recharge a battery. They normally take several hours to two days to get a full charge.<\/p>\n Although the alternator in your vehicle has the job of charging your battery, sometimes an additional battery charger is necessary. This can be important to have if you use your vehicle sporadically or only during certain times of the year. While pretty useless in the event of a roadside breakdown, they are able to charge up your battery when you get home, saving you money and inconvenience down the road.<\/p>\n Unlike a charger, portable jump starters<\/strong> (aka battery boosters, emergency boosters, battery jumpers, <\/em>and jump boxes<\/em>) can be used anywhere. They don\u2019t need to be plugged into an outlet. They also don\u2019t re-charge your battery, but rather provide the necessary amperage to crank the engine and start the vehicle. Once the engine is on, the alternator will charge the battery and power the electrical system.<\/p>\n We recommend having a portable jump starter so you can make it to your destination safely, but a plug-in type at home to fully recharge it. If you are only going to have one, get a portable unit; however, an at-home plug-in unit can be useful and cost effective.<\/p>\n Jump starters rely on a battery as their power source. As a result, they must be periodically recharged. Always recharge your portable jump starter\/battery booster pack after each use and at least once every 6 months. These jump starter batteries will lose their charge more quickly if left in the car during hot and cold weather. We recommend charging your battery booster packs before going on a long trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n Usually an indicator light on the jump starter tells you when a recharge is necessary. Simply insert the power adapter into an outlet and charge the battery until the light indicates a complete charge. Check the manufacturer instructions for specifics, including what the light indicator colors mean (usually red\/orange for charging and green for completed charge).<\/p>\n What you need to use a portable jump starter:<\/strong><\/p>\n WARNING:<\/strong> Jump starting a car can be very dangerous. If you are not 100% certain what you are doing, call roadside assistance or a towing service. And always read your owner\u2019s manual<\/strong><\/a> first!<\/p>\n The steps for jump starting a car using a portable jump starter are very similar to using traditional jumper cables and a second car<\/a>:<\/em><\/p>\n Again, always refer to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for proper use.<\/p>\n How to charge a vehicle with a plug-in battery charger:<\/strong><\/p>\n When charging your battery, make sure it isn\u2019t at too high a rate. Always read the manufacturer instructions for proper use. If the battery is overheating, stop charging until it has had time to cool off. Overheating the battery can be dangerous and damaging.<\/p>\n Be extra careful and make sure the jumper cables are connected to the right areas! There is a risk of electrocution and battery explosions. Red = positive. Black = negative.<\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have any questions, don\u2019t hesitate to speak with one of our car experts at Auto Simple<\/a>:<\/p>\n Chattanooga, TN\u00a0\u2013\u00a0(423) 551-3600<\/strong><\/p>\n Cleveland, TN\u00a0\u2013\u00a0(423) 472-2000<\/strong><\/p>\n Dayton, TN\u00a0\u2013\u00a0(423) 775-4600<\/strong><\/p>\n Dalton, GA \u2013\u00a0(706) 217-2277<\/strong><\/p>\n Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars:\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, and\u00a0Google+<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Getting stranded in a dark parking lot or on the side of the road\u2014a common trope in horror movies\u2014can be terrifying. Roadside assistance and cell service aren\u2019t always available. If you want to avoid being the star of a scary story, some basic preparation is necessary. In addition to knowing how to change a tire […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[215,247,334,336,429,523,613],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\nThings to Look for in a Portable Jump Starter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Is Your Battery Dead?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Battery Chargers vs. Portable Jump Starters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to Use a Portable Jump Starter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
First, make sure your portable jump starter is fully charged.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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