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How To Safely Use A Portable Jump Starter

Fall temperatures can be a welcomed change from the summer heat, but that blast of cold weather can have a very unwelcome impact on your vehicle’s battery. Cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s power by up to 60%, leaving you without enough power to crank the engine.

That’s why it’s important to always have a charged portable jump starter in your roadside emergency kit.

With the power to help start a weak battery, a fully charged portable jump starter (also known as a jump box, battery booster, or emergency battery booster) can get your vehicle’s engine running and get you to your destination safely without the need to rely on someone else for help.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Portable Jump Starter Safely

The steps for using a portable jump starter are very similar to using traditional jumper cables and a second car, but it is important to familiarize yourself with exactly how your jump starter operates. Also, remember to KEEP IT FULLY CHARGED.

Step 1: Read your vehicle owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s specific jump-starting instructions.

Step 2: Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is off with the keys out, and any power-draining items like headlights, interior lights, and chargers are off and disconnected.

Step 3: Following the instructions for your portable jump starter, connect the positive (Red, +) cable and clamp to the positive (Red, +) terminal on the battery, then the negative (Black, -) cable and clamp to the negative (Black, -) terminal on the battery. Check to ensure both clamps are firmly in place and are making direct contact with the terminals.

NOTE: Caution should be used to prevent connecting the wrong clamp to the wrong terminal. Reversing the positive and negative polarity can create a dangerous electrical arc resulting in the potential for electrocution or explosion. Some jump starters, like The Truck Gear by LINE-X Jump Starter 2.0 and Power Bank, have a fail-safe alert system that audibly alert to the crossed polarity and prevent the electric arc from occurring.

Step 4: Activate the jump starter! On the Truck Gear by LINE-X Jump Starter 2.0 and Power Bank, for example, you’ll press the “boost” button on the cable attachment.

Step 5: Attempt to start the vehicle. If the engine does not crank on the first try, wait 2 to 3 minutes before trying again.

NOTE: If your engine does not start after 4 or 5 attempts, you will likely need a new battery.

Step 6: After the engine starts, leave the engine running. Turn off the jump starter and remove the cables starting with the negative black cable, followed by the positive red cable. Then re-pack and store your jump starter.

Step 7: Let your engine idle for several minutes before driving to your destination.

Step 8: It is important to recharge your jump starter upon reaching your destination to ensure it’s ready in the future.  

Using a portable jump starter can give a dead or weak battery enough power to get your engine running, but it’s always a good idea to have your battery inspected by a professional to determine your battery’s remaining life and suggest a replacement schedule.

For more information and to purchase the Truck Gear by LINE-X Jump Starter 2.0 and Power Bank, visit your local LINE-X.

Not sure which LINE-X location is closest to you? Find your nearest location HERE.