Have you ever been in a situation where your car battery died?
How about when it’s freezing cold outside, dark, and you’re stranded on the side of the road waiting for help that may never come?
If this sounds like a familiar scenario – or a situation you want to avoid entirely – then you need to read on!
A portable jump starter is an essential item to have in any car these days. While they are not mandatory, they are so important that many insurance companies offer discounts if your car comes equipped with one.
But how does a portable jump starter work anyways?
And more importantly, why should YOU own one? Keep reading for all of the details.
What Is A Portable Jump Starter?
A jump starter is a device used to start a car battery. It’s essentially a small, portable battery that can be used to start your engine in the event of an emergency.
Don’t let the size fool you – it might be small but it packs a mean punch. Jump starters are capable of producing 300 amps or more, enough to start an entire vehicle.
How Many Amps Should A Portable Jump Starter Have?
Larger cars or trucks may require a jump starter with up to 500 amps. Generally, though, the suggestion is 200-300 for optimal usage.
When it comes to starting your car, there are three main components that need to be functioning properly:
- The battery,
- The alternator,
- The starter motor.
The battery is what stores all of the power, while the alternator charges it up. The starter motor is what actually starts the engine.
A portable jump starter uses its own internal battery to provide power to the starter motor, which in turn starts your car. It’s a pretty simple process but it can be lifesaving in certain situations.
What’s In Portable Jump Starters?
Jump starters come equipped with their own internal batteries, which provide power used for starting purposes.
These types of devices are sometimes referred to as “battery packs” though some models will feature both an internal and external battery so that they can be used for charging other devices as well.
Lead acid batteries are used in the most common type of jump starter. These types of batteries are very powerful but require constant maintenance due to their unstable nature.
It is best practice to store them at 80% capacity so that they do not discharge fully. For long periods of time, maintain them between 40% and 70%. You should also isolate old units, don’t mix old units together with new ones- this creates an environment for corrosion.
Lithium ion batteries are another type of battery that can be found in a portable battery jump starter. These types of batteries are much more stable than lead acid and do not require as much maintenance.
They also have a longer lifespan and can hold a charge for up to a year. Lithium ion batteries come in two main varieties: polymer and prismatic. Polymer lithium ion batteries are the most common, while prismatic lithium ion batteries offer the highest level of performance.
What Are Some Advantages Of Using A Jump Starter?
There are several advantages to using a jump starter, chief among them being convenience and portability. Jump starters can be easily stored in your glove compartment or trunk and don’t take up too much space. Most importantly, they can get you out of a dead car battery situation
Most jump starters will also come with a number of different ports so that you can charge your devices while you’re on the go. This is a great feature, especially if you find yourself stranded in an emergency situation with no way to charge your phone or laptop.
Jump starters are available in a variety of different sizes and capacities, but 300 amps or more is generally what you should be looking for if you want to purchase one. It’s important to note that the larger the device – the heavier it will be as well.
How Does A Jump Starter Work?
Jump starters need a power source. That power source is a battery. Jump starters use cables that are attached to the negative and positive terminals on your car battery.
By connecting these two terminals, you create a circuit and give your car battery a boost of power it needs to start. By connecting these two terminals, you create a circuit and give your car battery a boost of power it needs to start.
You have to recharge the battery after every time you use it. And you have to do this at least once every 6 months or else the battery will stop working properly and your jump starter won’t work as well, either. This is because batteries lose their charge if they’re left in a hot or cold place for too long.
How Do You Jump Start A Car With A Portable Jump Starter?
There are a few simple steps you need to take in order to use a jump starter:
- Identify the battery you will be Jumpstarting
- Attach the clamps to the positive and negative terminals on the battery
- Turn on the Jump Starter
- Wait for the green light to come on
- Jump start your car
It’s really that easy! Just be sure to read the instructions carefully before you use them.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Jump Starter?
Portable jump starters are a godsend for those times when you’re on-the go. They eliminate the need to find someone with jumper cables or having to futz around trying to get your car started, just pop in one of these babies, give it 2 minutes, and you can safely be on your way. Some additional benefits to portable jump starters are:
- They can be used to start your car in the event of an emergency – so easy even the Average Joe can use them
- They are small and portable, making them easy to store and use
- You do not need to rely on another vehicle’s battery to start your car
- Many models come equipped with built-in LED flashlight, which can come in handy during a power outage or roadside emergency
What Are The Limitations To Using A Jump Starter?
Just like anything else in life, Jump starters have their own set of limitations.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Jump starting a dead battery can be dangerous if done incorrectly, so make sure you read the manual before using it
- Jump starters are not intended to operate as a replacement for a vehicle’s battery or alternator. They’re meant to provide power enough to start your engine and get going again – they cannot recharge an existing battery.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Portable Jump Starter?
Anywhere between 3 to 24 hours. It depends on the size of the jump starter and the battery charger. Jump starters come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to read the specifications before you purchase one.
Is A Jump Starter The Same As A Portable Car Battery Charger?
A car battery charger helps charge the car battery. A jump starter gives a quick burst of power to start the car’s engine without charging anything. Once the engine starts, the alternator will charge the battery.
Will A Jump Starter Start A Dead Battery?
A portable jump starter will only start a dead battery if it has enough power to do so. Jump starters work by providing a surge of power to the car battery, which is enough to get the engine running again. If the jump starter doesn’t have enough power left in it, then it won’t be able to start the car.
Conclusion
Portable jump starters are an essential part of any car owner’s toolkit. The reality is that you never know when your battery might die. It’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when. If the unthinkable happens and your car won’t start, you will be prepared. We hope this article has provded useful and why not consider bookmarking it, so you can refer to how does a portable jump starter work.
A portable jump starter will get your battery back up and running in a pinch, which is especially helpful if you’re stranded on the side of the road without cell service or access to another vehicle. Having one with you at all times will help ensure that nothing stands between you and getting home safely! Comment below and let us know what type of portable jump starter best suits your needs.
