Tips for the Proper Care of Your Portable Jump Starter
A portable jump starter is a necessity for any technician that intends to offer remote service calls. The portable jump starter often proves to be an indispensable piece of equipment that gets vehicles back on the road quickly and with little fuss. But, as with any piece of automotive equipment, a portable jump starter requires proper care.
If you are a veteran technician with plenty of experience in portable jump starters, you might not be surprised by anything you read in this post. But if you’re new to the technology, here’s hoping you pick up some valuable information that you can put to use in your daily work.
Tip #1: Keep the Unit Charged
It goes without saying that keeping your portable jump starter charged ensures that it’s always ready to go when you need it. Still, it is easy to return from a job and forget about it. Find a way to remind yourself so the unit remains charged at all times. We recommend overnight charging after any day that the jump starter was used for jump starting or for portable power applications.
Note that portable jump starters, whether they have lithium or lead acid batteries, generally don’t have a problem with the dreaded ‘memory effect’. Fully recharging after every use will help maintain the battery’s life and reserve capacity. During periods of non-use or very little use, make a point of charging the unit at least once every 90 days.
Tip #2: Never Let it Sit in a Discharged State
The most destructive enemy of any battery, lead acid or lithium, is allowing that battery to sit in a deeply discharged state for any period of time. Doing so is highly detrimental to the battery’s health and can lead to a situation where the battery will no longer accept a charge. So, if you use your unit hard, get it on a charger right away afterwards. This will ensure that you are restoring the battery’s capacity and that your portable jump starter is ready to get the job done the next time you need it.
Tip #3: Protect the Unit from Temperature Extremes
Lead acid and lithium batteries are pretty tough. Nonetheless, exposing them to extreme temperatures for extended periods could shorten their lifespan. The ideal storage temperature for most batteries is ~70°F, though anywhere between 50˚ and 80˚ is still very beneficial. We are regularly reminded by customers that this isn’t a realistic goal for many of them, particularly in winter. Our units are typically good when stored above 0˚F and even lower temps. What we suggest is, if you are experiencing an extreme stretch of weather, bring your jump starter indoors overnight to give it a break.
In addition, if your jump starter is exposed to extended periods of extreme heat or cold, we recommend charging it more often. As noted above, the normal recommended charging interval during periods of non-use is 90 days. During periods of extreme weather, we suggest charging every 30 days. When you first bring your jump starter inside for charging, we suggest letting it come to room temperature before connecting it to AC power. This is best for the battery.
Tip #4: Keep the Unit Clean
Next, it’s a good idea to keep your portable jump starter as clean as possible. This isn’t purely for aesthetic reasons. Cleanliness also promotes proper function. For example, make a point of regularly cleaning the clamps. The idea is to prevent corrosion accumulation that can interfere with a good connection. A wire brush and some terminal cleaner will do the job.
While you are cleaning, perform a routine visual inspection. Check for any kind of damage that could create a safety hazard. Pay special attention to cable condition, clamp operation and the unit’s case to ensure that none of these items is compromised.
Tip #5: Always Adhere to Manufacturer Recommendations
Finally, always adhere to manufacturer recommendations. Be sure to read and thoroughly understand the unit’s owner’s manual. The manual should provide complete instructions for charging, maintenance and storage. Follow them.
A quick word about chargers: only use the charger that came with your jump starter. Each jump starter’s charger is specifically mated to the unit’s electronics and battery. Each charging system provides a specific power pattern and that is what the unit expects to receive when charging. This is particularly critical when it comes to lithium jump starters. There are many different lithium battery chemistries out there and each type has its own characteristics, including the ideal voltage for charging. Using the wrong charger with your lithium jump starter can create dangerous conditions that can result in property damage and personal injury.
Kudos to you for having the foresight to invest in a portable jump starter. Take care of your jump starter and it will take care of you and your customers. If you ever have questions about our jump starters, please contact us through the Contact Form on our website, via email or via our social channels.
