As a vehicle owner, you must be familiar with the helpless feeling that comes when you turn the ignition key and your car won't start. This can happen due to a variety of reasons like a dead battery, extreme weather conditions, or a malfunctioning starter. Fortunately, you don't have to wait for a tow truck or a kind stranger to jump-start your vehicle.
Jump starter is a popular solution to this problem. It is a portable device that is used to jump-start a car with a dead battery. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about using a jump starter for your vehicle.
Types of Jump Starters
There are two types of jump starters available in the market:
- Traditional jump starters: These jump starters have been around for a long time and require two cables to be connected to the dead battery and a live battery. This type of jump starter is bulky and not very portable.
- Portable jump starters: These jump starters are relatively new in the market and are compact and easy to carry around. They come with a built-in battery and can be charged using a normal electrical outlet or a car cigarette lighter. Portable jump starters are a popular choice among vehicle owners due to their convenience and ease of use.
Using a Jump Starter
The process of using a jump starter is fairly simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Make sure the jump starter is charged: Before you can use the jump starter, make sure it is fully charged. Most jump starters come with an LED indicator that shows the battery level.
- Find a suitable location: Park the vehicle with the dead battery close to the jump starter. Make sure both vehicles are not touching and the engines are turned off.
- Identify the positive and negative terminals on the battery: This is important before you start the jump-starting process. The positive terminal is marked with a plus sign (+), and the negative terminal is marked with a minus sign (-).
- Connect the jump starter to the battery: Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the jump starter. Connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the jump starter and the other end to a metal part of the engine block. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery as it can cause a spark and damage the battery.
- Start the engine: Turn on the ignition key of the vehicle and start the engine. If the engine starts, remove the cables from the battery in the reverse order (black cable first and then the red cable), and turn off the jump starter. If the engine doesn't start, wait for a few minutes and try again. If it still doesn't start, there might be a problem with the battery, starter, or alternator, and you need to seek professional help.
Safety Tips
While using a jump starter, it is important to follow these safety tips:
- Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any sparks or acid that might come from the battery.
- Do not touch the metal clamps while they are connected to the battery.
- Turn off the jump starter and remove the cables in the reverse order.
- Do not smoke or light a match near the battery as it can cause an explosion.
- Always keep the jump starter away from children.
Conclusion
Jump starter is a useful tool that can help you in times of need. It is important to have a reliable jump starter in your car in case of emergencies. Make sure you follow the safety tips and the proper procedure while using a jump starter to avoid any accidents. With the right tools and knowledge, you can handle any dead battery situation like a pro.
