There is no need to be stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. A portable jump starter can help you get your car going again in no time. If you don’t have one take a look at our Top 8 NOCO Jump Starters for 2023.
Here are step by step instructions on how to use a portable jump starter:
Step 1 – Identify if your battery is dead
One way to do this is to try to start your car. If it doesn’t turn over at all, even when you jump start it, then your battery is likely dead. Another way to tell is to check the dashboard lights. If they are dim or off, that means there isn’t enough power to run the car.
If you do have a dead battery, it’s time to use your portable jump starter.
Step 2 – Connect to the Battery
Connect the jumper cables to the battery terminals on your car. Make sure you are connecting them to the correct posts – there is usually a positive (+) and negative (-) sign on top of each post. If you cannot see the + or – icons the positive terminal will be RED and the negative BLACK. The clamps on the jumper cables should snap onto the posts securely.
Step 3 – Start Jumping
- Make sure all of the vehicle’s power loads (headlights, radio, air conditioning, etc.) are turned off before attempting to jump start the vehicle.
- Press the power button to begin jump-starting. Make sure to check the user manual for your jump starter. For a NOCO Jump Starter: If you are properly connected to the battery, the white boost LED will illuminate and the battery charge LEDs will chase. A 60-second timeout countdown will begin as soon as a battery is detected.
- Try starting the vehicle. Most vehicles will immediately start. If the vehicle does not start right away, wait 20-30 seconds and try again. After the 60-second timeout is complete, the unit must be powered off, then back on, to initiate a new jump-start sequence.
- Once you have started your vehicle, turn the portable jump starter off, and disconnect the battery clamps.
Important note: Do not attempt more than five (5) consecutive jump starts within a fifteen (15) minute period. Allow the jump starter to rest for fifteen (15) minutes before attempting to jump-start the vehicle again.
Step 4 – Drive
After successfully jump-starting your car, give the car a few high revs to stimulate the alternative, it’s advisable to keep the engine running for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery fully.
If you’re wondering, how long should you drive a car after a jump-start? we have answered this question in depth here.
Above is an extract from the NOCO Boost X GBX75 User manual to highlight what a portable jump starter looks like and where the controls are located.
Is it better to use a battery charger or a jump starter?
Portable jump starters are great because they give you enough power to start your car and get it running. A battery charger will slowly charge up the dead battery – but if your battery is completely drained, this isn’t going to help.
If you’re stranded on the side of the road, it’s best to use a portable jump starter. Portable jump starters are smaller and lighter than battery chargers, so they’re easy to take with you wherever you go. They also come with built-in lights, which can come in handy if you need to work on your car at night.
Things to Look when choosing a Portable Jump Starter:
Capacity:
The jump starter should have enough power to start your car.
Weight:
The jump starter should be lightweight so you can easily take it with you.
Size:
The jump starter should be small and compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Built-in lights:
The jump starter should come with built-in lights, so you can see what you’re doing when you’re working on your car at night.
Safety features:
The jump starter should have safety features, such as overload protection and short circuit protection, to keep you safe while you’re using it.
Conclusion
Portable jump starters are a great way to get your car going again in no time – and they come in handy if you’re stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery.