Portable 12V battery jump starters offer vehicle owners a convenient emergency power source for reviving dead batteries. According to the experts at Clore Automotive though, mishandling these devices risks serious injury or further equipment damage.
Read All Guidelines
Every jumper pack ships with printed safety, setup, troubleshooting and care instructions unique to its design. Start by carefully reading the manufacturer’s directions from front to back before ever connecting a jump starter to any vehicle. Highlight and note all battery, cable and fuse specifications. Also confirm details on indicator warnings and any maintenance routines recommended after so much usage or time. Having a grasp on fundamental operational guidance remains key for averting mistakes down the road.
Assess Working Space
Attempting to jump start a vehicle in a cramped garage or pulled halfway into a busy parking space invites disaster through limited visibility and working room. Only connect jumper cables in broad daylight within large clearly visible working spaces like driveways or empty parking lots. This allows carefully identifying battery terminal locations without contortions while providing space should sparks or overheating occur. Park the rescue vehicle within reachable but not touching distance and set the parking brake.
Protect Skin and Eyes
A jump starter essentially introduces a controlled electrical storm under the hood capable of inflicting harm. Protect eyes from arcs or acid splashes by wearing safety glasses when connecting. Cover any skin with clothing and avoid wearing jewelry that could conduct electricity. Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy before beginning just in case although quality jump starters minimize such risks.
Confirm Terminal Polarity
Attaching jumper cables to the wrong polarity battery terminals guarantees disaster through explosions, electrical fires or irreparable system damage. Double check receiving battery terminal locations seeking specific positive and negative markers before proceeding. Most use a red plastic casing or plus (+) sign indicating the positive node. In contrast, negative terminals appear black or show a minus (-) symbol. Newer batteries also indicate polarity on top. Confirm any questions using the vehicle manual for guidance before connecting cables.
Attach Cable Clamps Securely
A dead battery may seem harmless, but introducing outside power sources can unleash impressive energies if shorted. Make firm centered attachments with cable clamps completely encircling battery terminals to prevent sparking. Properly set, most interlocking clamps should fit snugly, so check for a tight fit. Avoid touching cables together when attaching and coil excess slack to keep work areas tidy after hooking up.
Start Rescue Vehicle First
The extra battery reserves within a jump starter pack present little issue for an engine to turn over but resistances change when engaging another dead battery. Always start the rescue vehicle first while cables remain connected, allowing its alternator to begin charging things up. Let the engine run 15 minutes if possible, building reserves before attempting ignition of the dead car.
Remove Cables Correctly
Detaching jumper cables incorrectly risks dangerous shorts so follow reverse sequences. First, remove the negative cable from the originally dead car followed by its positive. Then disconnect the positive cable from the rescue vehicle and finish by removing its negative clamp last. This step-down release equalizes lingering charges safely.
Conclusion
Employing roadside jump starters seems fairly straightforward but disregarding essential precautions can trigger considerable car damage and injury. Begin by familiarizing yourself with details within the manuals provided. Assess ample safe workspace with visibility before connections. Wear protection and identify terminal markers accurately. Attach clamps tightly encircling terminals completely and start the rescue car first. Always remove cables methodically to discharge stored current avoiding unfortunate shorts. Follow guidelines to make jump starting safe, simple and successful.
