How to Use a Jump Starter?

Jump starters are the easiest way to start a vehicle with a dead battery- and could be the ultimate emergency tool to have in your vehicle. To effectively and safely use a portable jump starter and get the longest life out of yours, here are some common tips to follow.

Step 1 – Charging

Jump starters require charging before first use and you need to ensure they have enough charge every time you use them. Just to be sure, we recommend fully charging after every use. Check the product manual included in the box or online for charging times.

But with our Autowit supercapacitor jump starter, no need of pre-charge at home.

Step 2 - Charging Cool Down

Always ensure that you charge the jump starter in a well ventilated area, and wait at least 1 hour after full charge is reached before attempting to jump start a vehicle.

Step 3 - Check Charge

Check that your jump starter is fully charged by pressing down the button on the front panel of the jump starter.

Step 4 - Check Vehicle Specifics

Next, take a look at your vehicle manual for any information specific to jump starting your engine. Not all engines are the same so it pays to double check.

Step 5 - Positioning The Jump Starter

Place your jump starter securely in the engine bay, ensuring that the cables can reach the battery terminals and that nothing will fall or get caught in moving parts. Jump starters are heavy, so you need to ensure they will not fall either into the engine bay, or onto the ground to avoid damage.

Step 6 - Checking The Power Switch

Now connect the jumpstarter to the battery, but before doing this, ensure that the jump starter switch is in the "OFF" position.

Step 7 - Connecting The Jump Starter

Always connect the red cable to the positive side of the battery first. This can be determined by looking for the plus symbol, or a red plastic terminal cover.

The black cable can now be connected to either the negative terminal of the battery, or to the vehicle chassis as instructed in your vehicle owners manual.

Step 8 - Starting And Idling

With everything connected correctly, switch the jump starter into the "ON" position, and proceed to start the vehicle as per normal.

Once the car is running, allow it to idle with the jump starter still connected for a couple of minutes - so it has a chance to build the voltage up.

Step 9 - Cool Down

If the vehicle won’t start after a couple of attempts at starting your vehicle, if it wont start, allow the jump starter to cool for 2 or 3 minutes before trying again to avoid damaging your jump starter.

Step 10 - Disconnecting The Jump Starter

Disconnect the jump starter in reverse order, making sure to switch the unit OFF first. Last of all, clip the cables back in the holder so as it is safe for transport.