How Long Do Portable Jump Starters Last? 6 Ways To Help Maintain Them | Roadway Ready (2023)

No one likes being stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. But it happens to the best of us. That’s where portable jump starters come in handy. They can get your car up and running in no time, so you can be on your way again. But how long do these life-saving devices actually last?

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My previous jump starter lasted about five years before it could no longer do its job. The average battery jump starter lasts about three to four years. All in all, I thought that was a pretty good lifespan and maybe a little above average for a jump starter. I took pretty good care of it when I didn’t need it; I kept it out of extreme temperatures and kept a good charge on it.

So with proper care, you can make sure that your jump starter is ready to go. Here are six ways to help make sure your portable jump starter is always ready to go when you need it.

  • Keep them away from extreme temperatures
  • Store them in a dry place
  • Check the expiration date
  • Charge them regularly
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Have a plan B – in case of an emergency, it’s always good to have a backup plan

Are you looking for a new jump starter?

Check out this article over here

(Video) How to Properly Jump Start a Car

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Avoid Extreme Temperatures

How Long Do Portable Jump Starters Last? 6 Ways To Help Maintain Them | Roadway Ready (1)

Your trusty jump starter is your most valuable asset when you’re low on juice, but if it’s not properly stored and maintained it won’t be of much help. Keep it away from the extreme temperatures of hot and cold, as these can damage its internal components over time.

The battery life could dissipate more quickly in the heat, or actually freeze in the cold! No one wants a starter that won’t actually start their car – so do yourself a favor and make sure your jump starter isn’t swimming in an oven or residing inside a refrigerator. Your jump starter will thank you for properly storing it, even if it doesn’t give you a hug before helping to get your car running again!

Store Jump Starter in A Dry Place

This suggestion seems obvious; a battery jump starter is a piece of electronic equipment. Like all electronic equipment keeping it stored in a damp location is not ideal.

(Video) Never Use This Jump Starter on Your Car

This goes along with our first suggestion above. Usually, in a garage or even in the trunk of your vehicle are ideal places to keep a jump starter.

Batteries Expire Too, Keep an eye on the Date

This goes hand in hand with the article topic. Our batteries don’t last forever. Basically, your jump starter is a big rechargeable battery.

At some point, it will fail. My old jump starter would no longer hold a charge. That’s how I knew it was done and time to let it go.

Charge Your Jump Starter Regularly

It is important to keep your jump starter battery charged and ready for use. Depending on the type of jump starter you have, you should charge it up at least once every three months. This will ensure that your jump starter is always ready to go when you need it. If you are using a lithium-ion jump starter, you may need to charge it more often as these types of batteries tend to lose their charge faster than other types of batteries.

You should also check the voltage of your jump starter periodically to make sure that it is still fully charged. Most jump starters come with an indicator light that will tell you when the battery needs to be recharged. If the light turns red, then it’s time to recharge your jump starter so that it can be used again in case of an emergency. Keeping your jump starter charged and ready for use will help ensure that you are always prepared for any situation.

Follow The Directions

When it comes to maintaining your jump starter, following the manufacturer’s instructions is key. Not only will this help ensure that you get the most out of your jump starter, but it will also help keep you and your vehicle safe. For example, when charging your jump starter, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

This includes making sure that you charge it at least once every 3 months and storing it in a room temperature environment. Additionally, when using your jump starter to start a car, always make sure that the battery posts are clear of dirt or grime and that the power bank jump starter is OFF prior to making any connections.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your jump starter is working properly and safely. Overall, following the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining a jump starter is essential for getting the most out of your device and keeping yourself safe while using it. It may seem like a lot of effort at first, but taking care of your jump starter can save you time and money in the long run!

Do Not! Overcharge or Fully Discharge Your Jump Starter, why?

When it comes to jump starters, overcharging and discharging a battery can be damaging. Overcharging occurs when the battery is left on the charger for too long or when the voltage regulator fails. This can cause damage to the cells of the battery, leading to a decrease in capacity and a shorter lifespan.

(Video) How to Fix a Portable Jump Starter

Discharging a battery fully can also be damaging for jump starters. When batteries are discharged too deeply, they will no longer be able to hold their charge and will need to be replaced. This is because deep discharges cause an increase in internal resistance which leads to an inability to recharge properly.

It’s important to note that both overcharging and discharging a battery fully can lead to irreversible damage. To avoid this, it’s important to use your jump starter correctly and follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, you should never leave your jump starter on the charger for extended periods of time as this could lead to overcharging and permanent damage.

In conclusion, overcharging and discharging a battery fully can cause irreversible damage to your jump starter if not done correctly. It’s important that you always follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer and never leave your jump starter on the charger for extended periods of time as this could lead to overcharging and permanent damage.

How many times can you use a portable jump starter?

For most portable jump starters, you can expect to get at least 10-20 uses out of them before needing to recharge or replace the battery. This number is based on using the jump starter correctly and not leaving it connected for too long. If you leave it connected for too long, it could damage the battery, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.

The type of jump starter also affects how many times you can use it. Higher quality models with larger batteries will last longer than cheaper models with smaller batteries. Additionally, some models come with features like overcharge protection that help extend their life by preventing them from being overcharged or left connected for too long.

Finally, how often you use your jump starter is another factor that affects its lifespan. If you only need to use it occasionally, then it should last much longer than if you’re using it every other day or more frequently.

Can you replace the battery in a portable jump starter?

The short answer is ‘Yes’, typically you can replace a battery in a jump starter. Is it worth it? meh…that’s a different question.

Can you replace the battery in a portable jump starter? Yes, you can replace the battery in a portable jump starter. However, it is not as simple as buying a new one. Replacing the battery requires some technical know-how and tools such as a Philips head screwdriver.

You’ll also need to be familiar with how the old battery was connected before you can properly install the new one. It’s definitely possible, but if you’re not comfortable with doing it yourself, it may be best to just buy a new jump starter instead.

(Video) Why Jumpstarters are now leaving people stranded

How often do you have to charge a portable jump starter?

Charging your portable jump starter should be part of your regular car maintenance routine. It’s like brushing your teeth – you don’t want to wait until the battery indicator gets too low and you’re faced with an emergency before realizing it needs attention.

If you check on it regularly, you won’t have to worry. Generally speaking, a portable jump starter should be charged at least once every three months, or when the battery level runs low as indicated by the battery indicator light on the device. That way, you’ll never be left in the dark!

Final Thoughts…

Taking care of your battery and jump starter is essential to keep it working properly and efficiently. Keeping an eye on the battery indicator light, charging your device regularly every three months, and following all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer are all important steps you should take when using a jump starter. Doing so will help you get the most out of your device and avoid any potential damage.

FAQs

How Long Do Portable Jump Starters Last? 6 Ways To Help Maintain Them | Roadway Ready? ›

Even in those cases where this type of charge frequency is unrealistic, nightly charging should be done if the unit is used often. If you do not use the jump starter regularly, make sure to charge it at least every three months to ensure the battery is not sitting in a discharged state for extended periods.

How do you maintain a portable jump starter? ›

Even in those cases where this type of charge frequency is unrealistic, nightly charging should be done if the unit is used often. If you do not use the jump starter regularly, make sure to charge it at least every three months to ensure the battery is not sitting in a discharged state for extended periods.

How long will a portable jump starter last? ›

1) Typically, a modern lithium battery's lifespan is 2–3 years, which is about 300 to 500 fully charge cycles as rated by manufacturers. 2) This doesn't mean that your jump starter will die or won't work after 2–3 years.

How often do you have to charge a portable jump starter? ›

We recommend checking the battery level once every two to three months if you have not been using the device. If the LED indicator lights show three solid lights or less, it's time to recharge the device.

How many times can you use a portable jump starter? ›

Inside the jump starter is a compact yet powerful battery that can often start an engine more than a dozen times over without being recharged.

Can I leave my jump starter plugged in all the time? ›

Charging a battery (any battery) at a rate greater than the recommended charge rate is detrimental to its long-term health. Many technicians leave the jump starter connected after a successful start, thinking that it is a fast and easy way to get the unit recharged, but this practice should be avoided.

How long should a jump-start last? ›

If you have jump-started your car, it is recommended to let your vehicle run for at least 30 minutes because it would typically require at least half an hour to charge a dead battery entirely or at least sufficiently.

Can I store a portable jump starter in my car? ›

Storing a jump starter in the car is perfectly fine, especially with the newer lithium-ion batteries that are much more compact than the older, bigger lead-acid jump starters. There's no safety risk, although extremely cold temperatures may weaken the battery, so make sure that you check your jump starter regularly.

How long do portable car chargers last? ›

The lifespan of a portable charger depends on factors like quality, capacity, usage patterns, and maintenance. A high-quality portable charger can last for 2 to 3 years or more, while cheaper power banks have a shorter lifespan.

Can I leave jump starter in hot car? ›

Though the manufacturer indicates that the unit will operate in -4 °F to 140 °F temps, it's not a great idea to leave it in a car in extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Can you overcharge a portable jump starter? ›

The first is that the DC power port on your jump starter is a direct feed to the internal battery, so care must be taken not to overcharge the jump starter.

How do you keep a jump starter charged? ›

There are three ways the jump starter can be charged up: Connect it to the dead battery (takes about 100 seconds); connect to the 12V socket using the supplied cable (about 180 seconds); connects using USB (5V 2A) (about 50 minutes).

Are battery jump starters worth it? ›

When used according to the manufacturer's directions, jump starters are perfectly safe and an incredibly useful tool to have on-hand in case of a dead vehicle battery. You won't need to call and wait for roadside assistance to come to you or flag down a passing vehicle to ask for help jump starting your car or truck.

Is it bad to keep jumping a dead battery? ›

Jump-starting your car battery once is not a problem. However, if you have to jump-start your battery up to three times a week, it's time to get a replacement, as it is probably damaged. Also, when jumping-start a car, avoid cranking it more than three times if the car refuses to start.

How do I know if my portable jump starter is bad? ›

Disconnect the battery from the car and connect the car's battery cables to the jump starter. If it successfully starts the car, it's good. If not, it's bad.

Can I use a portable jump starter in the rain? ›

Yes, it is safe. However, you must drain any extra water from the battery before connecting the jumper cables. Also, when attempting to jump the battery, keep it as dry as possible.

Can you charge a portable jump starter? ›

Charge your portable jump starter after each use, or alternatively every 6 months. Jump starters may lose their charge if left in the car during hot and cold weather, so we recommend keeping on top of charging them in case of the event that you need to use it.

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