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How to Jump Start a Car

Published

4 months ago

December 18, 2020

Whether you’re a first-time car owner or a seasoned driver, you’ll have to jumpstart a vehicle at least once in your lifetime. Successfully bringing a drained battery back to life depends on following the proper steps. This quick write-up reviews jump starting basics and offers other useful battery tips.

You can jump a vehicle two ways: with jumper cables and another car or by using a portable jump starter. If you’re buying new jumper cables, look for models with 4 to 6 gauge wiring and measuring at least 20 feet long – long enough to reach the other vehicle. When shopping for a portable starter, look at its amp rating. Also, check manufacturer recommendations for each model to confirm that it can power up your vehicle.

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When Jump Starting A Car Which Cable Goes on First?

So, you now have your jumper cables or a portable charger. You’re ready to jump, right? Not quite. You should visually inspect your battery for corrosion, cracks, leaks or other physical damage in its terminals or casing. You should also make sure that your battery isn’t frozen. Finally, don’t touch your jumper cables’ or chargers’ clips together. You’ll avoid a dangerous electrical shock while they’re in use.

Before you begin a jump using a donor vehicle, make sure that the two vehicles are as close to each other as possible. Try to park them side by side or with their front ends facing each other. After your vehicles are ready, follow these quick steps:

Remove the plastic hoods covering the battery terminals.

Identify the battery posts. The positive terminal should have a plus sign (+) and may have a red cover.

Attach one of your cables’ red clamps to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the functional battery.

Connect one of your cables’ black clamps to the negative terminal on the functional battery.

Attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface.

After all the clamps are attached, start the donor vehicle and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then start your own vehicle. If you’re using a portable jumper, you only need to hook up its red clamp to the positive terminal on your battery. The black clamp should be attached to a clean unpainted metal surface.

If your automobile starts with little to no trouble, disconnect the cables and allow it to run for about 15 minutes. As a precaution, take your vehicle to an auto parts store and take advantage of its free battery testing services.

Can You Jump Start A Car By Yourself?

Jumping a vehicle is pretty easy, but it’s not a good idea to do it by yourself. Damaged batteries can ignite or release harmful vapors. Jumper cables can also emit sparks, causing fires or explosions. If you’re ever in doubt, ask a professional to jump your vehicle. Roadside assistance services usually include jump starts for no additional charge.

Anyone can end up with a dead battery, but proper auto care typically sidesteps this problem. A Duralast battery may be a useful investment, with regular and advanced models to provide the best power in your typical driving conditions.

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How To Keep an eBike Battery Warm In Winter

Published

5 months ago

November 19, 2020

Trent Warner

Most electric bikes run on lithium ion batteries. These batteries are sensitive to cold and heat. In the short term, a battery may provide reduced range at freezing temperatures. Over time, extreme temperatures or wide fluctuations shorten the lifespan of ebike batteries. Keeping batteries for electric bikes and electric tricycles for sale warm whenever possible in cold weather will prolong the next ride you take and the operational lifespan of an ebike battery.

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Store eBike Batteries Indoors

Any type of battery will experience diminished performance in cold weather. During operation, a cold ebike battery may only be able to reach about 80% of the normal range. Battery life may be rapidly reduced by storage at extremely cold or hot temperatures or if batteries undergo large temperature swings. Once a battery has become cold, it should slowly be brought back up to room temperature over at least two hours prior to taking a charge.

The best way to prolong the life of a mens or ladies electric bike and batteries is to store all ebike components indoors. Keeping a bike and batteries in a climate-controlled area enables a bike to dry out completely after a ride in winter weather and reduces temperature strain that can shorten range in the short term and operational life over time.

Wrap a Battery In Insulation

It may be possible to keep a battery warm in storage or transport when not in use by wrapping the unit in insulation. Foam and other materials may be helpful for protecting sensitive components from exposure to freezing temperatures or moisture. Batteries should also be protected from moisture, exposure to which can result in a short or the formation of corrosion.

Always charge and store batteries in a dry, room-temperature environment. Batteries should never be charged cold or stored at a very high or low temperature, as this can take a toll on battery life. Depending on the duration of storage, keeping batteries in specially designed fire-proof bags can also be a helpful safety measure given the remote risk of combustion that accompanies all Li-ion batteries.

Avoid Exposure To Direct Heat

Direct heat poses one of the greatest threats to batteries. In addition to reducing the operational life, very high heat can cause a battery to explode. While this is less of a danger with external temperatures during the winter, it is important to bring cold batteries back to room temperature slowly over time. Attempting to warm a battery near a direct heat source can damage the unit and raise the risk of fire or explosion. In particular, prolonged exposure to temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit can diminish the functionality of an ebike battery.

Whenever you take a ride during the winter, bring your bike inside to dry off afterwards. Always allow the battery to sit at room temperature for at least two hours prior to charging. When storing rechargeable batteries, maintain a 60% power level for optimal battery life. Taking the right approach to charging and storing ebike batteries can help you get the most out of each component.