Jumpstarts
How we Use a Jump Pack to Jump-Start your Car
A portable jump pack—also known as a jump starter—is one of the safest and most convenient tools for reviving a dead car battery. Unlike traditional jumper cables, a jump pack doesn’t require a second vehicle, making it ideal for emergencies. These are the steps we follow to use one correctly and safely.
Before we attempt a jump-start, our technicians make sure the jump pack is fully charged. Most units have an indicator light or battery gauge; if it’s low, we recharge it first. A weak jump pack may fail to start the engine or could be damaged by the attempt.
We ensure the car’s ignition is completely off. Remove the keys, turn off all accessories (lights, radio, AC), and pop the hood to access the battery.
We then locate the battery’s positive (+) and negative (–) posts. They’re typically marked with symbols or color-coded: red for positive and black for negative.
Our technician will then attach the jump pack’s cables in this order:
Red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Black clamp to a solid metal ground, such as an unpainted bolt or the engine block. This reduces the risk of sparks near the battery.
We always make sure the clamps are secure and not touching each other.
Most jump packs have a power switch or button. We turn it on and allow a few seconds for power to transfer to the car’s battery.
We’ll then try starting the car. If it doesn’t start right away, we will wait 20–30 seconds and try again. But we always avoid repeated rapid attempts, as this can overheat both the battery and the jump pack.
Once the car starts:
Turn off the jump pack.
Remove the black clamp (ground) first.
Remove the red clamp from the battery terminal.
Store the jump pack and close the hood.
Let the car run for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the battery dies again soon after jumping, it may indicate the need to replace the alternator or other components.
A jump pack is a simple, reliable tool to get you back on the road. If you’re vehicle is dead, call or text the professionals at Lakes Area Towing and Recovery: 715-450-1833
Lakes Area Towing & Recovery is your premier towing company in the beautiful lakes area of Northern Wisconsin. We take pride in being the best choice for all your light duty towing, winching, recovery, and transport needs serving our friends and neighbors in Ladysmith, Chetek, Rice Lake, Lake Holcombe, Cornell, Cameron, Bloomer, Colfax, Bruce, Weyerhaeuser and many others. Our commitment to excellence is unmatched, backed by a state-of-the-art tow truck and a team of highly skilled professionals who are ready to provide prompt and efficient service.