Understanding the Technology Behind Portable Jump Starters
Portable jump starters typically contain either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. These devices can supply a powerful burst of energy to a vehicle’s dead battery, allowing you to start your car without needing a second vehicle or calling for roadside assistance. Many modern jump starters are also equipped with other useful features like USB charging ports, built-in flashlights, and even air compressors for inflating tires.
Although portable jump starters are generally built with safety features like overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and reverse polarity alarms, the internal batteries they use can be sensitive to external factors such as temperature, humidity, and physical stress. Understanding these factors is key to making sure your jump starter remains safe to use and performs optimally when you need it most.
Promoted Product: TOPDON JumpeSurge3000 Portable Jump Starter
Your vehicle’s battery doesn’t go dead when it’s convenient for you. Sometimes it happens when you don’t have access to another vehicle or jumper cables. This is where the TOPDON JumpeSurge3000 comes in.
The JumpSurge3000 is a 3000 Peak Amp portable jumpstarter that you can keep in your vehicle until you need it. This model is designed to work for vehicles with 12V batteries and up to 9L gas engines or 7L diesel engines.
More than just a one-hit wonder, the 24,000 mAh capacity of the JumpSurge3000 is capable of up to 45 jump starts on a single charge. It can bring your dead battery back to life in just a second.
TOPDON built in a number of safety features into the JumpSurge3000 designed to prevent the following hazards: reverse polarities, short circuits, over currents, reverse charges, over discharges, overheating, and low temperatures.
In addition to jump starting your battery, you can also use the JumpSurge3000 like a power bank to charge electronics via its USB Quick Charge 3.0 port. What’s more, it comes equjipped with an 400 lumen LED flashlight. It also offers an SOS setting to signal for help.
The Risks of Storing a Jump Starter in Your Car
While a portable jump starter is designed to be durable and reliable, storing it in your car when it’s not in use does introduce some risks that you should consider. Let’s explore the most common risks involved:
1. Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
One of the most significant factors affecting the performance and safety of your portable jump starter is temperature. Car interiors can become dangerously hot in summer and freezing cold in winter, which can wreak havoc on the internal battery of your jump starter.
- Heat Exposure: During hot summer months, the temperature inside a parked car can easily soar to 120°F (49°C) or higher, which can cause your portable jump starter’s battery to overheat. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are susceptible to high temperatures, as heat can lead to chemical instability inside the battery, potentially causing leakage, swelling, or even combustion in rare cases. Overheated batteries will also degrade faster, shortening their lifespan.
- Cold Exposure: On the flip side, freezing temperatures can reduce the overall capacity of a jump starter. Cold can cause the internal components to slow down and may prevent the jump starter from delivering the required power when you need it. In some cases, lithium-ion batteries can even freeze, leading to irreversible damage and rendering the device useless.
Even in moderate temperatures, fluctuating heat and cold cycles can cause wear and tear on the battery, affecting both its longevity and performance.
2. Battery Drainage Over Time
All rechargeable batteries, including those found in portable jump starters, gradually lose their charge over time due to self-discharge. This phenomenon occurs even when the device is not in use. While the rate of self-discharge is slow, leaving your jump starter in the car for months without charging it can lead to a drained battery by the time you need it.
For lithium-ion batteries, the self-discharge rate is typically between 5-10% per month, while lead-acid batteries tend to discharge more quickly. If the battery becomes too low, it may no longer have enough power to start your car, and in some cases, deep discharging can permanently damage the battery.
Additionally, when a jump starter’s battery is allowed to drain completely, it can take longer to recharge, or it may fail to charge at all. In the worst-case scenario, if left too long without a charge, the battery might suffer from what’s called a “deep discharge,” which could lead to internal damage that permanently reduces its capacity.
3. Physical Damage and Vibration Risks
Another important factor to consider when storing a jump starter in your car is the physical impact of vibrations. Cars are constantly subject to vibrations while driving, and even when parked, small bumps and movements can cause objects inside your vehicle to shift and collide.
If a jump starter is stored loosely in the trunk, glove compartment, or under a seat, it could be subjected to unnecessary physical stress. Vibration and impacts could loosen internal connections or even cause damage to the battery cells, rendering the device ineffective or unsafe. This risk is especially significant if the jump starter is stored without adequate protection, such as a padded case or compartment.
Moreover, sharp objects or heavy items could fall on the jump starter, leading to external damage, puncturing, or stress to the casing. In the event of a puncture or crack, the risk of leakage or fire increases, especially if the jump starter uses a lithium-ion battery. The best bet to avoid this though is to store the jump starter in a protective case. Many come with these in the kit, but anything that doesn’t cause the greenhouse effect to further heat the battery should do just fine.
4. Moisture and Humidity Exposure
In addition to temperature and physical risks, exposure to moisture and humidity can also affect the performance of a jump starter. If your vehicle is parked outside during rainy or humid conditions, moisture may accumulate inside the car, especially in areas like the trunk or glove compartment. Obviously these cases are few and far between, but in a world of increasingly commonly leaking sunroof seals and the likes, it’s not impossible.
While most portable jump starters are built to be resistant to moisture, prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to rusting of metal components or corrosion of internal connections. This could affect the jump starter’s reliability, potentially making it dangerous to use if moisture penetrates the battery or circuitry. Again, a storage case is a helpful way around this.
How to Safely Store a Portable Jump Starter in Your Car
While there are some risks associated with keeping a portable jump starter in your car, you can minimize these risks with a few simple precautions. Here are some best practices for storing your jump starter safely:
1. Choose a Temperature-Controlled Location
If possible, avoid storing your jump starter in the car altogether, especially in extreme weather. Instead, keep it in a cool, dry place in your home, garage, or office. A temperature-controlled environment will prevent exposure to excessive heat or cold, ensuring that your jump starter remains in optimal condition.
If you must store it in your car, try to keep it in an area with a relatively stable temperature. The glove compartment or under the seat may offer more protection from temperature fluctuations compared to the trunk, which can experience extreme conditions.
2. Recharge Periodically
Recharge your portable jump starter every 3-6 months, even if you haven’t used it. This is particularly important for lithium-ion models, as they can lose charge even when not in use. Regular charging will ensure the battery remains functional and prevent it from draining to dangerously low levels, which can damage the battery. Many modern jump starters come with built-in indicators to show the battery level, so make use of these features to monitor the charge.
3. Store in a Protective Case
Always store your portable jump starter in a protective case, especially if you keep it in your car. A soft pouch or padded case will protect the device from physical damage caused by vibrations or impacts. Many jump starters come with their own carrying cases, but if yours didn’t, it’s a good idea to invest in a durable case designed for this purpose.
Additionally, make sure the jump starter is not in contact with any sharp objects or heavy items that could cause it to be crushed or punctured.
4. Consider Temperature-Resistant Models
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures—whether it’s blazing summer heat or frigid winter cold—consider purchasing a jump starter that is designed to withstand such conditions. Some manufacturers produce models that are equipped with thermal protection or ruggedized cases to protect the internal components from temperature extremes. These jump starters are often marketed as “all-weather” or “outdoor” models and may be better suited for use in vehicles exposed to harsh conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s not always the safest option to keep your portable jump starter in your car when it’s not being used, it’s not entirely unsafe if you take the proper precautions. The most significant risks stem from extreme temperatures, battery drainage, physical damage, and exposure to moisture. By storing your jump starter in a temperature-controlled environment, recharging it regularly, using a protective case, and avoiding exposure to harsh conditions, you can extend the life of your jump starter and ensure it’s ready for use when you need it most.
Remember that your jump starter is an investment in your vehicle’s reliability and your peace of mind, so it’s worth the effort to take care of it.