What is the correct method for jump-starting a car with a portable power bank?
4 Answers
Connect the red clamp (+) of the cable to the positive terminal of the dead car's battery. Connect the other red clamp (+) of the cable to the positive terminal of the rescue car's battery. Connect the black clamp (-) of the cable to the negative terminal of the rescue car's battery. Connect the other black clamp (-) of the cable to a metal part, such as the engine block or cylinder of the rescue car. Start the rescue car and let it run for a few minutes, then start the dead car and let it run for a few minutes. If it doesn't start, you can slightly increase the throttle of the rescue car.
I've encountered a dead car battery several times before and used a portable power bank for emergency jump-starting. Safety always comes first, so I make sure to check that the power bank has enough charge and is compatible with the car battery, preferably 12V. The jump-starting process is straightforward: first, turn off the power bank, then use the red clamp to attach to the positive terminal of the car battery (usually marked with a + sign), being careful not to touch any metal to avoid short-circuiting and damaging the battery. Next, attach the black clamp to the negative terminal or an engine grounding point. Turn on the power bank, wait about 10 seconds, and then try to start the car. Once the car starts, disconnect the black clamp first, followed by the red clamp, to prevent sparks. I’ve also dealt with a weak battery in winter, and this method worked perfectly. Just remember not to operate in the rain to avoid electric shock. Regular battery maintenance and avoiding long periods of inactivity can prevent such issues, saving both money and hassle.
As a guy who frequently works on cars, the core of jump-starting is correctly connecting the terminals to avoid circuit damage. I always make sure the car is turned off and the lights are switched off, then check if the power bank voltage matches the 12V battery. The process involves three steps: First, connect the red positive clamp to the battery's positive terminal, ensuring a stable and secure contact without looseness. Second, attach the black negative clamp to a grounding point or the battery's negative terminal, being careful not to touch the positive terminal. Third, power on the power bank and attempt to start the engine after a few seconds. Remember to wear gloves throughout the process and use insulated tools to prevent static electricity. I've seen cases where the terminals were reversed, resulting in the power bank overheating or the battery exploding, so always operate carefully. After completion, disconnect the cables in order to ensure safety. It's advisable to regularly test the battery's health and replace it in advance for better reliability.
When I first learned to drive, I was especially afraid of the battery running out of power. Later, a friend taught me how to properly use a portable jump starter. It's actually quite simple: first, place the jump starter securely, then take out the red clamp and attach it to the positive terminal of the battery (marked with a red symbol), and the black clamp to the negative terminal or a metal part of the car frame. Turn on the jump starter, but don't rush to start the car—wait a few seconds for the current to stabilize. If the car still doesn't start, check if the clamps are tightly connected. Stay focused during the process to avoid clamping the wrong spots. I remember my hands shaking like crazy the first time I did it, but after a few tries, I got used to it. Don't forget to turn off the lights and AC when driving to avoid frequent jump starts.
