- Store your jump starter cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. A lithium jump starter is happiest between roughly 10 and 30 degrees.
- Don't leave it in a scorching hot car in summer. In the glovebox it can climb above 60 degrees, and that wears out the cells.
- Keep the charge around half if you're putting it away for a long time, and top it up every 3 to 6 months.
- Before a long trip or holiday, check that it's fully charged and the cables are intact.
You buy a jump starter once and it needs to stand ready for years when you need it. But just like your car battery, a jump starter needs a bit of attention too. Heat and a flat charge are the silent culprits. With this checklist your jump starter stays ready to start for years, summer and winter.
Maintenance and storage checklist
- Store the jump starter cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.
- Don't leave it in a hot car in summer.
- Keep the charge around half during long storage.
- Recharge every 3 to 6 months, even if you're not using it.
- Check the cables and clamps for damage.
- Fully recharge it after every use.
- Check before a holiday or a long trip that it's fully charged.
Why heat wears out your jump starter
A lithium battery is happiest between roughly 10 and 30 degrees. In summer it can get much warmer inside a parked car. In the glovebox or on the parcel shelf the temperature can easily climb above 60 degrees. That heat speeds up ageing of the cells, so your jump starter loses capacity faster and eventually starts with less power. So don't leave it permanently in the car in summer, keep it indoors or in the garage instead. Feel free to take it with you when you travel, but don't leave it for hours in full sun on the dashboard.
Where do you store your jump starter?
The best spot is indoors, somewhere dry at room temperature. A cupboard in the house, a storage room or a ventilated garage all work fine. Avoid damp spots and places with big temperature swings. Don't leave it loose among tools where the cables could get damaged, keep it in the supplied bag or its own compartment instead. That way you can grab it quickly when you need it too.
Why you shouldn't leave the charge full or empty
If you're storing the jump starter for a long time, don't leave it completely empty or 100 percent full either. Around half is healthiest for the cells. A fully drained lithium battery can deep discharge and suffer permanent damage from it. So recharge the jump starter every 3 to 6 months, even if you're not using it. Set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget. If you notice it runs flat much faster than before after a few months, that's a sign the battery is ageing.
Ready for winter and the holidays
Right when you need it most, your jump starter has to be full. A cold winter morning, or a car that won't start after two weeks on holiday: that's not the moment to discover the device itself is flat. So charge it fully before it gets cold and before you leave. Check straight away that the cables are intact and the clamps close properly. Read more about why a battery runs flat in car won't start, the 5 most common causes.
Tip for summer. Store your jump starter indoors during the summer months and only put it in the car when you're heading out. That keeps the cells cool and your jump starter lasts years longer.
- 620 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps, the real starting power at a cold start), suits most petrol and diesel cars
- Compact, fits in the glovebox or door pocket
- Smart clamps with protection against reverse polarity, short circuits and sparks
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to store a jump starter?
Cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, somewhere around room temperature. Keep the charge around half during long storage and recharge every 3 to 6 months.
Can a jump starter stay in the car during summer?
Better not to. Inside a parked car it can get well above 60 degrees, which speeds up ageing of the cells. Take it with you when you travel, but store it cool at home.
How often should I recharge my jump starter if I'm not using it?
Roughly every 3 to 6 months. That way you prevent the battery from discharging too deeply, which can cause permanent damage.
Does cold or heat damage a jump starter?
Heat is the most harmful and shortens the lifespan of the cells. Extreme cold temporarily reduces its power, but it recovers once it warms up again. It's best stored between 10 and 30 degrees.
How long does a jump starter last?
With good maintenance a lithium jump starter lasts for years and survives hundreds of charge cycles. A lot of heat and deep discharging shorten that lifespan, so storing it cool and recharging on time pays off.
