Jump Start Packs

[TowZone]

Another cold blast is gripping the country and older vehicle batteries show their age in these temperatures.  Fortunately, the jump-start pack is an operator’s best friend in these types of conditions.  A quick boost will get many customers back on the road and you off to the next call.  In order to keep your jump packs working when you need them here are a few tips.
 

•  Keep the jump pack charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Yes, this seems like an easy one, but jump-packs have different charging techniques.  Some packs have built-in overcharge protection so they can be plugged in all the time while others require charging for a specific time-frame then need to be removed from the power source.  Constant charging will damage the battery packs on units without overcharge protectors.
•   Jump start packs require cool-down periods between jumps.  The high amperage needed to start a vehicle heats up the internal components of the jump-pack.  The timeframe varies depending on the manufacturer, but in general, after 6 seconds of trying to start a vehicle, a pack will need 3 minutes of cool down time.
•  Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of the jump-start pack.  Keep warm in between uses.
• Train employees on the proper hook-up of the battery hand clamps per manufacturer instructions, charging techniques, proper storage and transport.
•  Use to jump non-frozen lead-acid batteries only.