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A jump starter only works if it is charged
Updated
The most common complaint in the owner summaries we read was not weak power. It was a pack that was flat, or would not recharge, on the day it was needed. Most of that comes down to storage habits.
Top it up on a schedule
- The GOOLOO GP4000 listing says to charge it every 2 to 3 months when idle.
- The GOOLOO A3 listing says at least once every 3 months in storage.
- The NOCO bullets we read did not give a schedule. Every 3 months is a safe habit for any pack. Check the manual for the maker's figure.
- Recharge after every jump and after every use of the tire inflator or the phone charging ports.
Heat: know the maker's limit
Lithium packs do not like heat. The GOOLOO A3 listing gives a use and storage range of -4°F to 140°F and a charging range of 14°F to 113°F. It also says to avoid long exposure to high heat and direct sun. The GP4000 listing gives the same -4°F to 140°F range.
- A closed car parked in summer sun can get hotter inside than those limits, most of all on the dash or rear shelf.
- Store the pack low and shaded: under a seat or in the trunk well, never in direct sun.
- In a hot climate, the safer habit is to bring the pack indoors in summer and carry it on trips.
- Never charge a pack that is hot, swollen or damaged. Stop using it and follow the maker's disposal advice.
The NOCO bullets we read did not list a temperature range. Look it up in the manual before you leave one in a hot car.
Cold: keep the pack warm, not the car
- A cold pack gives less power. If a hard freeze is coming, keep the pack indoors and carry it out with you.
- Note the charging limit. The A3 listing says not to charge below 14°F. Recharge indoors.
- Never jump a frozen battery. If the battery case is bulged or you see ice, do not connect anything. Call for help.
Recharge time and USB-C
| Jump starter | What the listing says about recharging |
|---|---|
| NOCO GB20 and GB40 | 3 hours. USB-C cable in the box |
| NOCO GBX75 | 1.8 hours on a 60 watt USB-C Power Delivery charger. 5 minutes for one jump from empty. Much slower on a phone charger |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | USB-C port at 5V/3A. No time given. Wall charger not included |
| GOOLOO A3 | USB-A to USB-C cable in the box. No time given in the bullets we read |
Two things to take from this. First, a fast time only counts if you own a charger that strong. Second, most of these packs come with a cable but no wall charger, so plan on using one you already have.
Next: find the right size for your engine or see the five picks.