Do yourself a favor, just toss them in a garbage can today. When your battery dies, call your service provider or use a "jumper box."
One of the most common and costly causes of alternator and onboard computer damage is the simple act of jump starting a car the old fashioned way - with jumper cables and a friend's car. Whether you're the person in need of a jump start or you're the good samaritan trying to help, those good 'ol jumper cables can ruin your electronics, cost thousands in electronic repairs and can even cause your battery to explode.
But you've always jump started cars and your engine has been fine - as long as you know what you're doing, right? Not anymore. Cars built in the past 2 decades have far more complicated electrical systems than older cars and even cars built in the 90's. And even when done correctly, a simple jump start can overload the system and the next thing you know you're at the repair shop facing a few thousand dollars in repairs.
To avoid this common problem, AERSI owner Ken Creel recommends a portable Jump Starter box. It's a safer way to jump start for you and your car. Here are a few tips for purchasing your own and how to use it.
1. "JUMP STARTER": Make sure you're buying a Jump Starter, not a Battery Charger. A battery charger must be left hooked up to your car for several hours before the car will start. The Jump Starter will start the car right away.
2. PRICE: Prices range anywhere from $25 - $100. You should be able to find one for about $65 that also includes a tire inflater on the unit. It's great to have both tools in one.
3. FEATURES: Make sure the unit you purchase has:
• A Reverse Connection Warning which will buzz and light up if you have your positive and negative wires hooked up incorrectly.
• A test button to show how much life is left in the rechargeable battery of the Jump Starter.
• Some also have features like a tire inflater, flash light and 12 Volt DC outlet you can use to recharge a mobile phone.
4. CHARGING: Be sure to keep your Jump Starter charged. And don't forget you'll probably need to charge it up before you can use it.
 5. HOW IT WORKS: Follow the directions that come with your particular Jump Starter since each type will be different. But generally, it's as easy as
• Open your hood.
• Make sure your key is out of the ignition.
• Attach the cables (first red to positive and then black to negative).
• Turn on the Jump Starter and check that the Reverse Connection Warning isn't activated (if so, turn off the unit, correct your cables and test again).
• Then start your car.
• Remove the cables (first black, then red).
6. NOW WHAT NEXT? If it still doesn't start, call AERSI or your service provider.
A jump starter box makes a great gift for your kids just starting to drive, leaving for college or anyone setting off on a road trip!
If you have any questions about jump starting or any questions about your current or soon-to-be Toyota, Lexus or Scion, call AERSI at 352.376.8399. Ken Creel is on site and will be more than happy to answer your questions for you. Or click here to email Ken >
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NO MORE JUMPER CABLES!