How to Use EverStart Jump Starter
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning your key and hearing… nothing. A dead battery can catch anyone off guard.
Whether you left your headlights on overnight or your car’s battery is just getting old. That’s where an EverStart jump starter can save the day.
Compact, powerful, and easy to use, it’s one of those tools you don’t think about until you really need it.
And when that moment comes, knowing how to use it properly can get you back on the road in minutes — safely.
What is an EverStart Jump Starter?
An EverStart jump starter is a portable battery-powered device designed to jump-start your vehicle without needing another car. It comes with built-in cables (red and black clamps), a power button, and often USB ports or an air compressor depending on the model.
Think of it like having a backup battery in your trunk — but smarter. Instead of waving down a stranger or waiting for roadside assistance, you can handle the jump yourself in just a few simple steps.
Why You Might Need One?
A jump starter isn’t just for winter emergencies or roadside breakdowns. It’s great for anyone who drives daily, especially in older vehicles or in areas with extreme weather.
If you’ve got kids who accidentally leave the dome light on, or if you drive infrequently and your battery tends to drain, a jump starter is a lifesaver.
It’s also incredibly useful for solo travelers or anyone who wants to be more self-reliant on the road.
Safety First
Before you even touch the clamps, take a moment to read the manual that came with your EverStart jump starter. Each model can have slightly different instructions, indicator lights, or built-in safety features. Skipping this step could lead to mistakes that are easily avoidable.
Also, keep these basic precautions in mind:
- Never connect both clamps to the same terminal. Red goes to the positive (+), black to the negative (–). Getting this wrong can cause sparks, damage, or worse.
- Keep your face and body away from the battery when making connections — just in case there’s a reaction.
- Don’t use the jump starter near flames, cigarettes, or anything that sparks. Car batteries release flammable gases, and a single spark can cause a fire.
- Make sure the clamps don’t touch each other once the unit is powered on.
- Use in a well-ventilated area. This is especially important if you’re jump-starting in a garage or enclosed space.
Taking just a few seconds to follow safety guidelines can make a big difference. It’s better to be safe now than sorry later.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Use EverStart Jump Starter
1: Turn off your vehicle

Before doing anything, make sure your vehicle’s ignition is completely off. Remove the keys from the ignition and turn off any lights, radio, or accessories. This reduces the risk of electrical surges and ensures a clean connection between your battery and the jump starter.
2: Connect the clamps correctly

Open your vehicle’s hood and locate the battery terminals. You’ll see a positive (+) terminal, often covered with a red cap, and a negative (–) terminal.
Next, connect the black clamp to the negative (–) terminal.
Make sure both clamps are firmly attached and not wiggling around. Also, ensure the clamps don’t touch each other or any other metal part of the car.
First, connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
3: Power on the jump starter

Before doing anything, make sure your vehicle’s ignition is completely off. Remove the keys from the ignition and turn off any lights, radio, or accessories. This reduces the risk of electrical surges and ensures a clean connection between your battery and the jump starter.
4: Start your vehicle

Now, try starting your vehicle. Turn the key or press the start button as you normally would. If everything is connected correctly, the engine should crank and start. If it doesn’t start right away, wait 2–3 minutes and try again. Avoid cranking the engine more than a few seconds at a time — prolonged attempts can damage your starter or battery.
5: Disconnect safely

Once the engine is running, begin removing the jump starter cables in reverse order:
First, remove the black clamp from the negative terminal.
Then remove the red clamp from the positive terminal.
Be careful not to let the clamps touch each other or any metal part of the engine during removal. Let your car run for at least 15–20 minutes to help recharge the battery before shutting it off again.
FAQs
1. Can I use an EverStart jump starter on any car battery?
Most EverStart jump starters are designed for 12V lead-acid batteries, which are standard in most cars, SUVs, and small trucks. However, always check the specifications on your device and vehicle manual to ensure compatibility.
2. How long should I leave the jump starter connected before trying to start the car?
Usually, you can try to start the car immediately after powering on the jump starter. But if the battery is deeply discharged, it might help to wait 1–2 minutes after turning on the unit before cranking the engine.
3. What if my car still doesn’t start?
Double-check the clamp connections — red to positive (+), black to negative (–). If the jump starter has a charge indicator, make sure it has enough battery power. If the vehicle still doesn’t start, your battery may be too far gone or there may be another issue unrelated to the battery.
4. Can I damage my car if I connect the clamps incorrectly?
Yes. Reversing the polarity — like putting red on negative or black on positive — can cause sparks, blown fuses, or damage to the battery and electronics. Most modern EverStart jump starters have reverse polarity protection, but you should still be careful.
5. Do I need to recharge my EverStart jump starter after every use?
Yes. After each use, it’s important to fully recharge the jump starter. Even if you didn’t use much power, topping it off ensures it’ll be ready the next time you need it — especially in emergencies.
CONCLUSION
Using an EverStart jump starter is a simple process, but following each step carefully makes all the difference — especially when you’re in a stressful situation with a dead battery. From turning off your vehicle to connecting the clamps correctly and powering up safely, each move helps you get back on the road quickly and confidently.
Always read your model’s manual, keep your unit charged, and stay familiar with the process so you’re not caught off guard when you need it most.
Need help charging your EverStart jump starter?
Click here for our complete guide on how to charge EverStart Jump Starter.