These Frequently Asked Questions are a supplement to the Owner's Manual and Safety Instructions. Please review the
Owner's Manual for safety warnings and precautions, and assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning
procedures.
The proper jumpstart power depends on your vehicle. Below are the key points that you should consider when
selecting a jump starter.
- A smaller vehicle will require less cranking amps to start than a larger vehicle
- An older and/or improperly maintained vehicle will require more cranking amps than a similar vehicle
that has been properly maintained
- Starting a vehicle in cold weather will require more cranking amps
- Deeper discharged battery levels will require more cranking amps to start
Additionally, please consider key performance features for your selection
- Cranking amps (or Starting Current/Amps) are the maximum power that a jump starter can produce. You can
find this information on the product’s packaging and its product webpage.
- Choose a jump starter with a higher cranking amp rating than your battery’s Cold Crank Amps (CCA)
rating. For example, if your vehicle’s battery is rated at 420 CCA, a fully-charged jump starter rated
at 500A will ensure that you have enough power to start the vehicle even in cold weather.
For jump starters, the peak amps indicate the maximum initial power of the battery installed inside the jump
starter. However, the cranking amps rating is often the more practical measure to gauge a jump starter’s ability
to start a vehicle because it takes into account the jump starter’s entire system, including the battery and the
power delivery system, that will deliver the power needed to start a dead battery.
There are two types of jump starters: Lead Acid and Lithium-Ion jump starters. Each battery type has advantages
and disadvantages.
Lead Acid Jump Starters start at a lower price point and work well in cold weather. It is less energy dense,
charges slower, and requires more maintenance than a Lithium-Ion battery.
Lithium-Ion Jump Starters start at a higher price point. They are more energy dense, lighter/more compact, and
have a longer lifespan than jump starters with Lead Acid batteries. They also require less maintenance and
charge faster than Lead Acid Jump Starters.
The internal battery of a jump starter requires proper maintenance to ensure that it performs as intended and to
prolong its lifespan. Your jump starter may not charge if:
- The battery lifespan is nearing its end;
- The internal battery is in poor health;
- The power source, charging cable, or charger is damaged; or
- The battery is cold
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for maintenance instructions.
Because of their battery chemistry, lithium batteries may not work effectively when stored or used in an
extremely cold environment. Refer to the recommended storage temperature in the Owner’s Manual for proper care
of the lithium jump starter. VIKING jump starters are designed to allow users to continue jumpstarting in the
cold. Attempts to jump start will warm up the internal battery. Although the first several jumpstart attempts
may produce low power, repeating the process will warm up the battery to produce the necessary power to start
your vehicle so long as your jump starter has adequate charge.
The battery is the key driver of a jump starter. To ensure that your jump starter performs as intended and has a
long life, regularly inspect the jump starter’s battery charge status. Please consult the Owner’s Manual for
operating and maintenance instructions. Your jump starter may have a reminder marking on the product or a
sticker, while some models have an integrated reminder with a visual display and audible alert to inform you as
the battery charge approaches low status.
- Inspect and check battery status every 3 – 6 months. Top off the battery charge level when it drops
below 50%. VIKING jump starters will issue a reminder to recharge the internal battery via the display.
They will also provide an audible alert.
- Your internal battery may be a bad battery if it reaches full charge too quickly, never reaches full
charge, or if the battery capacity level drops as soon as the charger is removed
You may have to replace the jump starter if the battery is bad. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more
information, including service options.
- To prolong your battery’s life, fully charge it before storing in a cool environment. However, never
charge the internal battery when the battery itself is cold. Doing so may result in no indication of
charging.
- A typical lead acid battery lifespan is 3-5 years. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat will reduce
battery life.