What an EverStart jump starter does

An EverStart jump starter is a portable battery pack that sends power directly to your car's dead battery, letting you start the engine without another vehicle. Instead of waiting for roadside help or calling a tow truck, you connect the jump starter's cables to your battery terminals, press a button, and try to start your car. EverStart is Walmart's house brand — you'll find these devices in the automotive section, and they range from small handheld units to larger boxes that sit in your trunk.

The jump starter holds its own charge between uses, so it's ready whenever your battery dies. Some models also include extras like USB ports to charge your phone, built-in flashlights, or air compressors for tires. The basic job, though, is always the same: store enough power to crank your engine over until it starts.

Key Takeaways

  • EverStart jump starters come in different sizes and power levels, so you need to match the model to your vehicle type — a small handheld unit works for most cars, but trucks and larger engines need more power.
  • You charge the jump starter at home using a wall outlet or car outlet, and it holds that charge for weeks or months, so it's ready when your battery dies unexpectedly.
  • The cables connect to your battery's positive and negative terminals in a specific order, and you must follow that order to avoid damaging the jump starter or your car's electrical system.
  • Jump starters work only if your battery is dead but your car's electrical system is intact — if your starter motor is broken or your alternator has failed, a jump starter won't help.

Power levels and which size you need

EverStart jump starters are rated in peak amps, which tells you how much power they can deliver in a short burst. A small handheld model might be rated at 400 to 600 peak amps, while a larger box-style unit can reach 1,200 amps or more. The higher the number, the more powerful the jump starter, and the bigger the engine it can handle.

For a standard sedan or compact car, a 400 to 600 amp unit is usually enough. If you drive a truck, SUV, or any vehicle with a larger engine, you'll want at least 800 to 1,000 amps. Diesel engines need even more power — often 1,200 amps or higher. Check your vehicle's owner manual or the battery label under the hood to see what your engine needs, then pick a jump starter rated for at least that much.

A jump starter rated higher than your car needs won't hurt anything — it just gives you more margin. A jump starter rated too low might not have enough power to turn your engine over, leaving you stranded anyway.

How to charge and store your jump starter

Most EverStart jump starters charge through a standard wall outlet using a cable that comes in the box. Charging time varies by model — smaller units might take 4 to 6 hours, while larger ones can take 8 to 12 hours. Some newer models also accept a car charger, so you can top them up during a road trip.

Once charged, a jump starter holds its power for weeks or even months if you don't use it. That's why it's worth keeping one in your car or garage — it's there when you need it without any maintenance. However, if you store it for more than a few months without using it, charge it once before relying on it, because the battery naturally loses power over time.

Keep your jump starter in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat or cold can reduce how well it works, so don't leave it in a hot car trunk in summer or a freezing garage in winter for extended periods.

The right way to connect cables to your battery

The order matters when you hook up a jump starter. Always connect the red cable to the positive terminal (marked with a + sign) on your dead battery first. Then connect the black cable to the negative terminal (marked with a − sign) on the same battery. Never connect the black cable to any metal part of the engine or frame — always use the battery terminal itself.

Once both cables are connected, turn on the jump starter (some models have a power button; others turn on automatically). Wait a few seconds, then try to start your car. If it doesn't start on the first try, wait 30 seconds and try again. Most cars start within two or three attempts.

After your car starts, let it run for a few minutes before disconnecting anything. Then remove the cables in reverse order: black cable first, then red cable. This order prevents electrical sparks and protects both your car and the jump starter.

When a jump starter won't work

A jump starter can only revive a dead battery — it can't fix other electrical problems. If your battery is completely dead but your car's starter motor, alternator, and wiring are all working, a jump starter will get you going. But if your starter motor is broken, your alternator has failed, or you have a serious wiring problem, the jump starter won't help because the problem isn't a lack of power.

Signs that the problem is bigger than a dead battery include a clicking sound when you turn the key (the starter is trying but can't turn the engine), no dashboard lights at all (a wiring problem), or a burning smell near the battery (a short circuit). In those cases, you need a mechanic, not a jump starter.

Also, if your battery is so damaged that it won't hold a charge even after jumping, you'll need a new battery. A jump starter is temporary help, not a permanent fix for a failing battery.

EverStart models and where to find them

Walmart carries several EverStart jump starter models at different price points. The most common are handheld units small enough to fit in a glove compartment, mid-size boxes that sit in a trunk, and larger professional-grade models for trucks and commercial vehicles. Each model comes with its own cables, and many include extras like USB charging ports or air compressors.

You can see the peak amp rating and included features on the box before you buy, so compare a few models to find one that matches your vehicle and budget. If you're not sure which model fits your car, ask a Walmart associate in the automotive section — they can point you to the right one based on your vehicle type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a jump starter on a completely dead battery?

Yes — that's exactly what a jump starter is for. A completely dead battery has no charge left, but the jump starter's power can still crank your engine over and start it. Once your car is running, the alternator recharges your battery.

How long does a jump starter hold its charge if I don't use it?

Most EverStart models hold their charge for several weeks to a few months. If you store one for longer than three months without using it, charge it once before you need it, because the battery naturally loses power over time.

What's the difference between a jump starter and jumper cables?

Jumper cables need another car with a working battery to provide power. A jump starter has its own battery built in, so you don't need another vehicle — you just need to have charged the jump starter beforehand.

Can I damage my car by using a jump starter wrong?

Yes — connecting the cables in the wrong order or to the wrong terminals can cause electrical damage. Always connect red to positive first, then black to negative, and never connect the black cable to the engine frame instead of the battery terminal.

Do I need to turn off my car before disconnecting the jump starter?

No — disconnect the cables while your car is still running. Remove the black cable first, then the red cable. Let your car run for a few minutes after disconnecting to let the alternator recharge your battery.