‘Power Banks’ Prove Handy in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

What's the most important item in your winter driving kit here in the Midwest? Warm Clothing? A Sleeping Bag?

Maybe some nonperishable food? Most people reading this might say jumper cables and you would be correct there too, but now those jumper cables 'may be replaced, with a Lithium Power Bank. 

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Maybe you've seen them. They're compact, easily charged, and stored neatly in your trunk or even next to a spare tire in the back of your SUV. Motorists in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, this is a great item to have.

I was suspect when we received a free Lithium Power Bank when we purchased a new vehicle a few years ago. I looked at it and wondered, how could something so small pack so much power?!

Since then I've actually had to use it and count on it a few times. It's actually pretty easy to use.

Here's the first thing MOST MEN, [LIKE ME] won't want to read. Check the owners Manual. Things have changed under the hood in the past 10 to 15 years that you may not know WHERE to even jump your car. Many different models like Honda and Buick may want to be hooked up, in a particular order. Grab a cup of coffee and read the manual in each vehicle you may need to start.

After that, it's pretty easy. You charge it, and use it.

With the model I have, I popped the hood on an older Lincoln Town Car, put the cables on, THEN plugged the unit into the cables. IF you get the connections wrong the light flashes. I plugged it in and by the time I walked around to sit down and start the car the unit had done it's job and the car started. 

After that, it's just a matter of plugging it in and recharging the unit for the next use. (the directions say you could start up to 6 vehicles with a single charge.)

So how much does a Power Bank actually cost? Motorists in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota will be happy to know that you can buy one for about $100 to $150. When you factor in the cost of a jump start and the inconvenience of having to wait, that's a small price to pay.

The Power Bank can also be used as a flashlight to help find your connections on a cold winter night or to Charge your cell phone. You know, in case your battery is dead and you just ran out of power on your phone!