Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start

There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you turn your key in the ignition and hear… nothing. We’ve all been there. That’s why after years of roadside frustrations, I finally invested in a proper jump starter. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start – a device that’s become my trusted companion for road trips, cold mornings, and unexpected emergencies.

The Day My Jump Starter Saved More Than Just My Car

Before diving into all the technical details, let me share a quick story. Last winter, my family and I were returning from a weekend getaway in the mountains. The temperature had plummeted to well below freezing overnight, and as we packed up our SUV in the early morning darkness, I discovered our battery had completely died. No lights, no ignition, nothing.

With three kids shivering in the cold and the nearest town over 20 miles away, I was incredibly thankful I had my Everstart Maxx 40A tucked away in the cargo area. Within minutes, we were back on the road. But here’s the kicker – on our way down the mountain, we came across another family with the same issue. Guess who became the roadside hero that day? The Everstart didn’t just save our trip; it helped another family get home safely too.

That experience convinced me that every vehicle owner should have a reliable jump starter like the Everstart Maxx 40A. So let’s break down everything you need to know about this little lifesaver.

What Exactly Is the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start?

The Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start is a portable jump starter designed to get your vehicle moving when your battery decides to take an unexpected vacation. But it’s not just a one-trick pony – this compact device serves multiple functions that make it a versatile addition to any vehicle.

At its core, the Everstart Maxx 40A is a lithium-ion jump starter capable of delivering 40 amps of continuous cranking power, with peak amperage that can handle most passenger vehicles with ease. This makes it substantially more powerful than many competing models in its price range.

While its primary function is to jump-start vehicles with dead batteries, it also doubles as a power bank for charging electronic devices and includes a built-in LED light for emergencies. The unit is manufactured for Walmart under their Everstart brand, which has been providing reliable automotive power solutions for decades.

Why I Chose the Everstart Maxx 40A Over Other Options

After researching dozens of jump starters, I settled on the Everstart Maxx 40A for several reasons:

1. The 40A continuous cranking power is substantial enough to start most vehicles, including my V8 SUV.
2. The compact size means it fits easily in my glove compartment.
3. The price point struck the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
4. Multiple safety features gave me peace of mind when using it.
5. The additional features like USB charging and emergency lighting added value.

What really sold me, though, was talking to a mechanic friend who recommended it based on reliability. He mentioned that while some premium brands offer more bells and whistles, the Everstart delivers where it matters most – consistent starting power when you need it.

How to Use the Everstart Maxx 40A to Jump-Start Your Vehicle

One of the things I appreciate most about the Everstart Maxx 40A is its simplicity. Here’s my step-by-step process for jump-starting a vehicle:

1. Ensure the Everstart Maxx 40A is fully charged – the indicator lights should show a full charge.
2. Turn off your vehicle completely – ignition off, lights off, radio off.
3. Locate your vehicle’s battery terminals.
4. Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of your car battery.
5. Connect the black clamp to the negative (-) terminal or a solid metal ground point on the engine.
6. Wait approximately 30 seconds to allow the initial charge to flow to your battery.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait another minute and try again.
8. Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the black clamp first, followed by the red clamp.
9. Allow your vehicle to run for at least 15-20 minutes to recharge the battery.

I’ve found that this process works reliably even in extreme temperatures, which brings me to another important point.

Performance in Extreme Weather Conditions

Living in a region with scorching summers and freezing winters, I’ve tested the Everstart Maxx 40A in temperatures ranging from 0°F to over 100°F. I’m happy to report that it performs admirably across this spectrum, though I’ve noticed some performance differences worth mentioning.

In very cold weather (below 20°F), the unit still provides sufficient power to start vehicles, but I’ve found it works best if kept inside your home or in a heated space until needed. The lithium-ion battery technology handles cold better than traditional lead-acid jump starters, but extreme cold can temporarily reduce its efficiency.

During hot summer months, the unit has never failed me, though I make a point of storing it out of direct sunlight to preserve battery life. The manufacturer states an operating range of -4°F to 140°F, which aligns with my experience.

Compatible Vehicles: What Can the Everstart Maxx 40A Handle?

One of the most common questions I get from friends considering this jump starter is about vehicle compatibility. Based on my experience and the manufacturer’s specifications, the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start can effectively jump-start:

• Most 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline engines
• Many 8-cylinder gasoline engines up to 5.7L
• Small to medium diesel engines up to 3.0L
• Motorcycles and ATVs
• Small boats with starting batteries
• Lawn tractors and small agricultural equipment

I’ve personally used it on my Toyota 4Runner (V6), my wife’s Honda Civic (4-cylinder), and a friend’s Ford F-150 (5.0L V8). In all cases, it started the vehicles without issue, though I noticed it needed a bit more time to build charge with the larger V8 engine.

The limiting factor tends to be not just engine size but battery condition. A severely depleted battery in very cold weather might require multiple attempts or a more powerful jump starter for larger engines.

Beyond Jump-Starting: Additional Features and Functions

While the primary purpose of the Everstart Maxx 40A is to jump-start vehicles, its versatility extends far beyond this single function:

Device Charging Capabilities

The built-in USB ports (both standard USB-A and the newer USB-C) have been incredibly useful for charging smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. During a recent power outage, we used the Everstart to keep our phones charged for over two days. The 2.4A output means it charges devices reasonably quickly, though not as fast as dedicated high-speed chargers.

Emergency Lighting

The integrated LED light has three modes: steady beam, strobe, and SOS pattern. I’ve used the steady beam numerous times when jump-starting vehicles in low-light conditions, and the strobe function provides excellent visibility if you’re stuck on the roadside at night. The light is surprisingly bright and has good battery endurance, lasting several hours on a single charge.

Battery Charging Function

Unlike some basic jump starters, the Everstart Maxx 40A can actually charge your car battery slowly over time. While not as effective as a dedicated battery charger, it can provide enough charge to get you home if you’re stuck somewhere without access to other charging options. This feature takes several hours to provide meaningful charge, so it’s more of an emergency option than a primary use case.

How the 40A Engine Start Feature Actually Works

The “40A” in the product name refers to the continuous cranking amps the device can provide. This is an important specification that indicates the sustained current the jump starter can deliver while turning over an engine.

When you connect the Everstart Maxx to a dead battery, it works by supplementing the battery’s remaining power with its own lithium-ion power. The 40 amps of continuous power is sufficient to turn over most engines, even when the original battery has very little charge remaining.

What makes this particularly effective is the device’s ability to maintain voltage under load. Many cheaper jump starters might advertise high peak amps but fail to maintain voltage when actually cranking an engine. The Everstart Maxx 40A maintains consistent voltage during the critical starting seconds, which is why it succeeds where some competitors fail.

Charging Times: How Long Until It’s Ready?

When I first purchased my Everstart Maxx 40A, one of my concerns was how quickly it would recharge after use. Based on my experience:

• From completely depleted to fully charged: Approximately 4-5 hours
• From 50% charge to full: About 2-2.5 hours
• Quick charge to 50% (enough for several jump starts): About 1-1.5 hours

The unit comes with both a wall charger and a 12V car charger, giving you flexibility in how you recharge it. I typically keep mine plugged into the wall charger in my garage, topping it off once every 3 months if it hasn’t been used. The battery holds its charge remarkably well during storage – I’ve pulled it out after 6 months of non-use and found it still had over 50% charge.

Safety Features That Provide Peace of Mind

Safety is paramount when dealing with high-amperage devices connected to your vehicle’s electrical system. The Everstart Maxx 40A includes several safety features that have given me confidence when using it:

Reverse Polarity Protection

Perhaps the most important safety feature is reverse polarity protection. If you accidentally connect the clamps to the wrong terminals (positive to negative or vice versa), the unit won’t operate and will typically give you a warning light or beep. This prevents potentially dangerous situations and protects both the jump starter and your vehicle’s electrical system.

Short Circuit Protection

The built-in short circuit protection prevents damage if the clamps accidentally touch each other or if there’s a short in the vehicle’s electrical system.

Overcharge Protection

When recharging the Everstart itself, the overcharge protection automatically stops the charging process once the battery reaches full capacity, preventing battery degradation and potential safety issues.

Temperature Monitoring

Internal temperature sensors monitor the device during use and will shut it down if it begins to overheat, which is a crucial safety feature during extended use or in hot environments.

These safety features have functioned flawlessly in my experience, and I’ve never encountered any safety concerns while using the device.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Jump Starter Ready for Action

One of the appealing aspects of the Everstart Maxx 40A is its minimal maintenance requirements. However, there are a few practices I’ve adopted to ensure mine stays in peak condition:

1. Recharge every 3-4 months if not used regularly
2. Store in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures
3. Keep the clamps clean and free of corrosion
4. Check for physical damage to cables before each use
5. Perform a test of the LED light and charge indicators periodically

I’ve found that the lithium-ion battery in the Everstart maintains its charge significantly better than older lead-acid jump starters I’ve owned in the past. Even so, regular recharging ensures it’s ready when you need it most.

Price Point and Value Proposition

At the time of writing, the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start typically retails between $79-$99, depending on sales and promotions. This positions it in the mid-range of portable jump starters – not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive premium models that can run $150-$200+.

Having used both cheaper and more expensive alternatives, I believe the Everstart hits a sweet spot in terms of value. The cheaper units I’ve tried (under $50) often lacked power for larger engines and had questionable durability, while the premium models offered features I simply didn’t need.

For the average driver looking for reliable starting power in a compact package, the price point of the Everstart Maxx 40A represents excellent value, especially considering its additional features and robust construction.

Where to Purchase the Everstart Maxx 40A

As an Everstart product, the Maxx 40A is primarily sold through Walmart stores and their online platform. I purchased mine at a local Walmart, which had the added benefit of being able to see and handle the unit before buying.

The product is occasionally available through other retailers and online marketplaces, though I would exercise caution with third-party sellers to ensure you’re getting an authentic product covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Speaking of warranty, the Everstart Maxx 40A typically comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. I haven’t had to use the warranty service, but it’s reassuring to have this protection, especially for a device you might not use frequently but need to work flawlessly when called upon.

Comparing the Everstart Maxx 40A to Competitor Brands

To provide a fair assessment, I’ve had the opportunity to use several competing jump starters from brands like Schumacher, NOCO, and Stanley. Here’s how the Everstart Maxx 40A compares:

Everstart vs. Schumacher

Schumacher produces some excellent jump starters, often with higher amperage ratings. Their comparable models typically offer similar reliability but at a higher price point. I’ve found the build quality to be comparable, though Schumacher units sometimes include more advanced features like digital displays showing precise charge levels.

Everstart vs. NOCO

NOCO has built a strong reputation in the premium jump starter market. Their GB40 model is a direct competitor to the Everstart Maxx 40A, offering similar power in a slightly smaller package. The NOCO typically costs 30-50% more but does include some additional features like more advanced protection circuitry and slightly more powerful USB outputs. In terms of core functionality – jump-starting vehicles – I haven’t noticed a significant performance difference that would justify the price premium for most users.

Everstart vs. Stanley

Stanley jump starters often compete more directly with Everstart on price. In my experience, the Everstart Maxx 40A offers better overall quality and more consistent performance than comparable Stanley models, particularly in cold weather conditions. The Stanley units I’ve tried have worked well initially but seemed to lose battery capacity faster over time.

The Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment

After using the Everstart Maxx 40A for over two years in various conditions, here’s my honest assessment of its strengths and limitations:

Pros:

1. Reliable starting power for most passenger vehicles
2. Compact and lightweight design
3. Multiple safety features
4. Good battery retention during storage
5. Useful additional features (USB charging, LED light)
6. Reasonable price point
7. Durable construction
8. Simple operation with minimal maintenance
9. Performs well in extreme temperatures
10. Available through Walmart’s extensive retail network

Cons:

1. Not powerful enough for very large engines (7.0L+ or large diesels)
2. Charge indicators could be more precise (just basic LED lights)
3. USB ports aren’t as fast as dedicated chargers
4. Limited availability outside of Walmart
5. Clamps are durable but not as premium as some higher-end models
6. 1-year warranty is shorter than some competitors
7. No digital display
8. Limited technical support compared to specialized brands
9. Occasional quality control issues reported by other users
10. No wireless charging capability for phones

Real-World Performance: Can You Actually Charge a Car Battery?

While the primary function of the Everstart Maxx 40A is jump-starting, many people wonder about its ability to actually charge a depleted car battery. Based on my testing:

Yes, the Everstart Maxx 40A can charge a car battery, but with important limitations. The charging function works by delivering a steady, low-amperage current to your vehicle’s battery. In my experience:

• It can add enough charge to a moderately depleted battery to start a vehicle in approximately 30-45 minutes
• Fully charging a significantly depleted battery would take 10+ hours (not practical)
• The charging function works best as an emergency solution rather than a primary charging method

For regular battery maintenance, I still recommend a dedicated battery charger/maintainer, which is designed specifically for this purpose and includes features like desulfation and multi-stage charging that the Everstart doesn’t offer.

Portability: Taking Power Wherever You Go

One of the Everstart Maxx 40A’s strongest selling points is its portability. Measuring approximately 8.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.5″ and weighing about 2.5 pounds, it’s compact enough to store in a glove compartment, center console, or door pocket.

This represents a massive improvement over the heavy, bulky jump starters of the past that could weigh 15-20 pounds and take up significant trunk space. I’ve found the size particularly convenient for our family’s smaller vehicle, where storage space is at a premium.

The included carrying case provides protection and keeps all components organized, though I often just store the unit itself in my vehicle without the case to save space. The durable exterior casing has held up well to the inevitable bumps and shifts that occur during normal vehicle use.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the most reliable devices occasionally have issues. Here are some common problems I’ve encountered with the Everstart Maxx 40A and how to resolve them:

Issue: Unit Won’t Turn On

Solution: Check if the unit needs charging. If the battery is completely depleted, it may not show any lights initially. Connect it to the charger for at least 30 minutes, then try again. If still unresponsive, check if the charging port or cables have any visible damage.

Issue: Connected to Battery But No Power Transfer

Solution: Ensure the clamps are making good contact with the battery terminals. Sometimes corrosion on the battery terminals prevents proper connection. Clean the terminals if necessary. Also check that the clamps themselves are clean and free of corrosion.

Issue: Unit Shows Full Charge But Can’t Start Vehicle

Solution: If the vehicle’s battery is extremely depleted or damaged, even a fully charged jump starter might struggle. Try connecting the jump starter, waiting 5 minutes to allow some charge to transfer to the vehicle battery, then attempt to start. For severely damaged batteries, even this might not work, indicating you need a battery replacement.

Issue: USB Charging Not Working

Solution: Try a different USB cable, as the issue is often with the cable rather than the jump starter itself. If multiple cables don’t work, check if the power button for the USB function has been activated (some models require this).

Additional Charging Modes Explained

The Everstart Maxx 40A includes multiple charging modes that serve different purposes:

Standard Jump Start Mode

This is the primary function, delivering maximum amperage for starting engines. It’s activated automatically when you connect the clamps to a battery and provides up to 40 amps of continuous cranking power.

Battery Charge Mode

As mentioned earlier, this slower charging mode provides a steady current to gradually charge a vehicle’s battery. It’s not as efficient as a dedicated charger but can be useful in emergencies.

USB Charging Mode

This mode powers the USB ports for charging electronic devices. It can be used simultaneously with the other modes or independently. The 2.4A output is sufficient for most smartphones and tablets.

Each mode is designed to optimize the unit’s performance for specific tasks while maintaining safety and efficiency. The automatic detection between these modes is one of the features that makes the Everstart particularly user-friendly compared to some competitors that require manual mode selection.

Final Verdict: Is the Everstart Maxx 40A Right for You?

After extensive use and testing, I believe the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start represents an excellent value for most drivers. Its combination of reliable performance, portability, additional features, and reasonable price point makes it a smart choice for the majority of vehicle owners.

It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Drivers of small to midsize vehicles (including most SUVs)
• Those living in areas with extreme temperature variations
• People wanting a simple, reliable solution without complex features
• Anyone needing a compact unit that doesn’t take up much storage space
• Budget-conscious shoppers who still want quality and reliability

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You drive a very large vehicle (7.0L+ engines or large diesel trucks)
• You need advanced features like digital displays or wireless charging
• You require professional-grade equipment for frequent use
• You’re looking for the absolute longest warranty coverage

For most everyday drivers looking for peace of mind on the road, the Everstart Maxx 40A Engine Start delivers exceptional value and reliability when you need it most. It’s been my trusted companion for over two years now, and I can’t imagine hitting the road without it tucked safely in my vehicle.

Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a cross-country road trip, or just want to be prepared for those unexpected dead battery moments, the Everstart Maxx 40A provides the perfect balance of power, portability, and price. In my book, that makes it a winner worth considering for every vehicle owner.