Battery calls used to be simple. Now you can roll up on a roadside jump start and find AGM, EFB start stop batteries, spiral wound designs, or even lithium iron phosphate, all tied into smarter charging systems that watch current flow and react to what they think just happened. That’s why we brought on Jim O’Hara, EVP of Merchandising at Clore Automotive, to give tow operators a clear, practical playbook for modern battery service calls.

We get specific about what matters most in the field: the difference between jump starting and charging. Jim explains why jump starting a 12-volt vehicle is largely chemistry-agnostic, while charging is absolutely not. We talk voltage windows, why lithium batteries are sensitive to overvoltage, and how smart battery chargers with the right profiles help protect battery health and extend service life. If you’re choosing a jump starter, booster pack, or charger for a towing and recovery operation, this is the kind of detail that prevents expensive mistakes.

We also dig into the real-world connection practices that can keep you safer and keep the vehicle happier. Jim shares why the negative clamp should go to a solid engine or chassis ground, not directly to the negative battery post, not only to reduce spark risk near hydrogen gas but also to avoid confusing modern battery sensors that can trigger codes or drivability issues. From there we cover how to maintain your jump starter investment with “charge early, charge often,” what to watch for in clamps and cables, and the safety habits that matter when you’re working around belts, fan blades, and energy-dense lithium packs.

To round it out, we talk battery diagnostics for tow pros: why classic load testers can struggle when the battery is discharged, and why digital battery testers are often the best choice for quick, accurate triage of the battery, starting system, and charging system on scene. Subscribe for more towing and recovery training, share this with a coworker, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.