A car battery jump starter is one of the most useful automotive tools you can have. This is a convenient device to have around when your battery fails is dead, or when you need a power source in emergency situations. There are many different models of starters available in the market with various features, and each feature has its distinct advantages.
Most Popular Jump Starters: Short Reviews
Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter
This model provides 600 watt peak and 480 watts of continuous power. The unit is able to jump-start vehicles having up to 8 cylinders, and has a non spill-able AGM battery of 28 amps with alligator clamps. There is built-in detection for reverse polarity and protection for overheating and overload. Other features include three AC outlets, which can power various tools and devices, a powerful flashlight of 5 watts, a digital alarm clock and AM/FM radio.
Jump-N-Carry JNC300XL Ultraportable 12V Jump Starter
This is quite a compact model measuring only 2 feet by 2 feet, capable of providing 225 cranking and 900 peak amperes. The jumper cables are of a sturdy 4 gauge and 27 inches long. The clamps are full sized making it easy to clamp on to even corroded batteries. The other features include a powerful work light. Although this model does not have many features it is quite useful due to its portability.
Clore Automotive JNC660 1700 Jump Starter
This model is also quite compact and weighs 18 pounds. This starter is one of the most powerful units, delivering 1700 peak amperes, which makes it ideal for trucks and other large vehicles. It is equipped with long heavy-duty 4 gauge cables measuring 46 inches. The other features include a DC outlet, which can power devices running on 12 volts.
What to Look for in a Battery Jump Starter
You need to first check out the voltage of your vehicle’s battery. Starters are available in models, which can jump-start 12 to 24 volt batteries. You also need to consider the number of cylinders your engine has, and the corresponding capacity of the starter. In the specifications given for the battery jump starter, you need to see the cranking amps that the unit can provide, rather than just the amps. For instance cheaper models may advertise 450 amps but the actual cranking amps will be only around 250 amps. Some superior models will also specify Cold Cranking Amps, which is the cranking power at very low temperatures and is very useful, if you are driving in areas of extreme weather conditions. In order to select the best jump starter, let us see the main features of some of the popular models.
What exactly is a Battery Jump Starter?
The device is quite compact and does not take up much space in the trunk of a car. It does the job of a booster and will jumpstart your battery. The device is equipped with the necessary jumper cables, which can be hooked up quite easily, without much effort. It performs the same functions as a new car battery and is fully rechargeable.
Apart from this main feature, a portable jump starter will also have other useful features like a light source, air compressor and AC/DC outlets for operating different devices like power tools or charging a cell phone and so on. Other features may include safety cut-offs, indicator for power status and detection of reverse polarity.
Benefits of having a Battery Jump Starter
The most common problem people face in a vehicle is the battery going dead. This can happen due to weather conditions or can happen when people forget to switch off electrical devices in the vehicle. In this situation, your vehicle is not going to start, and usually you will have to go around with jumper cables, searching for another vehicle. Now this poses several problems and you could be stranded in a deserted place for quite some time. In addition, you do not know the kind of person in the car, who is stopping to help you. You are unnecessarily exposed to a lot of risks in these situations. All this can be easily averted if you are carrying a portable jump starter, and you can be on your way in no time.
The other features in a battery jump starter provide a lot of utility and convenience in emergency situations, when you are looking for a power source. The light source is of course the best utility in a dark area where there are no street lights. With the built-in air compressor, you can easily inflate tires quite fast and the other outlets will provide power for most appliances you might need in an emergency. Therefore, it will be wise to keep a unit handy also in your garage, to overcome situations during power outages.
From the above discussions, it is quite clear that a battery jump starter is quite a useful device and will be helpful in various situations. Select a quality model, which has all the features that can satisfy your requirements.
Like this article? Check out our other product reviews and recommendations like remote car starters, or our popular page about how to repair car paint scratches.
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