Best Car Jump Starters for Emergencies
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When it comes to car emergencies, having a reliable jump starter can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re stranded on the side of the road or simply need a quick boost to get your vehicle started, a jump starter can provide the necessary power to get you back on the road.
The best jump starter choice for an emergency needs to be one that is reliable, easy to use, and powerful enough to jump start a variety of vehicle types. Additionally, it should come with a variety of features such as built-in chargers, LED lights, and long jumper cables with sturdy clamps so as to ensure hassle free jump starting of your vehicle.
However, with so many great options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which jump starter is best suited for your needs.
In this article, we will explore what we consider to be some of the top car jump starters that you would want to have with you in case of an emergency. We will look into their features, pros, and cons, and hopefully help you find the best option for you. Whether you are looking for a compact and portable options to heavy-duty jump starters, we’ve got you covered.
Table of contents
Before we dive in though if you are looking to improve your safety you may also be interested in a portable tire inflator, we will cover jump starters that include tire inflators later on in our article but having a dedicated tire inflator can be very handy, so if this is something that would be of interest we would recommend checking out AirToolsCentral and have a look at there article Best Portable Car Tire Inflators - [Top 4 for 2023].
What is a Jump Starter
Essentially a car jump starter is a portable battery pack with built in jumper cables, that you can be attach to your car's battery to provide extra power, there by allowing you to start your car in the event you find your cars battery does not have enough power to start it on it's own.
Portable jump starters are becoming smaller and more powerful, and this makes them a convenient option if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road or stuck in a parking lot. Since you are now able to get yourself going again they can also save you time and money by eliminating the need to call that tow truck or ring a mechanic.
Overall, having a car jump starter is a good idea for anyone who relies on their vehicle for transportation.
Importance of having one in case of emergencies
Having access to a car jump starter in an emergency can be a lifesaver. Imagine being stranded on the side of the road, possibly at night, with a dead car battery without a jump starter, you may have to wait hours for a tow truck or hope for a Good Samaritan to come along and offer a jump.
But with a portable jump starter, you can quickly and easily jump start your car and get yourself back on the road. Not only is this very convenient, but it can also be a safer option than relying on another person to jump your car.
Plus these days, a car jump starter is compact and easy to store in your trunk, making it always readily available when you need it. In short, a car jump starter is an essential tool to have in your emergency kit.
Types of Car Jump Starters
Portable Jump Starters
A portable jump starter is a compact device used to jump start a vehicle when its battery is dead or low on power. Owning a jump starter has become an essential tool for anyone who want to be prepared for possible battery issues, especially if you are a person who frequently travel or owns an older vehicle.
Portable jump starters come in a variety of sizes and capabilities, with some models able to jump start multiple vehicles in a single charge, many are also equipped with safety features such as reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and overcharge protection ensuring the safety of both the user and the vehicle.
Additionally some portable jump starters also come with handy features such as USB ports for charging electronic devices and built-in LED lights for added visibility.
Having a portable jump starter in an emergency is great peace of mind knowing you wont have to be stranded on the side of the road in the event of a flat battery.
Original Battery Jump Starters
Older battery jump starter traditionally used batteries, that like your car battery, relied on Lead Acid or AGM for their power.
This meant that they were not able to store energy as efficiently as Lithium Ion Batteries, leading to battery jump starters needing to be bulkier and heavier.
Another consequence of there inefficiency to store energy meant that you needed larger battery jump starters to be able to start vehicles with larger engines.
Non lithium jump starters are typically more affordable though and have a longer lifespan than their lithium Ion counterparts, they are also less prone to overheating when charging and are generally safer to use.
Non lithium jump starters still make a good option for anyone who need a reliable and cost-effective way to jump start their car, but do not need the high power capabilities of a lithium jump starter.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Jump Starter
When it comes to choosing a car jump starter, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration, lets have a look at these in a bit more detail.
Size and Portability
One thing that nobody needs is a heavy bulky jump starter, having a jump starter that can be easily stored and is light weight and portable is a major consideration.
You will no doubt need to use your jump starter in a variety of different situations and locations, so it's extremely important that you have something that is easy to transport.
You never know where you may need your jump starter, your car may break down in a remote location or where there is limited room, making jump starting from another vehicle impossible. Having a small and light weight jump starter in these situations will make your life a whole lot easier.
Not only is a smaller, more portable jump starter more convenient to use, it's also makes the jump starter easier to store when not in use, and thus makes it perfect to keep in the trunk of your car.
Power Capacity
An important factor to consider is the jump starters power capacity. It's essential that you choose a jump starter that has enough power capacity to meets your needs.
If you are the owner of a larger vehicle or if you own multiple vehicles, you'll want to consider a jump starter that has a higher power capacity, making it easier to get the job done.
On the other hand, if you only own a small car, a jump starter with a lower power capacity may be sufficient for your needs.
When considering the power capacity that will be needed to start your vehicle we recommend looking at the cold cranking amps or CCA value printed on the side of your car's battery.You can compare this to the CCA rating of the jump starter.
We recommend that you add 10% to the CCA value printed on your car battery so that you have more than enough capacity, this not only covers you incase you need to use the jump starter multiple times but will ensure you can quickly start your vehicle.
Safety Features
When it comes time to choosing a jump starter, safety should be right at the top of your list of considerations. After all, jump starting a car involves you dealing with high voltages, If you accidentally connect the jumper cables to the wrong terminals there is a potential that you could get an electrical shocks or even start a fire.
Fortunately modern jump starters include a variety of safety features that can help protect you as well as protect your vehicle. So the key features that you will want your jump starter to have include overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and a built-in flashlight for those times when visibility in low.
It is also important to choose a jump starter that is either UL or CE certified, as these certifications will ensure that the device has been tested and meets safety standards.
Ultimately, choosing a car jump starter that has strong safety features will give you peace of mind and will help you jump start your car safely and efficiently.
Extra Features (such as USB ports, air compressors, etc.)
When it comes to your jump starter you are not limited to just jump starting your car, modern jump starters come with extra features such as USB ports and air compressors?
These added features can make your jump starter even more useful in an emergency. The addition of a USB port can allow you to charge your phone or other electronic devices while you wait for your car to start. If your jump starter includes an air compressor, you can easily inflate your tires if they're low on air. Many jump starters also come with 12v adaptors allowing you to power all those devices that you would normally plug into your cars cigarette lighter.
So if you're in the market for a car jump starter, be sure that you consider these extra features so that you can get the most out of your purchase.
Top 5 Best Car Jump Starters for Emergencies
Stanley J5C09 1000 Peak Amp Jump Starter with Compressor
The Stanley J5C09 1000 Peak Amp Jump Starter with Air Compressor is designed to provide you with a quick and easy solution for jump starting your vehicle.
A dead battery is no match for this jump starter as it is equipped with a 1000 peak amp battery, which is powerful enough to start most vehicles with ease. In addition to being able to jump start your car, the Stanley J5C09 also comes with a built-in air compressor, which will allow you to check and adjust your tires pressure or other pump up other inflatable items in a pinch.
The Stanley J5C09 compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, and with the inclusion of a built-in LED light your covered you use in low light conditions.
Overall, the Stanley J5C09 is a must-have tool for any driver, providing you with peace of mind and convenience on the go. If you would like to read more about this jump starter you can check out our full review on the Stanley J5C09 1000 Peak Amp Jump Starter.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt Ultra Safe Portable Lithium Car Battery Jump Starter Pack is a powerful and reliable jump starter that is perfect for anyone who needs a quick and easy way to jump start their car or truck.
With 1000 amps of power and a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, this jump starter is more than capable of jump starting a variety of vehicles, everything from small cars to larger trucks.
A key feature of the Boost Plus GB40 is its safety protection system which has been design to prevent any accidental fires or explosions. It does this in 2 ways, firstly by having spark-proof protection, which allows you to touch the jumper cables together without causing damage or sparks and secondly by coming equipped with a reverse polarity alarm which will alert you if you are accidentally attempting to connect the jumper cables incorrectly.
It also comes with a built-in LED flashlight that includes multiple modes, such as SOS and emergency strobe, making it useful in a variety of situation. And due to its compact size and lightweight design, it's easy to carry and store in your cars trunk or garage.
No only can you jump start vehicles, the Boost Plus GB40 can also be used to charge a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, thanks to its USB port.
So if you're looking for a reliable, easy-to-use jump starter that will get you back on the road in no time, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the perfect choice. If you would like to read more about this jump starter you can check out our review on the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter.
Performance Tool W1665 900 Amp Jump Starter and Inflator
The Performance Tool W1665 900 Amp Jump Starter and Air Compressor is a truly versatile and essential tool for any car owner. With it's powerful 900 amp peak current, it can jump start a dead battery in seconds.
No only do you get a powerful jump starter, but it also comes equipped with a built-in air compressor allowing you to inflate tires, sports equipment, or other inflatable items on the go.
The Performance Tool W1665 jump starter has been designed to be compact and portable, making it easy for you to store in the trunk of your cars or garage.
Features of this jump starter include a built-in LED light for added convenience in low light situations, as well as safety features such as a reverse polarity protection to prevent any accidental damage to either you or your vehicle.
Overall, we can say that the Performance Tool W1665 is a reliable jump starter that will provide peace of mind and convenience, for any car owner on the go.If you would like to read more about this jump starter you can check out our full review on the Performance Tool W1665 Jump Starter.
GOOLOO GT3000 Jump Starter
If your looking for a powerful jump starter packed full of features then The GOOLOO GT3000 Jump Starter is perfect for you, it even comes standard with a set of heavy duty clamps and a carry case for easy storage and transport.
With a peak current of 3000 amps, this jump starter has the ability to jump start 12V vehicles includes cars, trucks, boats, and ATVs with engine sizes up to 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel.
One very nice feature that the GT3000 includes is an informative 3.2-inch LCD display screen. You can see clearly the real-time current battery level of the jump starter, and when the screen shows solid READY, you can go to start the car.
The GT3000 features a rugged build enclosure which is rated IP65 water-resistant and 94V0 flame retardant. The rubber over-molded shell design prevents scratches or damage to the jump starters surface as well as preventing dust from entering the unit.
The GT3000 also has your safety covered with it's built-in overcharge and short circuit protection to keep you and your vehicle safe. A built-in LED flashlight with three lighting modes, making it perfect for use in low light situations.
Overall, the GOOLOO GT3000 Jump Starter is a reliable and convenient solution for anyone who needs a quick and easy way to jump start their vehicle.
Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12-Volt Jump Starter
With a peak amp of 1700 amps the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is powerful enough to met the needs of most car owners who require the ability to jump start a dead battery quickly and efficiently.
The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is a 12V Jump starter that comes standard with a set of heavy-duty clamps ensuring a secure and safe connection to your battery terminals. A built-in light is included, making it easy to use in any situation, even in low light conditions, and the jump starter is designed with convenient carrying handle, making it a breeze to transport from one location to another.
If you would like to read more about this jump starter you can check out our review on the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 Jump Starter.
Overall, the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is a reliable and essential jump starter that will provide peace of mind for any car owner, in the case of a dead battery.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a jump starter for yourself, there are several important factors you should consider.
Your first consideration should be to make sure that the jump starter has enough power to start your car, the amount of power required will be determined by the size of your engine, so be sure to choose a jump starter that is suitable for the engine size of your vehicle.
Secondly, you will want to consider the size and how much the jump starter weighs. If you plan on keeping your jump starter in the trunk of your car, you will want a jump starter that has a compact and lightweight design.
Thirdly, you will want to consider any additional features that the jump starter may offer, these may include such features as USB ports for charging your phone or other devices, maybe a built-in flashlight, or a compressor for inflating tires.
Finally, you will want to consider the brand and price of the jump starter. Once you have decided upon your budget it goes without saying that you will want a jump starter that has been manufactured by a reputable brand who offers a good warranty.
By considering these factors, you can choose a car jump starter that is reliable, convenient, and will serve you well if an emergency situation arises.
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