When your vehicle battery is flat or dead, it could not feed enough battery power to the ignition system of your vehicle. In that time a good jump starter is needed to start your engine. Here, let us review some of the best portable jump starters in this post.
What is a Jump Start?
A Jump Start is also known as a boost. This one is a method for starting a car or vehicle with a dead or discharged battery. In this case, batteries of other vehicles or other external power sources are used to make temporary connections.
How do You Jump Start a Car?
Here, we have given a few steps to follow to use a portable car jump starter. A portable jump starter is effortless to use as you don’t need someone’s assistance. You will not be able to jump-start your car through the cigarette lighter outlet.
- First of all, you need to power off the car. And then, what you need to do is remove the key from the ignition.
- Now, you need to check the battery. And, make sure whether the battery is fully charged or not in off mode.
- Next, you have to look for both positive terminals and negative terminals of the battery. And, you have to remove the corrosion if there is any.
- After that, you have to connect the red clamp, on the jump starter with the battery’s positive terminal of your car.
- Next, your job is to make a connection between the black clamp and any of the non-moving metal body of the car. But make sure that the metal part should be clean and unpainted. It must be fixed with the chassis of your car or the engine. You should keep it far from the fuel lines, carburetor, and battery.
- Now, what you need to do is to start your car with the help of the jump starter.
- It is your job to turn on your vehicle. In case you are unable to start the vehicle after cranking for five seconds, you have to wait for another two to three minutes try it again.
Precaution
- If it doesn’t start after 4 or 5 attempts then, you should go for a new battery.
- As soon as the engine starts, you have to power off the jump starter.
- Next, you have to remove the black clamp. After that, remove the red clamp.
- The cables allow you to jump a car by attaching them. Hence, you need to connect the cables with any other vehicle’s functioning battery.
Can I Use a Jump Starter on Any Vehicle?
Yes, you can use this starter on your vehicle when the power output and voltage meet with the car battery’s specifications and the engine.
How Long Should You Jump a Car for?
It completely depends upon the jump starter, car battery, and the temperature. When a jump starter’s power output becomes low, it will take more time to jump a car. The same thing happens for the batteries that are about to die. It also takes a long time to jump the car, especially in cold temperatures.
Can You Jump-Start a Car in the Rain?
Yes, you will be able to jump-start a car, even in the rain. According to the experts, it is totally safe. Because at that moment, the voltage of the vehicle doesn’t remain so high. But do confirm that no rain water is touching the cables.
Can Jump-Starting Damage My Car?
No, it doesn’t damage your car when you follow all the instructions strictly. Hence, you need to use a portable jump starter of required power output and voltage. Make sure that it can match with the requirements of your vehicle.
What is the Best Lithium Jump Starter?
The best lithium jump starters are as follows:-
- NOCO Boost HD GB150
- JNCAIR 1700
- Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 peak Amp
- Schumacher SJ 1332 1200
- POTEK, 1500 .
What is the Best Jump Starter with an Air Compressor?
The best jump starters having air compressors are as follows:-
- Jump-N-Carry JNCAIR 1700: Best Overall
- Stanley J5C09: Runner Up
- JF.EGWO: Runner Up
- DeWalt DXAEPS2 Professional Power Station: Best High Capacity
- Bolt Power G06C: Best Mid Range Capacity
Which is The Best Jump Starter?
The names of the best jump starters are:-
- DeWalt Digital Power Station
- DXEJ14 NOCO Genius Boost Plus
- GB40 UltraSafe Schumacher ProSeries 2250
- Schumacher Ultracapacitor Hybrid
Which Car Jump Starter is Best?
The best car jump starters are:-
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40- Editor’s Pick
- Audew 2000A is more Versatile and Powerful
- TACKLIFE T8 800A – Best with Premium Features:
- STANLEY (J5C09)- Best for Large and Commercial Vehicles
- DBPOWER 800A- Best Portable Car Jump Starter
- Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry (JNC660)
How to find the Best Portable Jump Starter
If you think of buying the best portable one, try to choose one with a superior quality battery. It needs to be lightweight and powerful enough. Here, we have discussed the points that you need to keep in mind while purchasing.
Battery level: Most of the sellers mainly tell the peak power of the devices. It is a good way to advertise high numbers. Make sure that you are not getting trapped with the high numbered peak amperage. What makes the battery jump starters different is the CA or CCA. Let’s know about those first.
Peak Amperage (PA): It means the amount of power that a jump starter offers in the first few seconds.
Cranking Amperage (CA): This unit indicates the power amount a starter gives for thirty seconds above at 0 degree C.
Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA): The amount of power produced by a jump starter at 0 degree F. It is also measured for thirty seconds. The amperage can keep the voltage of the battery above 7.2 Volts.
Safety Features
Next, you need to consider all the safety features. You should choose the modern ones as these come with multiple safety features. Like, over-current protection, reverse-charging protection, and so on.
Over-current protection: It will keep the battery of your car safe as well as the starter. It also controls the out-flowing current amount.
Reverse charging protection: When the car starts, this feature protects the current flowing from the battery to the jump starter.
Short-circuit protection: It comes to use when any short circuit occurs. The feature protects your car against short circuits. For example, it can prevent dangerous fire accidents when two clamps get connected.
Under-voltage protection: This feature protects the battery when it drains below the critical charge level.
Over-voltage protection: It will prevent the battery from overcharging.
Polarity protection: When the clamps connect to the opposite terminals, there is always a risk of damaging batteries. This feature helps in this case by preventing all the possible damages.
Affordability, durability, and reliability
Then you need to check additional factors such as reliability, durability, and so on. In this case, you can check the user reviews from various verified websites like Prodigitalweb
Try to go for such a product that can offer the perfect Peak Amperage, Cranking Amperage, and Cold Cranking Amperage to your car starter.
You need to choose one that have the required power. Whether you live in cold areas, then look for the CCA. Along with this, you can also go through the user’s comments to know which one is more durable and reliable. Always go for those that are cost-effective and come with extra features.
How Many Amps do You Need to Jump-Start Your Car?
The portable jump starters come with various specifications. That’s why it becomes very challenging for you to determine the best one that suits your vehicle. Hence, you must know the jump starter power. It is measured in cold cranking amps (CCA) or peak amps (PA). If you want to measure CCA, you require a battery that is fully charged at 0°F.
What you need to do is check the number of amps that it discharges for 30 seconds. When you get the value, you can know the capability of the battery. It lets you know what the battery can do in the worst starting conditions.
If a jump starter offers more amps, it will be more powerful. Hence, what matters most is to understand how much power you may need to start your vehicle. You can jump-start the compact cars or small sedans with 150 CCA. But for the case of full-size trucks and SUVs, you require about 450 CCA. However, you need to consider other things like engine size, the vehicle’s age, etc.
The large engines and older vehicles always need more amps to jump-start. The powerful models can easily start engines as large as 8.0L. Usually, 400-500 CCA is ideal for starting most of the vehicles.
How to Use a Portable Jump Starter to Restart a Car
It’s essential to know how to jump-start a dead battery of a car. If you know the method to jump a car, it will save both your time and money. That’s why you don’t need to call any tow truck. Usually, people take the help of any passerby or call their friends to help them to jump. If you have a portable jump starter in your trunk, you can do it yourself.
How to Tell If the Car Battery is Dead
When you are going to equip yourself with jump-starting skills, you need to confirm that the battery is the main reason why the automobile doesn’t start. Whether you turn on the ignition and the engine creates a cranking sound, make sure that dead battery is not the main issue. On the other hand, if you see that the car is completely dead upon turning the key, and there is no sound, there is a high chance of having a flat battery.
How to Jump a Car Battery
- To jump a car battery, first, you need to park the functioning vehicle. You should do it in such a way so that both cars will face each other. It is better to keep them at a distance of 1.5 feet apart. But make sure that they should not be kept in touch with one another. Besides, you must halt the automatic transmission cars. It is when you will put the manual transmission ones in neutral.
- You have to confirm that you have put parking brakes on both the cars.
- During the process, confirm that you have turned off both vehicles with the help of keys out of the ignition.
- After that, you need to place the cables on the road. Hence, you have to make sure that the clamps must not touch or collide with each other.
- Now, your job is to open the bonnet of two cars. And then, you need to find the batteries as well as the battery terminals.
- Usually, the two terminals are color-coded— red and black for every battery. The black color signifies negative “-” whereas the red color indicates the positive “+” charge.
More Steps
- You need to identify each of the charges to jump-start the car successfully. In case you find the battery terminals grimy, then you can wipe them off. In this case, you can take the help of a wire brush or rag.
- You have to connect the red (positive) cable clamp with the (+) terminal of the dead battery. Hence, the terminal of the battery needs to be connected with the clamp.
- Next, you have to attach one end of the red (positive) cable clamp with the other end of the jumper cable or booster cable. And then, connect it with the operative vehicle’s (+) battery terminal.
- Now, your task is to make a connection between the black (negative) cable clamp and the functional battery’s (-) battery terminal.
- Then, you need to go over to the car with the dead battery. But make sure that you must not connect the black (negative) clamp with the dead battery. In this case, what you need to do is to attach the cable clamp to a metal. However, you can also affix it to the unpainted part of the vehicle. For example, you can affix it to a bright, clean screw on the car engine block. It will help in a safe car jump.
Precaution
- Next, you need to start that working car.
- Now, wait for a while, near about one minute or two. You have to run your vehicle for a few minutes, but it depends on the battery’s age. Besides, you need to remember the time for how long since the vehicle stopped working while letting the car for a run.
- After that, you need to try starting the inoperative car. In case you are unable to start it, you have to enable the functional automobile to charge the battery for a few more minutes before another attempt.
- Sometimes, the lifeless battery can help you by revving the engine.
- You can disconnect jumper cables as soon as you run the defunct car. The cables will begin with the black (negative) cable clamps. Hence, you should not allow the clamps to touch one another. You need to pay attention to this factor while the jumper cables have a connection with a car.
Now, you have to go for a drive. This will help the battery for building up a charge. During the time, the drive also helps the car’s alternator for charging off the battery. It ensures that the battery you are using won’t die again if you power off the engine.
The top-notch jump starters are:
- Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12 Volt: Best Overall
- GOOLOO 1200A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe: Most affordable
- STANLEY (J5C09): Best for Larger Cars
- Scosche Portable: Most Compact
- Schumacher DSR115 ProSeries: Best Heavy Duty
Top 5 Best Jump Starters
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12 Volt
The PERFORMER battery technology of the model allows it to offer high power output. It comes with 46-inch, heavy-duty #2 AWG copper insulated cables along with industrial-grade Hot Jaw clamps.
The voltmeter of the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry is available on the front. This model is durable enough. Besides, it comes with a robust handle that makes this product exceptional and easy to carry around. It has one outlet that enables you to use it for charging the gadget. And it has a cord which you can plug into a wall outlet for recharging the device.
The battery of the model is designed especially to perform the jump-starting of the vehicles. With its help, you can get unique cranking power, various jumps per charge, and so on. The 46-inch cable allows you to use it in reaching the starting points on different vehicles.
Awesome Features:
Robust design: Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry has all the components of the ‘power path.’ These are designed in such a way so that it can offer the exact amount of starting power to the disabled vehicle. It comes with heavy-duty, 2 AWG cable along with Industrial Grade clamps. These penetrate corrosion on the battery so that you can get a well established electrical connection.
Superior quality Battery: This product comes with high performing and Clore Proformer batteries that are replaceable. These batteries are developed in such a way so that it can offer maximum power and durability. It offers a unique cranking power, a long lifespan, and an extended cranking duration.
Built-in Auto Recharging function
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry have a fully automatic built-in charger that is helpful for the on-board battery. The charger allows you to leave it in a plugged-in condition, which indicates that the product is always ready to use.
Perfect for professional usages
The model is unperceptive to the shop fluids. The design of the product is perfect for everyday professional users.
Battery status
Now, you can check the battery status with the help of a button.
Power Supplying facility
The power output of the product is 12 Volt that helps to power various accessories. This one comes with automatic circuit protection that will prevent overloads.
Pros:
- The facility of battery status checking
- Perfect for professional usages
- Unique cranking power
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
- Unable to hold the charge
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GOOLOO 1200A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe
It allows you to recharge it by plugging it into a USB port. It needs almost five hours to get fully charged. The charge can last up to three months.
Awesome Features:
Battery: Gooloo 1200 A comes with a high rated polymer battery. It allows you to start most size 12V cars. The product is suitable for starting Motorcycles, cargo vans, RV, tractor, light-duty trucks, lawnmowers, ATVs, snowmobiles, oil boats, etc. This one features 1000 amps of peak current and heavy-duty clamps along with cables.
Multi-Functional: Gooloo 1200 A can work as a Powerful Jump Starter, Portable Charger, LED Flashlight, and S.O.S Lighting Signal. These are advantageous while you are going for an outdoor trip, adventure, emergency, travel. You can use it in both high and low temperatures ( from -20° C to 60°C ).
Upgrade Supreme Clamp Advanced Protection: Compared to the previous one, this Gooloo 1200 A model is slightly bigger (½). It has more durability and sturdiness. There is an intelligent protector that is built into the battery pack. It helps protect from the fire on the clamps that can be the reason for melting or explosion.
Pros:
- Advanced protection
- Multi-functional
- Suitable for RV, tractor, lawnmower, ATVs, and so on.
Cons:
- The battery can’t hold the charge for long time
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STANLEY (J5C09):
STANLEY J5C09 allows you to charge other devices with the system. This one comes with a built-in LED light, which can swivel 270 degrees. Now, you can adjust use it as per your needs. It is because the product can work as an emergency air compressor. The brass-tipped SureFit nozzle is helpful in this case. You can use the model easily.
For this, what you need to do is to connect the clamps to the battery first. Then, have to power on the switch and start your vehicle. It is a large jump starter compared to others. The dimension of the product is 11.2″ × 8″ × 13.5″.
Now, you don’t need to dread roadside emergencies if your car doesn’t start. The STANLEY J5C09 helps you in this case. It comes in a compact design that makes it very attractive. This power is sufficient to jump-start any vehicle such as truck, SUV, motorcycle, boat, RV, ATV, and so on. It is equipped with an integrated charging cube.
When you want to charge the product using a standard household extension cord, the cube comes to its use. As a result, there is no need to keep track of a separate specific charging cable. You can buy an extension cord separately. It comes with a limited one-year manufacturer warranty.
Awesome Features:
Jump-starting power: STANLEY J5C09 can offer serious jump-starting power. The 1000 peak amps and 500 instant starting amps help to get it.
Reverse polarity alarm: The reverse polarity alarm helps to alert you as soon as it detects any improper connection. Hence, you need to connect all the clamps to the battery. Then, you have to power on the switch and then start your vehicle.
Air compressor: All the Metal Powder Coated Clamps contain 120 PSI air compressor. These assist in inflating tires with low pressure.
LED light: The High-powered LED light can rotate about 270 degrees. Now, you can work in the dark ambiance, too, with the help of this product.
Additional features: There exist a Built-in 12V DC outlet and USB port. These offer portable power for any electronic device. Besides, STANLEY J5C09 comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Charging: You need to charge it every thirty days while you are not using it. A standard household extension cord is helpful in this case.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Bright LED light
- Built-in USB port
Cons:
- Not ideal for 120 psi compressor
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Scosche
Hence, you don’t need to charge the 5,400 mAh portable battery again and again. It will remain fully charged without further recharging, and the charge can last up to six months. Besides, Scosche allows you to charge USB devices like smartphones, GPS, cameras, etc. With the help of the power button, you can check the battery power level.
The built-in safety protections of the product are as follows:- short circuit, timeout, spark-proof, over-discharge, reverse charge, over current, over-voltage, overheat, override capability, polarity, and spark-proof protection. The battery of the product comes with Scosche’s Lifetime Tech Support along with a three-month warranty.
Awesome Features:
Protective Storage Case: It comes in 6″ * 3″ Dimension. And the thickness of the product is 1″. You can store it easily inside the carrying case. Therefore, you can use Scosche whenever you want.
Spark-Free Jumper Clamps: It comes with both positive and negative spank-free jumper clamps. Hence, you need to connect the spark-free red (positive) and black (negative) jumper clamps with the battery. Then, you need to use the portable battery pack.
Micro-USB cable: This battery booster and jump starter come with a 12V Power Adapter and USB to micro-USB Cable. These assist in charging the battery pack. The product enables you to charge it with the help of most USB power sources. You can use it as a USB wall charger.
Additional Features
Capacity: As the product can offer 300 AMP’s power, it will help you jump-start the vehicle’s battery. You can use the boost button if you want to jump-start a low voltage or fully discharged battery.
Versatile safety protections: This one is equipped with a spark-free safety system that protects your vehicle. These products come with ten safety protections such as polarity, overheating, overcharge, over-voltage, short circuit, and so on.
USB charging ports: The Dual 5-Volt USB ports of the model helps to charge the mobile devices. It allows you to charge the USB devices from the portable battery.
Battery level indicator: The battery indicator of the product comes with a flashlight. The four lights let you know how much battery is left on your device. You can use these lights as a flashlight with SOS mode that is helpful in emergency time.
Compact design: The product comes in a rugged design with a thermal foam case that allows you to use it for many years. This one enables you to store it inside a glove compartment or in your vehicle’s trunk. This one comes with a one year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Flashlight
- Dual 5-Volt USB ports
Cons:
- USB-C ports are absent.
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Schumacher DSR115 ProSeries:
It comes with 12V and 24V batteries. It offers 750 cranking amps and 525 cold-cranking amps. The high-output AGM batteries, along with the new case design and metal clamps, make the product exceptional. Most professionals prefer to use the product because of its elegant design, unbeatable performance, long life span, and durability.
Awesome Features:
Quick charging: Now, you don’t need to worry about overcharging. The Schumacher DSR ProSeries has 4400 Peak Amps, 750/475 Cranking Amps, and 525/350 Cold Cranking Amps 2A automatic external charger. These help to recharge the battery very quickly. It comes with a 2.1A USB port along with a 12V DC power outlet.
Display: The Schumacher DSR ProSeries comes with a digital display. You can read everything on display without any hassle. Besides, it has an ON/OFF switch as well as a reverse connection warning.
Rust-proof case: It comes with 2 AWG 60″ cables that are available on the rust-proof case. This feature allows you to use it both vertically and horizontally.
Pros:
- Digital display
- 12V DC power outlet.
- Quick charging
- Automatic external charger
- Durable and long-lasting
- Solid performance
Cons:
- Poor battery life
Best Jump Starter Buying Guide
While going to buy a jump starter, make sure that you have properly researched it. Here, we are going to discuss a few factors that you need to consider while purchasing. Let’s figure it out.
Factors to Consider:
Power Output
It means the amount of current that the starter supplies. You should choose such a model that can power the starter to restart your battery. The owner manual will help you, in this case. It will let you know how much power your car has. You can express the power output in any of these three ways depending on the model of the starter.
Cranking Amps
It means the starting power at 32° F.
Cold Cranking Amps
The Cold-cranking amps mean the power at 0° F. People who live in the North should be aware of this factor. It is because they need to jump cars in cold weather.
Peak Amps
It indicates the maximum power amount that the battery has. But it is less useful compared to CA or CCA. Usually, you should choose those that have higher peak amps.
Voltage
Always go for those which can easily match your car battery voltage. Usually, a car uses a battery having 12 volts. But for larger vehicles such as trucks, it needs 24 volts batteries.
Size
The range of the best jump starters starts from 20-30 pounds to 1-2 pounds. Whether you drive a sedan, then you may need a smaller model. But you need a larger and powerful model when you will drive a heavy-duty vehicle.
Battery Type
You must choose such a model that comes with a lead-acid or lithium battery when it comes to batteries.
Lead-Acid: These batteries are more durable and powerful compared to lithium batteries. But these are bulky and large in size.
Lithium: You can find these in the compact jump starters. These types of batteries just have a few pounds of weight. As these are small in size, you can store them with ease in the car. You can use these as portable chargers also for phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics. The drawback of this type of battery is that these are not so powerful.
Functionality
The advanced models that contain lithium batteries usually come with more functions. These come with USB ports that can work like portable chargers for electronics.
Cable Length
When you choose a jump starter, make sure that the model has cables. Hence, you need to connect the battery terminals to send electricity from the starter to the car’s battery. Most people prefer to use cables which have 12 feet in size. However, it entirely depends upon you whether you want shorter or longer ones.
Charging
The batteries come with different charging modes. Most of the models come with an electrical outlet, a USB port, and solar panels. That’s why you should decide which mode you do need and which one is the most suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the best portable jump starter?
The best portable ones are as follows:-
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40
- Audew 2000A
- TACKLIFE T8 800A Peak
- STANLEY (J5C09)
- DBPOWER 800A
- Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry (JNC660)
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How do I choose a jump starter for my car?
To choose a jump starter, what you need to do first is to know the amount of power you need for Peak Amperage, Cranking Amperage, and Cold Cranking Amperage. If you live in cold areas, then you should choose CCA.
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Will a Jump Starter start a dead battery?
If you want to start a dead battery, you need to boost it by taking help from another power source or a jump starter. The battery is available under the front hood of the car. However, in a few cars, you can get it available under the back hood. But before buying the cables, you need to ensure that these must not have any leaks.
In terms of reviving the dead battery, you can jump-start the car. But make sure that you own jumper cables, another vehicle that has a working engine. Along with this, you should definitely have basic knowledge regarding the working process of battery recharges. Among the best portable jump starter batteries, Anti-gravity Batteries XP-10 HD Micro-Start is the superior one.
If you want to buy the best all-in-one portable jump starter battery, go for the Black & Decker Portable Power Station Jump Starter PPRH5B. Whereas NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 UltraSafe is considered as the best basic portable jump starter battery.
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Are portable jump starters worth it?
These are very effective and a perfect addition to the car or truck’s emergency kit. These can provide the power to all the electronics your car has. These models come in small sizes. As a result, it can get fitted in any vehicle.
