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There’s never a good time for your car battery to go out of commission, but it somehow always seems to happen at the worst possible times, like when you’re stranded in a remote area without another vehicle in sight. If you’re lucky, this car mishap will coincide with nice weather, so you can stay comfortable while waiting for help to arrive. In reality, however, extreme temperatures can impact battery health, so the likelihood of this occurring on a sweltering summer day or freezing winter morning is further increased.
Car insurance plans and credit card companies may offer roadside assistance dispatch free of charge, but hours-long wait times don’t always make them the most efficient service for restarting your dead battery. Instead of waiting for someone else to save the day, you can rescue yourself with a portable car jump starter.
What is a portable jump starter?
A portable jump starter is the modern-day alternative to traditional jumper cables. While jumper cables require another car to get your battery running again, a portable jump starter has the power and performance to jolt a dead battery back to life. Options usually cost around $150, and you can find popular brands, like Gooloo, Strauto, and Clore Automotive, at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Walmart’s overall pick in this category, the Avapow Portable Car Battery Jump Starter, is a solid choice, and it’s currently on sale for just $73. That’s over 50% off its original price of $160.
Avapow Portable Car Battery Jump Starter
Courtesy of Walmart
Check price at Walmart
Offering a 6,000-amp peak current and a 32,000 milliampere-hour battery, this Avapow model is a reliable option for 12-volt vehicles, which is the electrical system found in nearly all standard passenger cars, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. This jump starter can also be used on smaller motor vehicles if your motorcycle, tractor, golf cart, or ATV ever requires extra juice. When fully charged, it has the power to deliver 70 jump starts. As a bonus, the jump pack’s smaller size is compact enough to fit into the glove box, so it won’t be in the way or become lost in the packed trunk. Since this isn’t an item you’ll be using on a regular basis (hopefully), it’s important to check the battery now and then to make sure it remains charged. The last thing you want is to need it only to find out it has a low battery.
Many portable jump starters have a few extra features built in, and that’s true for this selection as well. If a blizzard has you stuck on the highway for an extended period, the jump starter can work as an emergency power source to charge up your iPhone, laptop, or tablet, which would also be handy during any natural disasters or severe weather situations. You can also set an emergency SOS beacon or have a steady light source during power outages by utilizing the LED flashlight’s three lighting modes.
How can a portable jump starter save you money?
If you don’t get free roadside assistance from your automobile insurance company or as a benefit of your credit card, you could pay anywhere from $60 to $420 per year for coverage. You don’t need a membership plan with AAA or Progressive to get a jump-start in an emergency. Many roadside assistance providers offer à la carte services, or you can call a local company, though this typically ranges from $50 to $100 per jump. Since you can find portable jump starters for less than the price of these yearly and one-time fees, you can essentially make your money back after using it a single time.
Do you need a portable jump starter in your car?
You don’t necessarily need a portable jump starter in your car, but it will surely come in handy when your battery dies. Having a jump pack in your glove box means you’re not stuck waiting for someone else to get back on the road. In addition to saving your money on roadside assistance premiums, a portable jump starter can save you time and provide peace of mind for any unexpected travel troubles.
How to use a portable car jump starter:
You should read the instructions for your portable car jumper to ensure you’re properly connecting and using the pack. In general, there are five steps to complete to get your drained car battery going with a jump starter.
- Ensure it’s charged. If you haven’t charged up your portable car jump starter, it won’t have the power necessary for the job. Charging can be done from your standard household or garage outlet.
- Connect the cables. Figure out where the cables will be placed and connect them to the battery. This could vary depending on whether they’re hardwired or have quick-attachment features. Most jump packs will have a light that indicates if you’ve placed them correctly.
- Turn on the jump starter. After it’s properly connected, place the device in a safe location and turn it on.
- Start your engine. If a dead battery is the reason for your car troubles, your car should start once the engine is cranked.
- Disconnect the cords. Once your engine is up and running, it’s time to turn off the power, disconnect the cords, close your hood, and drive away.
What portable jump starter is right for me?
There are numerous portable jump starters on the market, but first and foremost, you’ll want one that’s compatible with your car’s engine size and fuel type. One of the leading jump-start manufacturers, Gooloo, recommends a minimum of 800 to 1,200 amps for a smaller car and up to 2,000 to 3,000 amps for large SUVs and trucks. Also consider any additional features you may want on your jump starter, like the option to use it as a USB charging pack in a pinch or flashlight capabilities.
To help you on your search, we’ve listed some of the most popular models of portable jump starters at Amazon and Walmart, and as of writing, they’re all available for $160 or less.
Strauto Emergency Jump Starter
Courtesy of Walmart
Check price at Walmart
Clore Automotive JNC325 Jump-N-Carry 12-Volt Jump Starter
Courtesy of Amazon
Check price at Amazon
Gooloo 6000-Amp Jump Starter
Courtesy of Amazon
Check price at Amazon
Noco Boost GB40 UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter
Courtesy of Walmart
Check price at Walmart
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