When it comes to dealing with a dead car battery, having the right equipment can make all the difference. While jumper cables have been a long-time go-to solution, car jump starters have emerged as a more effective and convenient option. Here's why car jump starters are increasingly preferred over traditional jumper cables. Let's explore the top 5 reasons why car jump starters are better than jumper cables.
1. YOU DON’T NEED TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU HAVE A JUMP STARTER
The most obvious advantage of a car jump starter is the fact that it eliminates the need to find someone to loan their car to be used as a host vehicle, which is required when using booster cables. This advantage isn’t just about the hassle of having to find someone willing to help you. It is also a safety consideration. If you have your car battery booster near in your trunk, you can pull it out, connect it and get your vehicle started immediately, which is great when stranded at night or in an unfamiliar area.
2. TWICE THE CONNECTIONS MEANS TWICE THE CHANCE FOR ISSUES
With booster cables, you have to make two sets of connections, which is twice the chance for issues. Reversed connections are very dangerous to the operator and the vehicles involved. They can create sparks, which could result in an explosion if battery gases are present. They also can cause damage to expensive electronic components on one or both of the vehicles involved, depending on when in the connection sequence the reverse connection takes place. With a jump starter, there is just one set of connections to make, simplifying what can be a confusing process.
3. THERE’S NO CONCERN HOW THE DISABLED VEHICLE IS PARKED
You really don’t have to worry about the position in which your disabled vehicle is parked when using a battery pack jump starter. Not so with booster cables, where a major consideration is whether the host vehicle will be able to get close enough for the booster cables to reach the disabled vehicle’s battery.
4. CONCERNS OF DAMAGE TO THE HOST VEHICLE
Even when care is taken to ensure a proper connection sequence and starting procedure, there remains the concern of whether the host vehicle is up to the task of providing the additional power needed by the disabled vehicle. If any components of the host vehicle’s electrical system are marginal or suspect, the additional requirements of the jump starting process may push those components over the edge. We remember how we once brought a friend’s car’s electrical system to its knees while borrowing it to use for a jump. This is an extreme example, but there are always risks to the host vehicle when jump starting.
5.TODAY’S VEHICLES MAKE BOOSTER CABLES INHERENTLY RISKY
Today, people concern much on how to boost a car safely and fast. However, there are several reasons why using booster cables on today’s sophisticated vehicles brings inherent risks not present when using a car jump starter battery pack. The first is that noise from the host vehicle can be transferred to the disabled vehicle. This noise can include voltage spikes and other anomalies that could damage sensitive electrical and electronic components on the disabled vehicle. As a jump starter is essentially an extension of the vehicle battery, short of a reverse connection, this concern does not exist.
In addition, the process of removing booster cables after the jump can have a similar damaging effect on vehicle electronics, as warned by Pat Goss on a recent edition of Motor Week and as summarized by Gary Witzenburg on the Green AutoBlog:
“As long as the cables are connected,” Goss continued, “the two batteries act as buffers to contain maximum voltage rise. But as soon as the first cable end is removed, the systems go nuts. When the first cable is removed, the voltage reference is gone. It instantly changes from the level of two batteries and two alternators to one battery and one alternator.
“During this period of adjustment, the voltage regulator allows the alternator to climb to a very high voltage level. The alternators of both cars are unregulated for a few milliseconds, and during that brief time, the alternator can produce several hundred volts of low-amperage electricity. This high-voltage spike shoots through the electrical systems of both cars.”
The effect is like a voltage surge running through a computer. It rarely destroys anything instantly but can weaken components of both vehicles, including engine control computers, alternators, sound systems or any of the dozens of electronic modules in modern cars, and there are usually no immediate symptoms because these parts are merely weakened.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND A RELIABLE JUMP STARTER?
When it comes to dealing with unexpected car battery failures, having a reliable jump starter is crucial. Unlike traditional jumper cables, which require another vehicle, a jump starter is a self-contained power source that allows you to start your car independently. But with so many options on the market, finding a reliable jump starter can be challenging. Here’s where to look and what to consider.
One of the most trusted manufacturers in this field is AMPROAD. Known for their high-quality and dependable products, AMPROAD jump starters are designed with both performance and user convenience in mind. Their models offer powerful battery capacity, ensuring your vehicle starts quickly and efficiently. Additionally, AMPROAD jump starters often come with built-in safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and reverse polarity alarms, providing extra peace of mind during use.
When searching for a reliable jump starter, consider these factors:
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Battery Capacity: Ensure the jump starter has enough power to start your vehicle. AMPROAD offers a range of models with varying capacities to suit different needs, from small cars to larger trucks and SUVs.
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Portability: Look for a compact and lightweight design that can be easily stored in your car. AMPROAD’s jump starters are designed to be portable without sacrificing power.
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Additional Features: Many modern jump starters, including those from AMPROAD, come with extra features such as USB ports for charging devices, built-in flashlights, and air compressors. These can be incredibly useful in emergencies beyond just starting your car.
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Safety Features: Safety is paramount. Ensure the jump starter has protections against overcharging, short circuits, and incorrect connections. AMPROAD is renowned for integrating these crucial safety measures into their products.
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Customer Reviews: Reading customer reviews can provide insights into the reliability and performance of a jump starter. AMPROAD products consistently receive positive feedback for their durability and effectiveness.
In short, a reliable jump starter like those from AMPROAD can save you from stressful situations on the road. By considering battery capacity, portability, additional features, safety, and customer reviews, you can find the perfect jump starter to keep in your vehicle.