Battery Jump Starter: Tips for Choosing the Right One

Have you ever experience trying to start your car and get an awful sinking feeling because it doesn't turn over? That happens because or the battery is dead or it doesn't have enough power to start your car. In such a case, a battery jump starter can help you get your car on the road again.

One of the greatest reasons to owning a battery jump starter is that you do not have to be a mechanic or car expert to use it. These devices are designed to work quickly and get batteries going without frustration or hassle. Plus, jump starters are generally fairly compact and lightweight, which make them easy to take with you.

Battery jump starters come in a range of sizes, styles, and with different technology and features. To choose the right model for your needs it is important to be aware of the features, power and accessories a battery jump starter comes with. As many know, the best price doesn't necessarily mean the best choice. A cheap model may not be able to deliver you the capability, features and reliability you need. Here are some tips to help you choose the right battery jump starter for your needs.

Cranking Amps

Look for a model that offers you around 500 cranking amps. Most of the jump starters available on the market do have that. Keep in mind that while a lot of car batteries have a 660 CA rating, a jump starter with a 300 CA still able to jump start such a car. But if you have a heavier car, chances are you will need a more powerful one.

Physical Size or Dimensions

Nowadays it is possible to find jump starters that can double up as powerbank for your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Some of these jump starters can be very small and even fit in your pocket. If you are looking for an ultra-portable jump starter, these models may be right for you. However, most of these products tend to come with Lithium lon batteries which may not perform well on extreme cold weather. For something more reliable in cold weather consider getting one of the bigger products available in the market.

Performance

When comparing different jump starter models, instead of focusing on peak power ratings you should consider the cranking amps (CA) or cold cranking amps (CCA). As a rule of thumb, higher cranking amp ratings are better. This is the actual power that will start your battery. CCA, on the other hand, represents the number of amps that a battery can provide at -17°C without dropping down below 7.2V. A jump starter doesn't necessarily need to match the CCA in your battery. A lower one should be enough to perform the job.