The Best Battery Jump Starter For Cars

Buying Guide

When car batteries die, drivers can find themselves stranded if they don’t have the right tools. Jumper cables can recharge batteries, but only when they are connected to other batteries. There is always the option of calling for roadside assistance, but if you have a compact jump starter, you can easily charge the battery yourself.

The latest battery jump starters are made with compact lithium-ion batteries. They are generally budget-friendly, and the smallest ones are about as big as a book and weigh only a pound. These compact jump starters can start up cars in seconds, and they may have other functions as well.

Some of these chargers have built-in LED flashlights, which are invaluable if your vehicle has broken down in the dark. Look for other features, too, like built-in USB ports, other connectors and air compressors. With all these extras, a portable battery charger can be the most important part of your car or home’s emergency kits.

MORE: 34 car hacks every driver should know

• Avoid old-school, lead-acid jump-starters, which do not work as well as lithium jump starters. The former can weigh as much as 40 pounds, and they do not last as long.
• Check the type of battery your vehicle has before buying the jump starter. Most cars and SUVs work on 6- to 12-volt batteries, and you may need an industrial-grade charger for larger trucks.
• You will also need to know what type of engine you have before picking out a charger. For example, 4-cylinder gasoline engines run on 150 to 250 amps, and 6-cylinder gas engines run on 250 to 350 amps.
• Check for safety features like reverse polarity and short circuit protection.