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Jump Starters

What Should You Look For When Buying A Jump Starter?

There’s more choice than ever when it comes to jump starters. So, what are the different types and what should you look for as a buyer?

Modern units have inbuilt flashlights, 12V outlets and USB ports so you can charge up your phone.

Lithium-ion jump starters have become popular due to their small size and low weight. If you have a hatchback or sedan and want something compact for easy storage in the car, a lithium-ion unit is your best bet. Perfect for starting smaller engines.

Batteryless or capacitor starters use leftover charge in a battery or other source to power their starter units. With this type, there’s no battery to keep charged but you will need a small amount of juice from your car battery or another power source to quickly charge the capacitor up before jump starting.

Heavy duty jump starters have powerful batteries capable of producing the necessary cranking amps to start heavy vehicles and equipment like trucks, buses, boats, planes and even a military tank.

Cranking amps (also known as starting current) are the ability of a battery to start a car and this number should be the one you look for when making your choice. The higher this number, the more starting power.

For more information check out our jump starter buyer's guide here!

 

FAQs

What is the purpose of a jump starter?

A jump starter is a portable device designed to jump-start a vehicle with a dead or weak battery by providing a temporary power boost to start the engine through a connection to the battery terminals. Jump starters are handy tools for handling emergencies like a car breakdown.

Premium Diagnostic Equipment offers a range of car jump starters featuring different weights and compositions to ensure you’ll have what you need during life’s unexpected moments.

What is the difference between a battery charger and a jump starter?

A battery charger is designed to recharge a vehicle's battery to maintain its overall charge levels. On the other hand, a car jump starter provides a temporary power surge to start a vehicle with a dead battery. While both involve charging, a jump starter focuses on immediate starting assistance, while a battery charger is for long-term maintenance.

Should I buy a battery charger or a jump starter?

This will depend on what you intend to use the power source for and when. A battery charger is ideal for routine maintenance and long-term battery health. A jump starter is more suited to emergencies. Ideally, having both at your disposal can ensure you are well-prepared for common and unexpected car issues.

How many amps are needed to jump-start a car?

While this will depend on the size of your engine, it typically takes around 400 to 600 amps to jump-start a car. The temporary surge of power works to overcome the resistance in a dead or weak battery and works to ignite the car’s engine.

Do I need to replace a battery after a jump-start?

Not necessarily, as jump-starting is a temporary solution. However, if your battery repeatedly requires jumps, it may need replacement. This can be accurately determined by having the battery inspected by a professional.

Have a question about our jump starters? Give one of our experts a call on 07 3180 6771!

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