Jump Starters

Jump starters get you out of a bind fast, so you can drive to the nearest service station to diagnose your battery shutdown. They can also save you a costly tow. Not every jump starter, though, works for every car. Let's explore how jump starters work, the key technology differences, and the handy extra features available today.

What Is a Jump Starter?

A jump starter actually goes by several names: booster pack, jump starter, and jump box all mean the same equipment.

A jump starter gives your battery a boost when it dies. If you carry one in your vehicle at all times, you'll never need to wait for another driver to assist you with a jump start.

What's the Difference Between a Jump Starter and Jumper Cables?

Whereas a jump starter has the power needed to jump start your car on its own, jumper cables require another vehicle's battery to get the job done.

Jumper cables are more affordable and lightweight, and can be useful in the city. However, if you live in a rural area or drive long distances outside of urban centres, a jump starter can help you avoid waiting for someone to drive by to help you. Roadside assistance may also not be available in rural areas.

However, booster cables can neither safely boost a frozen battery nor can they detect incorrect polarity. You'll need to use your own judgment on those situations.

Booster packs come with these characteristics:

• don't require a second battery
• won't deliver power if they detect incorrect polarity
• compact, with some even pocket-sized
• start a V8 engine
• charge other devices, like emergency lighting, air compressors, and phones
• charge in your 12 v socket while you're on the road

Their main disadvantage is that they require manual charging every two to three months and after each use.

What's the Difference Between Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion Booster Packs?

Your vehicle's 12 V battery is a lead-acid battery, so a lead-acid booster pack uses the same battery type. However, they're heavy. Most weigh up to 22 lbs., some even more.

The lighter lithium-ion packs last longer and don't drain as fast in cold weather. They usually weigh under 5 lbs.

How Should I Maintain My Jump Starter?

Like any other piece of equipment, jump boxes don't take care of themselves. Follow these practical tips to keep yours in active duty for as long as possible.

During Use

Almost all jump starters have the same duty cycle: crank for no more than six seconds, and then let the jump starter and vehicle battery rest for three minutes before your next attempt.

Once the engine has started, disconnect the jump starter quickly to avoid overcharging it.

After Use

Clean the clamps after each use. Battery acid on the posts can corrode the clamps. Using a wire brush, scrub a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 cup water on the clamps to remove any dirt or acid.

As soon as possible, recharge the jump starter. You can do this through your vehicle's 12 V charger or at home.

Storage Guidelines

Jump starters, like batteries, have specific storage requirements.

First, ensure you store your booster pack at 10-21 °C. Extreme temperatures can affect its ability to work.

Next, never let it sit in a highly discharged state. If you don't use it for a few months, charge it up, anyway.

How Do I Choose the Right Jump Starter for My Needs?

Not all jump starters are created equal. Here are a few factors to consider during your buying process.

Power Ratings

Power ratings indicate the peak amps supplied by the jump starter. The larger your vehicle's engine, the larger the power rating you'll need to get it started.

Most small passenger vehicles only need 400-600 peak amps, while mid-sized vans or SUVs require 800-1000, and large trucks or diesel engines need 1500+ peak amps.

Battery Capacity

Energy ratings for jump starters are measured in watt-hours (Wh). The larger the Wh rating, the longer the battery can perform before it needs to be recharged. If you expect you'll need it often, always opt for a jump starter with a high Wh rating.

Which Jump Starter Accessories Are Essential?

Modern jump starters come with a wide range of accessories to assist in any emergency. Here are a few features that can enhance the functionality and practicality of your jump starter.

USB Ports

Jump starters with built-in USB ports mean you can simultaneously charge your cellphone, tablet, or other handheld electronic device. This technology is invaluable in emergency situations where you may be stuck in a remote area and need to call for help or check your cellphone's GPS.

Air Compressors

You never know when you'll have a flat tire. When selecting a jump starter, try to find a model that includes an air compressor with auto-shutoff so you can safely inflate your tires while on the road.

Safety Technology

Most modern jump starters include a variety of safety technology to avoid overheating, sparking, or injury.

• Reverse polarity protection prevents damage to electronic circuits if you accidentally connect negative to positive, or positive to negative.
• Short-circuit prevention reduces the risk of sudden energy surges and resulting fires.
• Overcharge prevention includes technology to prevent excess energy from entering an already full rechargeable battery.

What Are the Key Jump Starter Features for Canadian Winters?

Cold, Canadian winters can be extremely tough on vehicles. Low temperatures slow the chemical reaction in car batteries, reducing power output, and make it harder for engines to turn over and start. Keep an eye out for these important jump starter features to keep your car running all winter long.

High Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

Colder temperatures mean more power is needed, so double check the CCA rating of a jump starter before you commit. For most small passenger vehicles, a jump starter with a CCA rating between 400 and 500 will be sufficient to deliver constant power for at least 30 seconds, which should be enough to start your engine in even the coldest of winters.

Built-in Heaters

Look for jump starters that include a pre-heater or built-in heater technology to guarantee a seamless charge at temperatures as low as -40 °C.

Cold-Resistant Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries generally perform well in colder weather, even charging at -20 °C and up.

Browse our selection of jump starters to find the one that best meets your needs. For any questions, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store, and one of our friendly experts will be happy to help you.