The Best Jumper Cables
There are few experiences more annoying and simultaneously distressing for a car owner than returning to your pristine vehicle after a hard day's work, only to realize you've left your lights on; alas, your battery is dead. Even worse, if you happen to have poorly-crafted jumper cables, the desperation can get pretty ugly as your try fruitlessly to generate enough power to kick start your car (if, of course, you haven't flooded the engine already). Finding the right cables for your vehicle primarily comes down to having wires sized, or gauged, to the appropriate thickness for your automobile. To that end we've gathered some of our most well-crafted models below for your consideration, ranging from multi-purpose backwoods essentials to the compact and efficient options for your every-day commuter.
Energizer Heavy Duty Booster Jump Start Cable
When you're in a hurry, use the Bunny
It should come as no surprise that a household name like Energizer would dominate the battery-accessory business. Energizer’s Heavy Duty Booster Cables live quite strongly up to their name, boasting one gauge-thick cord (on an ascending scale from 0 to 10) that claim to work even in the ice-road-trucker world of -40 degrees Celsius. Even if you’re not trekking up to Siberia any time soon, the thick cable and insulation allows for a consistent flow of electricity and ensures that the product will withstand heat and wear over time. For all-weather peace of mind out on the road, this is one purchase you won’t want to put off.
Pros:
- 25 Foot cord perfect for larger vehicles
- Rated to 800 Amps
- Vinyl-coated clamps limit corrosion and rust
- Comes with travel carrying case
Cons:
- Placement of teeth might pose a challenge for some cars or rear-engine vehicles
CARTMAN Heavy Duty Booster Cables
Electrify Your Ride
Cartman is another stand-out choice on our list. It possesses both competitive specs to Energizer and a full complement of accessories useful for getting yourself on the road in no time. While Cartman has a slightly lower tolerance for cold than our initial recommendation, the clamps feel sturdy. Not only that, they have a high surface area, ideal for getting around your battery’s terminals for a stable connection. Like many products on the market today, Cartman uses cables made of copper-coated aluminum (CCA). Although nay-sayers may protest otherwise, to start any battery up to and including a large recreational vehicle, this is more than sufficient material for the consumer.
Pros:
- Includes gloves and a wire brush for clearing terminals of rust
- Gauge 1 thickness
- Made of durable thermoplastic rubber coating
- Can fit both top and side post batteries
Cons:
- Wires can be hard to untangle in a cold climate
TOPDC Jumper Cables
Top design with TOPDC
TOPDC is a premier choice for the consumer that needs extra power for larger machines on the road (or in the field). The 0-gauge thick wires give you a sense of security in the design quality, as do the heavy-duty coils and all-copper clamp jaws. Better yet, TOPDC’s 5-year warranty is almost unheard of in this market. But with designs that meet standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers and quality parts on their side, TOPDC both walks the walk and talks the talk. While these booster cables are certainly an investment in the higher-end, you can rest assured that you’ll seldom be caught off guard on the road with TOPDC.
Pros:
- Temperature tolerance from -40 to 172 degrees Fahrenheit
- Jump everything up to an RV or farm equipment
- Includes a step-by-step guide attached to the wire
- Durable PVC insulation prevents tangles
Cons:
- Carrying bag could be of higher quality
EPAuto 4 Gauge Booster Cables
Jump for Joy
EPAuto is the no-frills answer for the first time compact car owner who asks, “Do I need enough amps to jump a tractor-trailer?”. No, my friend, while 4-gauge thickness is not the most robust wire in the game, you’ll still have more than enough juice flowing to reliably and quickly jump any small to mid-size vehicle in a pinch. Although we wouldn’t want to recommend this product to a towing company or mechanic for constant use, the insulation does not feel flimsy by any means. The complimentary carrying case and safety gloves are an excellent touch for the value and round off this package quite nicely. If you want to avoid disaster on a long road trip, or are just tired of relying on the luck and goodwill of your fellow driver, EPAuto is a great first purchase.
Pros:
- Great customer service
- Clamps are simple and the perfect size
- Wires and case are incredibly lightweight
Cons:
- Clamps are not pure copper
- Only 20 feet long
NOCO Lithium Car Battery Jump Starter Pack
The Road Warrior's Best Friend
While jumper cables as a stand-alone accessory are the quintessential purchase for every proactive car owner, what if the unspeakable were to occur: your car battery has died, and there’s not another commuter in sight to help you recharge it? Have no fear, NOCO is here. The Boost Plus Lithium starter pack does away with the classic two-car paradigm to jumper cables. Instead, this option sports a battery of its own, capable of approximately 20 jumps per charge. Not only does NOCO make battery emergencies a thing of the past, but the unit is also capable of charging USB devices and can be charged itself using your own car’s cigarette lighter. Although the most high-end models manage to triple the amp capacity, 1000 amps are sufficient up to 3.0L engines, allowing you to restart your adventure with a minimal amount of fuss.
Pros:
- Variety of battery sizes to suit every need
- Attached 100 Lumen strobe and flashlight
- Spark-free and Reverse Polarity Protection
- IP65 water-resistant design
Cons:
- May struggle somewhat in the cold
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider before purchasing jumper cables?
Some of the first questions you should ask before purchasing a jumper cable system should deal with your environment: What do you use your car for primarily? How is the weather? Will you be using these cables often or commercially? The primary variables in jumper cables are wire gauge, insulation, clamps, and wire length. A lower gauge (0 to 10) and higher quality insulator, such as thermoplastic rubber, will ensure that the cable is driving enough power to the dead battery. Regarding clamps, a wide mouth made of pure copper is your best bet for ensuring a proper connection to your battery terminal. Wire length should be no less than 10ft, which would be difficult every scenario except bumper facing bumper.
How do I jump my car the traditional way?
Before jumping, first ensure that both cars are off, and both cars’ battery terminals are rust-free (you’ll need a wire brush for this). Once this is complete, attach the positive (red) and negative (black) clamps on their respective terminals in the charged car and the positive clamp on the positive terminal on the dead battery. You will also attach the negative clamp to solid metal anywhere on the engine block. After ensuring a secure connection on all four points, start the charged car, wait approximately 30 seconds, and finally start the ignition of the dead car.
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