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Trying to start your car and discovering it has a discharged battery can put you in a troublesome and often risky situation. That’s why investing in a good set of jumper cables is a smart move. Think
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Trying to start your car and discovering it has a discharged battery can put you in a troublesome and often risky situation. That’s why investing in a good set of jumper cables is a smart move. Think of it like an insurance policy; hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but if you do, it can be a godsend. When choosing our recommendations, we looked for the best combination of price, length, wire thickness, and construction for the needs of the average driver.
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Trying to start your car and discovering it has a discharged battery can put you in a troublesome and often risky situation. That’s why investing in a good set of jumper cables is a smart move. Think of it like an insurance policy; hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but if you do, it can be a godsend. When choosing our recommendations, we looked for the best combination of price, length, wire thickness, and construction for the needs of the average driver.
This set, from a proven brand, offers a great combination of features that will let it handle most jump-starting circumstances. Thick, 2-gauge wire should handle jump-starting of most passenger vehicles, including full-size pickups and RVs. Has a two-year warranty.
Pros & Cons
The 16-foot length should be plenty for most situations.
The cables remain flexible down to -40 degrees F.
Includes a carrying bag.
Some user reviews complain that the bag is too small.
16-foot length not long enough for some situations
This inexpensive set carries a generous five-year warranty, which makes it the best overall value we’ve seen. It doesn’t stand out in the specs department, but it should work fine for most people.
Pros & Cons
The cable is thick enough for small and midsize passenger vehicles.
The 16-foot length gives you some flexibility when jumping.
Includes a carrying case.
The 6-gauge wire won’t transmit as much current as thicker (lower-gauge) cables.
This set is claimed to remain flexible down to -13 degrees F. Others go lower.
This set of Energizer cables is ready for almost any jump-starting situation. Its extra-thick wires allow more current to flow to the dead battery, and the extra length ensures you won’t be as limited in positioning the jump vehicle. Includes a carrying bag. Has a two-year warranty.
Pros & Cons
The 25-foot length provides extra flexibility when you can’t get the two vehicles close to each other.
The extra-thick 1-gauge wire ensures the current should still be enough to jump the largest gas or diesel engines.
With reverse polarity protection, this set from Austrian tools manufacturer Horusdy ensures that you don’t get the cable connections mixed up. If you connect them incorrectly, a red LED will light and the set will emit an alarm.
Pros & Cons
Reverse polarity protection.
Its 4-gauge wire and 600-amp rating will handle a wide range of vehicles, and the 20-foot length will give you more flexibility in positioning the jump vehicle.
Cables stay flexible down to -40 degrees F.
Its 20-foot length means it will take up more room than shorter cable when stored in your vehicle.
ENERGIZER 16 FEET JUMPER CABLES - 6 Gauge, 16 FT booster battery jumper cables for jump starting a dead or weak battery. Ideal for trucks, SUVs, full-size cars, mid-size cars and small/compact cars
THICK VINYL COATING - Includes a strong spring and a comfortable handle for secure placement and easy positioning. Safety featured of shelled vinyl coated clamp for rust and corrosion protection.
CARRYING CASE INCLUDED - Our Energizer jumper cables come with a high-grade travel bag for easy transport and compact storage.
SAFE & DURABLE: THIKPO UL-Listed jumper cables have higher copper content than the others without UL certification which is more durable. Patented design clamps covered with non-conducting rubber, it is safe enough for repeated use.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE: Benefit from the high copper content (meet UL standard) of the copper-clad aluminum wire, G420 booster cables have excellent conductivity. Different from the other single-deck rubber covered jumper cables, this THIKPO Double-deck rubber covered cable are stronger and more wearproof.
UL CERTIFICATED: Every THIKPO jump cable passed the strict working temperature test which is up to the UL standard, it will work well in the extreme environment (-40℉~140℉). You can download and view the UL certification report in the guides and documents under this page.
Start Dead Batteries - Safely jump start a dead battery in seconds with this compact, yet powerful, 1000-amp portable lithium car battery jump starter pack - up to 20 jump starts on a single charge - and rated for gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters.
UltraSafe - Safe and easy to use car battery jump starter pack without the worry of incorrect connections or sparks. Safely connect to any 12-volt automotive car battery with our mistake-proof design featuring spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection.
Multi-Function - It's a car jump starter, portable power bank, and LED flashlight. Recharge smartphones, tablets, and other USB devices. It's easily rechargeable from any powered USB port in 3 hours at 2.1-amps. Plus, an integrated 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including emergency strobe and SOS.
PROMINENT CAPACITY- The heavy duty 1 gauge 30 ft booster jumper cables can afford up to 1500 A instant electricity and easily help awaking break-down vans, trucks, SUV, cars etc.
QUALIFIED MATERIAL- Interior 150 strands of copper clad aluminum wires are excellently conductive and durable under enormous electricity. Outer rubber jackets ensure outstanding insulation and friendly to bodies and environment.
EASY CONNECTION- Toggle clamps and copper cable lugs can tightly connect to car batteries and make sure prominent conductivity. Pair of universal Anderson plugs are used to connect extra cables and extend the total length to 30 ft for realistic use.
Booster Cable comes with a travel bag and a pair of safety working gloves
Methodology
Forbes Wheels examined more than 15 jumper cables and considered evaluations by critics and end users. We also evaluated key features. The five selected here represent the best combinations of price, performance, cable length, cable construction, wire thickness (gauge), and special features such as polarity protection (in case you mistakenly cross the cables).
Our choices reflect what users tpically want. A 12- or 16-foot cable works in most situations if the two cars are side by side or nose to nose. If the cars are one-behind-the-other, 20 or 25 feet is preferable, and some reach 30 feet. Some will want thicker, heavier cables to start big V8 or diesel engines.
What Are Jumper Cables?
Jumper cables, booster cables, or jumper leads (all three terms describe the same product), let you get a jump start of your dead car battery. The cables connect the battery of a running car to the battery of your dead (won’t-start) car. Even if you have auto club or new-car roadside service, you can be on your way in five minutes, quicker than waiting for a service vehicle.
Do I Need Jumper Cables? Are There Alternatives?
Odds are you can find someone who’ll help, and you’ll be on your way if five minutes, if you have jumper cables. You can also call an auto club or, if you a have newish car with roadside assistance, contact them by phone or phone app.
These may start a car with a dead battery of a car with a manual transmission: The car can be push-started by a couple husky guys, probably. If you conveniently parked on a hill, rolling it downhill with the transmission in low gear and the left foot depressing the clutch then lifting may start the car. Another car could push start your car. (Or you can damage bumpers and headlamps.) There are risks to each of these.
Any car can be started with a battery jump starter power pack, $40 and up, if the battery is fully charged, and if it’s not too wintery-cold. If you have a battery charger, it should recharge in anywhere from a couple hours to overnight.
How do I jump-start my car? Which wire goes on first?
Put both cars’ transmissions in Park , set parking brakes, turn off the ignitions on both cars (including the dead car), open the hoods.
1. Put a red cable clamp on the dead-car positive (+ or POS or red or larger) terminal. Red is positive (+) and there should be a red plastic shield over the terminal post, black is negative (-), always, all cars.
2. Attach the other red end to the positive terminal of the donor car.
3. Attach the black cable to the negative terminal of the donor car. Doublecheck you’ve got the right wires connected.
4. Connect the other end of the black cable NOT to the negative battery terminal but to an unpainted metal part of the engine compartment. You may have to hunt around.
5. Have bystanders step away from the engine compartments.
6. Start the donor car, rev the engine a little, to 2,000-3,000 rpm. Don’t race the engine.
7. Start the engine on the dead car. If it didn’t start, keep the cables connected for five minutes, then try again. Once the dead-engine car starts, disconnect the cables in reverse order: Black cable on dead car comes off first, then black on good car, red on good car, red on dead car.
Keep the now-started car running at least 15 minutes.
I Can’t Get the Hood Open
Opening the hood takes two steps: There is a hood release near the driver’s foot pedals. Give it a good tug. It takes more effort than the button or lever that opens the trunk. The hood will pop open a little.
Then go to the front of the car and find the safety-catch lever in the opening below the hood. A flashlight helps to see the lever. Start in the middle and run your hand left or right to find it; it will be dirty, so use a paper towel or old cloth. Push it left or right, or up. The safety catch may instead be between the grilles. If so, give it a pull. Lift the hood.
Some hoods stay open on high-end cars. For most others, find a metal rod, swing it up and into a slot or hole on the underside of the hood.
My Battery Is in the Trunk. What Do I Do?
The engine compartment will have a jump starter post in the engine compartment, marked + or POS. You may have to lift or slide back a flap. Connect a red cable to it as your first step and follow the remaining steps, above.
What Makes a Jumper Cable Cost More?
Length. 12 or 16 feet is okay if the donor car is facing or next to the dead-battery car, 20 feet is good, 25 or 30 feet is excellent.
Thicker battery wire (1-, 2- or 4-gauge)
Strong clamps the hold the cable tight to the battery posts.
A bag for the cable.
What Does Battery-Wire “Gauge” Mean?
“Gauge” is the thickness of the battery wire. A lower number is thicker wire. Most jumper cables are 2-, 4-, or 6-gauge. Household wiring in the walls is 12- or 14-gauge; appliance and lamp cords are 16- or 18-gauge. Thicker is better but also heavier and bulkier.
Which Is Better, a Jumper Cable or A Battery Jump Starter?
Both have their uses. A jumper cable works virtually every time, if someone offers to help and if you or they have jumper cables. A battery jump starter ($50-$200) works well in warm or cool weather if its internal battery is fully charged; in cold weather, cheaper jump starters may not have enough power to get your car started.
What Can I Do So My Old Car Starts More Reliably?
Get a battery charger-maintainer. It charges the battery then maintains the battery at full charge. The device can be left on for weeks at a time with no risk of damage. See Best Car Battery Chargers-Maintainers For 2021. Useful devices start at less than $25.
Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. He’s been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and he’s held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports’ autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Company’s product-review website. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes. And he likes nothing better than to be exploring new places in a great vehicle.
