A jumper cable may look like a simple item which is almost irrelevant, due to the fact you won’t be using it every day. However, once the car battery is damaged or completely drained out of energy, a jumper cable will make a true difference. In that case scenario, you have two options. The first one is to buy a new car battery, which is expensive, to replace the old one and start a car. All of this is a time-consuming process as well. On the other hand, you can use best jumper cables, start the car immediately and go anywhere you were going.
Obviously, a jumper cable has one purpose only. It is designed to connect a fully recharged car battery to the empty one and allow for a driver to start a car. After that, the alternator on the vehicle will recharge the battery and everything will be fine. Unless you are looking for an, even more, easier way which is a jump starter. Otherwise keep reading!
Keep in mind that if you forget your car lights or music inside a car, the battery will be completely drained after some period of time (depends on the headlamps, music power and the battery capacity). There is no need to replace that battery, but you will have to recharge it. A jumper cable will allow for you to get the initial energy your car needs to start the engine. After that, the battery will be completely recharged within 20-30 minutes. In a case you don’t have jumper cables, you will have to replace a car battery, which isn’t an option.
Now, you may believe that push-start is the next best thing to start your car, but it isn’t. As a matter of fact, it is something you cannot do on new cars! They use electronic systems which must be activated in order to start the engine. Trying to start an engine without them can cause severe malfunctions, which will completely ruin the engine! As such, please avoid push start if your car is made after the year 2000.
High-quality jumper cable will also make from you an angel of mercy! It means that you will be able to help to another person to solve the aforementioned issue. It is definitely a great feeling when you do something like that and it is going to make you a better person. At the same time, you may get a new friend.
Jumper cables can be used to conduct electricity from a car battery to any other source which requires it. For example, you can use them to try some electric tool or a machine which uses a 12V battery.
The bottom line here is that jumper cables are not something you should have in your car at all times. They are something you must have due to your own safety. In addition, they are affordable, there are thousands of them on the market and they won’t occupy a lot of space in your trunk. Basically, there isn’t a single reason why you shouldn’t own jumper cables.
Of course, most of you believe that there are no factors which have to be taken into consideration, simply because these are simple cables. But, there are a lot of factors which can make a true difference. In other words, choosing which jumper cables are the best is a complicated task. We hope that in the section below we will help you with this matter and give you the knowledge you will need. Just to add, a combination of all these factors will determine which one is the best for your requirements.
This is simply the most important factor you must take into account. At the same time, it is also the most difficult to explain. A wire gauge is represented by a number. The lower the number is, the thicker the cables is, which may be confusing. All you have to remember is that thicker cables are better. They have more wires inside, meaning that they can withstand higher temperatures and higher voltage. The numbers may vary, but the most common are those with wire gauge or 4, 6 or 8. Those with a lower number are also treated as heavy-duty cables and they are better for truck drivers, for those who are looking for tough jumper cables and for those who will use them frequently.
Length is the next main factor to consider. Simply said, if you have too short cables, you won’t be able to use them in some situation, and they will be useless! That’s why look at the overall length of the jumper cables. Ideally, you will get one which is at least 20 feet long. In this case scenario, the longer, the better. Yes, longer ones will occupy a bit more space in the trunk, but this is almost irrelevant. Also, longer jumper cables are considered to be more professional.
Here we have a single factor which can be divided into three sub-factors. Basically, you must pay attention to the clam size. The bigger, the better, meaning that they can be used for larger batteries and they have a much stronger grip, so they are safer to use as well. Also, pay a close attention to the teeth of the clams. They must be massive and strong. Overall strength is a mandatory factor to consider as well. If a clamp breaks, you won’t be able to use that jumper cable. Of course, they can be replaced, but spare clams don’t come included in the package.
We must add that the insulation of the clamps is important. It can make a huge difference in all of this and it will make sure you are protected from the electricity. Some clamps are insulated only 50%, while others are 100%. Obviously, the more the better.
All jumper cables must be properly insulated in order to be safe to use. Insulation must be tough, which will allow for it to withstand rough use. In addition, it will also protect the cables from damages and potential issues which may damage the inside wiring. A suitable insulation must withstand high temperatures, which will occur at some point. Note: Target those which are rated as heavy-duty cables. They usually have the best and the strongest insulation.
Obviously, all jumper cables are affordable, so warranty isn’t the main factor here. But, those with a longer warranty are more durable, so they are a more appealing choice. On the other hand, it also means that they will last longer, they can serve you with a higher level of satisfaction and they are usually made by highly rated manufacturers. This factor is especially important for those who are looking for heavy-duty cables to use daily, due to work requirements or something else.
Jumper cable will always come with a bag or a case. It is an essential factor to consider simply because you don’t want your jumper cables to be free in the trunk. They will occupy much more space, they can get damaged and it is simply annoying. There are no major differences between the case and a bag, but we prefer units with a case. They look better and it is simpler to place a jumper cable into a case than into a bag.
If you are looking for the best jumper cable this may be the one. As you can see, the wire gauge is 1, or better said the best type there is. It also means that these are heavy-duty jumper cables, capable of meeting the most demanding users and requirements. Then we have the length of 25 feet. It allows for a user to use the cables over a longer distance than usual. The maximum capacity is 800A, once again, a highly important factor. They are made from copper clad aluminum and have clamps which are suitable for side and top mounted battery posts.
One, an additional advantage is the flexibility. They will stay fully flexible even when the temperature is -40 degrees Celsius. It is truly an advantage if you live in an area where temperatures may get very low in the winter. Additionally, we must add that the copper clad aluminum refers to the wires inside a cable which have aluminum in the core, but they are layered with copper. As such, the electrical conductivity is much higher than usual. In addition, they also come with a box with a handle which makes carrying and storing much easier.
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Now we have jumper cables which are versatile or better said designed and developed for multiple purposes. Yes, they will fit perfectly to any car and they will be used without an issue, due to the fact they are 25 feet long. But, they can be also used for motorcycles, ATVs and etc. Simply said, they are great for any purpose you will have in mind. Wire gauge is 2, which is still reasonable and treated as heavy-duty, so you don’t want to pay attention to this factor anymore. The biggest difference between these and the first jumper cables we have mentioned is in the amperage. Here it is 600A.
Overall, these jumper cables are designed for heavy-duty or for commercial applications. They are still affordable, flexible at low temperatures and longer than usual. We also liked the insulation. It is tough and it is resistant to the oil, other chemicals and etc. The biggest drawback here is the lack of a carrying case, which means that you will have to improvise. Other than that, these are great jumper cables and all jumper cable reviews of the owners are more than just positive.
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And now we have affordable, interesting and an appealing alternative. These jumper cables are more than just a great choice if you have a car or a mid-sized pickup truck. The first and the main advantage is in the clamps. They are so big and so well-insulated that we actually believe that they are the best among all other alternatives here on the list. Massive clamps like this allow you to use the jumper cables for bigger batteries, easier use and so much more. Keep in mind that this unit comes available in different versions, with an EVA case, copper only and with a length of 16 feet, but all of them have the same clamps.
The version we have chosen is the mid-range one. It doesn’t come with a case but rather with the carrying bag, it is 25-feet long and the wire gauge is 4. You should know that all jumper cables with a wire gauge up to 8 are desirable and recommended. As such, 4 gauge units are even more than just desirable. Let’s just add the fact these jumper cables have superb insulation, over the cables themselves and over the clamps.
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These are the Best Jumper Cables if you are looking for versatility. They are available with wire gauge 4, 6 and 8. We have chosen the wire gauge 4 because it provides the best results. Furthermore, the length comes in a variety of versions as well. You can choose between 12 feet, 16 or 25 feet. Once again, we chose 25 feet simply due to increased practicality. Other than that, you should know that these cables come with a simple color coding, they are durable and they will stay flexible even if the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius.
They also come in a nice case and they are easy to use. Clamps are a masterpiece. They are easy to use, have a wide opening and the insulation is above the average. In addition, the insulation of the entire cables is great. In a nutshell, you will have great jumper cables which are more than just useful and durable. Even if you are planning to use them every day, they are a great choice for you.
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The clamps have a wide opening and they are massive, so using them for large car batteries is easier than ever. They are also available in different versions. We chose a 20 feet model with wire gauge 4, which looks like the best deal. The price is more than just affordable and you even get a great case. In essence, these cables are highly recommended for those who are planning to use them occasionally and they are something you should keep in your car.
Other things you will have to know include the best insulation and the clamps which are well-insulated, strong and durable. Although, their design is different, so they are more complicated to use than other models. Let’s not forget about the 1 gauge version which is still available. However, it is a professional jumper cable and the price is very high. The version we have chosen is still a decent choice. The clamps are copper plated, so the electrical conductivity is above average and very good.
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Once again, jumper cable is something you must have in your car at all times. You will never know when it may be essential, so it is better to keep one at all times than to look for it when you actually need it. Then, they are affordable, so this definitely isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t own one. In some places, jumper cables are even obligated by the law. Keep in mind that this small item can make a huge difference when you need it. We tested and compared the best models available on the market right now. Your task is to choose the one which is the most appropriate for you and to purchase it as soon as possible.
If we helped you to choose the best jumper cable, we can also help with other items that you may need in your garage or car. We have also done research on topics such as car tire guide, torque wrenches and many more, so stay with us and know your car better!
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API