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In order to get your vehicle going, a jump-starter has to supply sufficient current (measured in amps) to get the starter motor cranking over. These elements impact performance and price, so let's look at each in turn. Control technology, built-in safety features, and a host of useful (and not so useful) options. Manufacturers try to tempt you with a variety of extras. This is fine because not everyone needs to start a V8 pickup. That leads to models with a wide variety of different power levels. The smaller the vehicle, the less current the jump-starter has to supply. So, we know what a jump-starter does, but why are there so many to choose from? In essence, there are two reasons: You can start your car or truck yourself in just a few minutes. They provide instant current without the need for a donor vehicle. A powerful battery wrapped in a case, with jumper cables attached. Jump-starters, for all their apparent complexity, are basically quite simple. If that vehicle is smaller or its battery isn't in top condition, it might not provide enough current.
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The drawback is that you need another vehicle to piggyback off of. Cheap, simple, and can be very effective.
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Jumper cables consist of a bunch of wires wrapped in an insulating rubber or plastic sheath, with crocodile clips on each end. Generally, they provide a trickle charge over 12 to 24 hours. Some can give a boost in half an hour or so that might get your car started. There are three ways to get juice into a flat battery:Ī battery charger that you plug into the household electrical supply. Follow manufacturer's instructions precisely, or you could cause permanent damage. You should also wait 15 to 30 seconds between attempts. You shouldn't crank your motor for more than a few seconds with the jump-starter attached.
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