Jump starters – every driver ought to have one

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than jumping in your car on a frosty morning or after a long weekend away, only to find the battery’s given up the ghost. That’s where a jump starter really proves its worth. Essentially, it’s a nifty bit of kit that packs enough punch to breathe life back into a flat battery – all without hunting down a stranger with jump leads or calling out a breakdown service. From late-night emergencies to rural getaways, having a jump starter tucked in your boot gives you peace of mind, knowing you won’t be left stranded however British the weather decides to be.

How does a jump starter actually work?

Under the bonnet, a jump starter is basically a chunky battery bank – most use lithium-ion these days, though the more old-school ones are lead-acid. What matters is they can deliver a sudden, hefty surge of power (the “peak amps”) for starting the engine, plus enough steady oomph (the “cranking amps”) to keep it going if your battery’s proper flat. Built-in safety gadgets mean you won’t accidentally fry anything or see sparks flying, even if you’re not mechanically minded. When it comes time, you just clip on the leads, switch it on, and it sends enough juice through to kick your engine into gear – pretty much magic, especially when the weather’s turning the battery sluggish.

Key features worth a look

• Peak amps – more is better if you’ve got a chunky engine – diesels and big 4x4s especially.
• Capacity (mAh/Ah) – think of it as the size of the tank – the larger, the more starts you’ll get before needing to top up the charger.
• Safety features – look for reverse-polarity, anti-spark, and short-circuit protection – a godsend if you’re worried about getting it wrong.
• Charge time and charging options – some can juice up in just a couple of hours and many let you charge from a mains socket, in the car, or even via USB.
• Weight and portability – no one fancies lugging a heavy box around unless they really need to – lighter models are a winner for most.
• Bonus bits – LED torches, USB charging ports, and air compressors – you’d be surprised how often these come in handy, especially in a pinch.

How to pick the right jump starter for your motor

It really comes down to matching the device to your car and how you’ll use it. If you’ve got a little city runabout, one of the compact jobs will do. But if you’re driving a big diesel van, 4×4, or heading out into the sticks in winter, don’t skimp on peak amps or cold-weather performance. Occasional users can get by with a lighter model, but if you’re helping mates out or using it for work, a heavy-duty pack makes sense. And let’s not kid ourselves – it rains a lot, it’s cold for half the year, so pick something that won’t let you down in a British winter.

How to use a jump starter safely – no nasty surprises

1. Attach the red clamp to your battery’s positive (+) terminal.
2. Clip the black clamp to a bit of bare metal on your chassis, well away from the battery.
3. Power up the jump starter and turn your key as normal.
4. Once your engine’s purring, turn off the jump starter and remove the clamps – black one first, then red.
5. Give your jump starter a recharge as soon as you’re done so it’s ready for next time.

Looking after your jump starter – a bit of TLC

1. Give it a charge every 3–6 months, even if you haven’t used it – nothing worse than finding it flat in an emergency.
2. Store it somewhere dry and not too hot or freezing – boots can get chilly in winter, so keep an eye.
3. Every so often, test it just to be sure everything’s in working order.
4. A quick wipe of the clamps keeps rust and dirt at bay.

So there you go. Whether you’re pottering about town or heading out onto the open road, a jump starter in the boot is a bit of insurance that’ll make your life a whole lot easier. No more waiting about in the rain or relying on the kindness of strangers – just you, your car, and the freedom to get going, whatever the British weather throws your way. Have a nose at our full range to find a model that fits your needs!