Have you ever experienced jump-starting a deadly battery? In case you have a car, you might well understand what it means to lack a set of best jumper cables when you have troubles with your car battery. Imagine it is heavily raining, or it is a windy night, and your battery has failed you. Though there might come an angel of mercy to help you out, you still have to consider getting your jumper cables.
Therefore, one of the essential things that you should not miss in your car is a set of jumper cables. Even if you left your home when the car’s battery was so good and sufficient, things might still happen, and you will be surprised that the battery has been drained over some minor reasons. Maybe you forgot and left a switch on, or there is a short in your car’s electrical system which is severely draining.
A good set of jumper cables would make meaning to the difference between being stranded for 30 minutes and being stranded for numerous hours. Though depending on your vehicle and its brand, you may need either a heavy-duty set of jumper cables or a light-duty set of jumper wire, but in many situations; they will all do the same job. Therefore, the best jumper cable is essential for your car and the family car, in case they are different.
| Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartman Booster Cable 4 Gauge | A+ | $ | 4.8 stars |
| Iron Forge Tools Booster Cables | A | $ | 4.6 stars |
| Coleman Heavy-Duty Booster Cables | B+ | $$ | 4.3 stars |
| AAA Heavy Duty Booster Cables | B+ | $ | 4.3 stars |
| Blackstone Heavy Duty Booster Cables | A | $$ | 4.5 stars |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
How To Use The Jumper Cables
You might be wondering about how to use the jumper cords. I assure you that it is all simple and you just need to consider these steps. Let’s start off:
- Have another vehicle with a perfect battery, either from a guardian angel, friend or family member.
- Connect one side of the clamps at a time so as to ensure that they do not give out sparks in case they accidentally touch each other.
- Connect the positive clamp to the positive terminal on the other good battery.
- Then connect the positive clamp to the positive terminal of the bad battery.
- Again on the negative clamp, hook the first one to the negative terminal of the good battery.
- Hook the other negative clamp to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
- Once all the clamps are well connected, let your helper crank over the proper car for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then try to crank over your car then when it works, everything is well done.
- But, for some reason your does not crank over, try checking your connection points again to confirm if the cables were well connected.
Essential Specs To Consider Before Buying Jumper Cables
Via rennlist.com
Now that you have a better knowledge of how to use the jumper cables, you might be considering acquiring a set for your car. But wait. Have you examined the type of cable you will purchase? Are you sure of the length, width or whether it should be thick or thin? You have to be well conversant with every feature of the jumper cables once you leave to purchase them. Consider these specs:
Width
Thick gauge wires will be suitable for heavy duties. However, do not ignore if they are the only available at your purchase store because sometimes the ‘heavy-duty’ label is misleading. So you have to check the gauge amount before you decide to leave.
Clamp
Look for a sturdy clamp that will stay better than the others. You can as well consider clamps that have teeth prove to be assured because they save any chance of slipping off at any given time. Even as you buy the clamps, please consider the rubber-coated surface. These clamps are the best because they will reduce all chances of receiving a shock.
Thickness Of The Wire (Gauge)
The lower the gauge, the more power that goes through it and the faster it will charge. For this reason, 10-gauge clamps are considered as useless as compared to the 8-gauge which are sufficient enough, 6-gauge which are much better and the 4-gauge which are the ones that are most probably being used. The big jumper cables will establish a solid grip for the big alligator clips which accompany them. Always consider the small gauges for essential power and charge.
The Cable Length
The 12 inches long cable would be a basic need to cover the principal purpose you will intend to do with the wires. This length will be enough to get the battery in the two vehicles. A long cable will ever be essential because it will prevent you from being stuck and you have to push one car to a distant place.
The Clip Materials
The clamps which are made from solid copper will transmit electricity as compared to the ones that are copper-plated. For the clamps that are copper-plated, they will extremely wear and tear, and the plates will wear off the steel, and the clamp will not transmit electricity anymore. The result is that the jumper cable will not work fine again. Therefore, don’t go for the cheap clamps because they will offer less transmission of electricity.
Insulation
When you buy the heavy-duty jumper cables, you will expect heavy-duty insulation. The best reason for having thick insulation is that it reduces the amount of heat which is generated through the cables during the process of jump-starting the car. Also, in case you are from regions with a cold climate, there are high chances that the second insulation would crack that quickly. I ascertain to you that more inexpensive insulation will never straighten out and it will be hard to use it.
What Else Will You Need To Use A Jumper Cable?
There are other things you might need to have in case you have decided to get the jumper cables. When you do not have a voltmeter, in your car’s dash gauge, then it will be expedient to buy a voltmeter. A voltmeter will help you when it comes to assuring that the batteries are properly connected to the jumper cables.
In case you have used the meter, and one connection to the car still seems not to jump-start, you can check the voltmeter lead to ensure it is tight.
An indication of volts like 12 volts across the terminals would mean that the connection is not properly set between the two batteries or the cables that have been sued are not effective to provide the required power to these batteries.
The 5 Best Jumper Cables Reviewed
1. Cartman Booster Cable 4 Gauge
Why We Picked It
The Cartman Booster Cable is very easy to use. This cable has a length of 20 feet, and it is a thick 4-gauge heavy-duty cable and a width of 10.8 inches. The material for the wire is copper coated aluminum. Hence proper insulation is guaranteed once you purchase this cable. This product is taken to be a heavy-duty product, efficient and can jump-start an entirely dead battery in the shortest time possible. The product has shown its uniqueness both in the features as well as its fair price in the market. I love this product because it has earned its good name as a legitimate product with a decent and pocket-friendly price.
Pros
- The clamp’s grip terminals are both sturdy and rugged
- Its width is perfect for all the jumper application – 20 feet
- Great product for even the heavy-duty jump-starting process
- It comes with other additional products like gloves, tool brush, bag, and battery cables.
Cons
- When the plastic wears out, the wires remain exposed making these cables also risky
- When used for a long time, the springs become weak, and they do not clamp the battery posts tightly
2. Iron Forge Tools Booster Cables
Why We Picked It
This jumper cable will fit your needs when your car needs some extra power to get it started. These cables are easy to use, and they will run up your vehicle in less than a minute, designed to work in all weather conditions. So you do not have to worry about whether you can use them while it is raining.
Which Features Come With The Iron Force Cables?
- These cables are 4-gauge, 200- foot and 400-amp booster cables which you can use in all weather.
- They are also color-coded, tangle-free cables.
- They are made from copper-coated aluminum hence they are lightweight, heavy-duty and improved power-carrying capacity.
Pros
- Can be used in all weather conditions
- Lightweight and heavy-duty cables
- The power-carrying capability is impressive – they will work for you like a charm!
- The clamps grip securely
- They are solid built products
Cons
- There are some situations when the cables will be too short, especially when used on heavy-duty vehicles
- Though these cables are accompanied by their bag, they will not fit back to the bag – however, go for the product in that case
The reliable formidable Iron Forge cables come you well packaged and with all the requirements needed. They have a sturdy length but will only disappoint you when used on Lories and big buses. However, regarding the price, you will love the cables.
3. Coleman Heavy-Duty Booster Cables
Why We Picked It
The Coleman Booster Cables are known for heavy-duty purposes with their fine gauge. The best factor with these cables is that they are available in all the sizes that you might need and they are ergonomically designed.
These Cables Have Features Like:
- 4-gauge, 20-foot cables with unique extended jaws that clamp tightly and lock in place on the battery tops and the side posts.
- The cables can be used in any condition, so do not mind where the battery has failed. Just have these cables, and I assure you that you will be safe.
- The ergonomic clamps are designed to be gripped by hand sizes and strengths – these clamps are color-stamped, and they are marked with labels that glow in the dark.
Pros
- The best quality cables for the money
- Secure clamps with no tangle at all
- They have a thick gauge and have a solid construction
Cons
- If you do not know how to fix them, they will not be as sturdy as you thought
- Some of the descriptions do not give the real product, and some brands are inferior
In case you have used this product, you will notice that the clamping surface is recessed to prevent accidental contact. Its ergonomic design has made it easy for people to use and more so in handling the product. This particular cable is much applicable to the cold and warm climate.
4. AAA Heavy Duty Booster Cables
Why We Picked It
The AAA Booster Cable will charge you the car’s dead battery within seconds. Though it is only 16-foot long, it offers great work and a heavy-duty work in case you might be doubting the product.
Which Other Features Come With This Jumper Cable?
- The wire is 6-gauge and sufficient in giving 100% power as compared to other light-duty jumper cables
- It arrives in color-coded form
- It has a width of 13 inches
- The clamps are rough, and they will offer a tight close
Pros
- Though the length is short, works well for heavy duties
- The cable comes with a right zipper and pouch
- The cables for the light-duty activities
- Its weird prong at its tip is useful especially for the small battery terminals
Cons
- At first, the cable will give a weak connection or no connection at all
- When not well maintained, they will wear out first hence hazardous
- Cannot be trusted with the heavy-duty vehicles though they support the functions slowly
These sturdy and long jumper cables come at very affordable prices. You can make exploration at the market, and you will find that this is the best product that offers excellent performance and at a low price. I wish you consider it because it will give you good quality.
5. Blackstone Heavy Duty Booster Cables
Why We Picked It
The Blackstone Heavy Duty Booster Cables are the just the cables you have been looking for in case you want cables to use during an emergency. These cables are of high quality, durable, lightweight and are made of copper-clad aluminum material. You will love them.
Here is all you need to know about these products: they are 4-gauge, 20-foot, 200-amp, and PVC insulated jumper cables that are very flexible downwards to 40 degrees. These cables also have high-tension grips which are securely attached to the battery posts.
Pros
- Comes with a convenient bag
- Can work well for heavy duties
- The PVC-insulations is long-lasting
- The cables will be your guardian angel during emergency
- The clamps maintain an excellent grip to the terminals
Cons
- The clamps should be constantly clean or else you might not like the cables again
Conclusion
Having the full illustration of the five best jumper cables, the winner stands out to be Cartman Booster Cable 4 Gauge. This jumper wire proves to be the easiest to use, and it can work for you under all weather conditions. In case next time you want a good jumper cable for the car battery. As compared to other products on the list, this product still remains unique both in the features as well as its fair price in the market. Therefore recommend this product because it maintains its good name as a legitimate product with a decent and pocket-friendly price. So, grab a well-insulated, long heavy gauge jumper cable for your car, and you will happily sing in happiness when its time comes for use and this is Cartman 4 Gauge Booster Cables.