Dicar jump starters

This section brings together Dicar jump starters, portable units that start the engine when the battery has nothing left to give. They fit in the boot and you use them on your own.

To get it right, compare your vehicle's voltage and engine size and type with the figures on the product page.

What to look for in a Dicar jump starter

A handful of technical figures tell you whether the unit suits your vehicle. To learn about the brand first, visit the DICAR page.

• Output voltage: 12 V for nearly all cars, vans and motorbikes; 24 V vehicles need a dedicated unit.
• Cranking current: a small petrol engine asks for less than a large diesel, and cold weather raises the demand.
• Internal capacity: decides how many attempts you get between recharges.
• Extras: some units add a USB output or a torch; check the product page.

When a jump starter is not enough

A booster is an emergency fix. If you find yourself using it several times within a few weeks, the battery is asking to be replaced: compare car batteries or, if your engine cuts out at traffic lights, AGM and EFB Start-Stop batteries. To find out what condition the battery is in before you replace it, a battery tester settles the question.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start a motorbike with a car jump starter?

If both run at 12 V, generally yes, but connect carefully and follow the unit manufacturer's instructions.

Can a jump starter damage the car's electronics?

Connected correctly and at the right voltage, it is a routine procedure. Switch off lights, radio and air conditioning before you try to start.

In what order do the clamps go on?

With the unit switched off, attach the red clamp to the positive terminal first, then the black one to the negative terminal or a bare metal earth point on the engine. Switch on, start the engine and remove the clamps in reverse order.