Jump starters and battery boosters

A portable starter gets you out of trouble when the battery will not turn the engine, with no need for a second car or long leads. This section offers boosters and jump starters from FULBAT, DICAR, RASMUS MARINE and MOTOBATT for cars, motorcycles, boats and, depending on the model, 24 V vehicles.

Choose by voltage, cranking current and engine type.

Booster or jump starter: the difference

• AGM lead booster: heavier and bulkier, it delivers sustained current and handles several attempts in a row. It is the format of choice for workshops, fleets and roadside assistance.
• Lithium jump starter: compact enough for the glovebox and often fitted with USB ports to charge a phone. Ideal to keep permanently in the car, on the bike or aboard.

Choosing the right power

Makers headline the peak current, an instantaneous value that says little about what the unit sustains while cranking. Look as well at the cranking current or the maximum engine size listed on the datasheet. As a rule of thumb, a diesel engine needs considerably more than a petrol engine of the same displacement, and cold weather raises the demand. Trucks, tractors and plant need a unit with a 24 V output.

Using it safely

Look for reverse-polarity, short-circuit and spark protection. Connect the red clamp to the battery positive first, then the black clamp to a bare metal engine ground away from the battery. Crank in short bursts of a few seconds and let the unit rest between attempts. Once running, remove the black clamp first.

Top the starter up every few months even if unused, and if the vehicle battery keeps letting you down, check it with a battery tester or revive it with a charger. For marine use, take a look at RASMUS MARINE.

Jump starter FAQ

Can it harm the car's electronics?

A good-quality starter with protections, connected correctly, carries no more risk than jump leads from another vehicle. Follow the car's handbook, which sometimes specifies dedicated connection points.

Will it start a completely dead battery?

Many models have an override function for batteries below a certain voltage. Use it strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can I leave it in the car in summer?

Lithium units should not sit in direct sun or extreme heat. Store it somewhere cool whenever possible.