How to choose jump leads and power stations
Jumps leads and power stations are both handy solutions in the event of a flat car battery. Jump leads consist of a pair of thick electric cables with clips on each end; one end is attached to the flat battery, while the other is attached to a full battery of another vehicle. Portable power stations work on the same principle but remove the need for another vehicle.
Before choosing, first answer the following questions:
Jump leads
Jump leads allow you to charge a flat car battery by connecting it to the battery of another vehicle. They should ideally be made of copper and have the largest possible cross section of wire. High-quality jump cables are able to start a large diesel van, while poor-quality leads will struggle to start even a small city car or a motorbike.
Charge a flat battery by connecting to another vehicle
Frequently asked questions when choosing starter cables
When are you most likely to get a flat battery?
Flat batteries often occur during winter and on short trips. Generally, the lower the outdoor temperature, the faster a battery loses its capacity. Also, short trips of only a few kilometres at a time are not enough to recharge the battery fully.
Can a small city car be used to help start a large diesel car?
When connecting two batteries via jump leads, check the engine power of both vehicles, which should be roughly the same. If the car acting as the charger has a significantly weaker engine than the car being charged, the process will take longer and could eventually fail.
What is the correct procedure for using jump leads?
First make sure that the car you are connecting to has the same voltage wiring and a healthy, well-charged battery.
Power stations
Power stations help jump-start a car with a dead battery, but also serve as an independent source of energy in caravans or boats, and act as a power bank to recharge a phone, GPS, etc.
A separate power source
Frequently asked questions when choosing a power station
What are power stations used for?
Power stations have a wide range of uses. They are primarily used to start cars with flat batteries, but they also serve as an independent power source, for example in caravans. Portable models can be provide backup power anywhere on the road, and selected models can be placed in the glove compartment and used as a power bank to charge mobile phones, tablets, GPS, and other electronic devices.
What types of power station are available?
Power stations for connection to mains electricity
These models are dependent on mains electricity and don't have a built-in battery. As a result, they are designed for recharging batteries in the garage, but not on the road.
Portable power stations
These models are small, light, and have an integrated battery – so you can take them anywhere you go.
What is the correct procedure for starting a car using a power station?
Key factors when choosing jump leads
Material
Copper wires are of higher quality and are therefore more expensive than aluminium wires, which are much more likely to break. Unfortunately, a frequent problem is that manufacturers only coat the wires with a thin layer of copper.
Cable length
Jump leads are normally in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 metres.
Key factors when choosing a power station
Built-in battery
Some models have a built-in battery, meaning you are not dependent on mains electricity. These portable power stations can be packed in the boot of a car and used anywhere on the road.
Wire cross-section
The most reliable guide to jump leads quality. The larger the cross-section, the better quality the jump leads. Leads with small cross sections are suitable only for small petrol cars; for medium/large and diesel cars, you will need a stronger wire.
TIP: Follow the information on the package, not the thickness of the cable. Sometimes manufacturers use insulation that makes thin cables look thicker than they are.