Important Things Should I Know About Jumper Cables

Important Things Should I Know About Jumper Cables

Isn’t it the worst feeling ever when your car will not start when you need it most? What if your car broke and you are running late for a meeting? Even worse, what if you do not have jumper cables to restart the car and get you back on the road?

This is the situation that many drivers try to avoid as much as possible. What all of us just want is for vehicles to work and get us from Point A to Point B consistently every day.

Without a jumper cable, these situations will leave any driver very helpless and hopeless.

Jumper cables are very important for every car owner. It is an essential tool for any driver to have.

But, what should you be looking for when buying jumper cables? Do you know what to look for in a good jumper cable for your car needs?

No need to worry because we are here to help. Below are the important things that you should consider when looking for the appropriate jumper cables for your vehicle.

Contents

Important Things Should I Know About Jumper Cables

Width And Gauge Of The Cables

Like any shopper, you are looking for the best value. When we see an item marked ‘savings,’ we might be deceived to think there is real value in what we are buying. This can also be the truth when you see jumper cables marked as ‘heavy duty’.

You should really be looking for the gauge of the cables, not for its heavy-duty title. Just because the gauge has a higher number does not mean that it is necessarily better.

The rule of thumb here is the lower the gauge number, the faster the jump-start will be. More power actually flows from the lower gauge cables. For example, a ten gauge will not be enough to jump your vehicle at all.

On the other hand, a six gauge cable can start almost any vehicle, except heavy machinery. So, be aware that lower is actually the better option.

Length Of Cable And Clamp

The next thing to consider when shopping for cables should be their good length. The minimum length for your jumper cables should be no less than twelve inches. Imagine yourself not being able to jump-start your vehicle because your cables were too short to reach between cars.

Honestly, the longer the better in this case. Who really knows the crazy location your vehicle could be in when you need a jump start.

Also, clamps are another quality to consider. Look for clamps that have solid teeth that won’t slip off the terminals of your car battery. Some of the best materials for these clamps are copper-coated aluminum.

For safety, find jumper cables that have coated handles of rubber to protect you from a shock that could come from a battery.

Buying Cables

After you know what makes a good jumper cable, it is time to buy one. This Energizer 1-Gauge Jumper Cable is twenty-five feet long allowing the maximum length to reach from car to car.

It is made from copper-clad aluminum for ultimate safety to you and your vehicle. The cables will be tangle-free and keep flexible even when the temperature dips below -40 degrees Celsius.

The clamps are professional grade, and at a cost of $59.99 to you, this product will help restart your battery in no time.

If you are looking for a cheaper cost of jumper cables, look no further than the Cartman Booster Cables.

At $29.99, these cables fit the side and top of any car battery. Its material is low-temperature resistant, as it can go -40 degrees Celsius and still be effective.

These jumper cables even have a carrying bag, so you will be able to carry your cables around whenever they are in need.

Jump Starting

Now that you have the correct jumper cables for your vehicle, you have crossed the first barrier. For the second barrier, you will need to understand how to use these cables without consequences that could be devastating to you or your vehicle.

If you are able to face the vehicles towards one another, do so. Make sure you clamp the red cable to the positive terminal on the car that is working.

Next, you can clamp the positive battery terminal to the other red cable. Now, the black clamp can be attached to the negative terminal on the working car, and the other black cable can be grounded on a knob or metal screw of the dead vehicle.

After all these steps, then start the working car. Let it run for a few minutes, and then you will be able to start your car and see the jumper cables at work.

Hit The Road, Jack!

What a great feeling it is to have your car re-started. But, do not forget to finish cleaning up the jumper cables. When you get your car re-started, safely remove the jumper cables in backward order from how you put the cables on.

First, remove the black cable from your car, then from the working car.

Next, you can remove the positive cable from your car, then the working car. Make sure to put away your cables appropriately, and get back on the road to your destination.

If the battery problems persist, you may have to consider getting your battery checked; you may need a new one if this continues.

So, contact your mechanic, if this is the case.

Closing Time

Remember, you have all the tools necessary to purchase and use your jumper cables effectively. When purchasing, look for the appropriate width and gauge cables.

Remember, the lower the gauge, the better. Identify correct clamps that will hold onto the battery terminal, and have cables that are longer than twelve inches just in case the situation calls for it.

Check out the Energizer and Cartman Cables discussed earlier, if you are in need of new ones.

And, when jump-starting, recall these steps:

  • Red cable on the positive terminal (Active Car)
  • Red cable on positive terminal (Dead Card)
  • Black cable on negative terminal (Active Car)
  • Black cable grounded on a metal screw or knob (Dead Car)
  • Start Active Car and leave running for a few minutes
  • Start Dead Car after a charge is complete
  • Make sure you take off the cables in reverse order of how you put them on

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *