Choosing the Right Car Jumper Cables: Shocking Your Battery

Might as well jump. When you need to jolt your battery back to life, these cables can help.

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If you've been driving long enough, this scenario might sound familiar: You get into your car, turn on the ignition, and then... nothing. Your battery is dead, and you're probably going to be late. Since the average car battery lasts between three and five years, you may face this situation more than once as a driver.

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When and if that happens, borrowing some power from another vehicle is a quick, short-term way to bring your battery back to life. That's why having a pair of jumper cables in your trunk is a good idea for any driver. There are many types of cables, and choosing the right one depends on the gauge, length, and clamp size you need. We highlight several top jumper cable options, along with some basic considerations for choosing the right set and safety tips for proper use.

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As the Swiss army knife of jumper cables, this 4-gauge cable is suitable for smaller vehicles but can also handle larger ones, such as pickup trucks and SUVs. Its 20-foot length gives some flexibility in the positioning of the two vehicles. It comes with heavy-duty clamps, which makes it a good fit for any kind of battery terminal. It also has surge protection, so you won't accidentally damage your vehicle while using it.

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If you're driving a bigger vehicle, such as a heavy-duty pickup truck, van, large SUV, or commercial vehicle, you need jumper cables that can handle the extra electric power required to start. This 30-foot, 1-gauge cable is a great choice in this situation, as it's the thickest one available with extra-large clamps.

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These also work well with larger vehicles. They're not quite as thick as the 1-gauge Energizer cables, but unless you have a large commercial vehicle or a truck with a huge diesel engine, their 2-gauge will do just fine. They also come with a heavy-duty clamp and are 20 feet long. Additional features include reverse polarity protection and surge protection, ensuring you won't damage your vehicle's electrical components while in use.

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If you're driving a small or compact car, there's no need to carry a thick pair of jumper cables. These 10-gauge cables will work well on a smaller engine battery and won't take up too much space in your trunk. Their standard clamp size is enough for most regular car batteries, and they come with reverse polarity protection to help prevent improper connections.

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Small SUVs and sedans are some of the most common vehicle types, and these Goodyear cables fit them perfectly. The 4-gauge makes them slightly thicker than the Amazon Basics but not thick enough to take up too much space. The 16-foot length gives you enough room to park the donor car.

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Although all jumper cables essentially do the same thing, several criteria can help you choose the right one for your specific needs. Here are some essential ones:

Whenever electrical current is involved, safety should always be the main priority. Although the power from a vehicle's battery isn't enough to harm you, not doing it properly can seriously damage your car. Take these tips into consideration the next time you need to jump-start a vehicle:

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