Why you need a portable jump starter pack | AutoGuru
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Why you need a portable jump starter pack

Fionna Blackburne

Updated 3 Oct 2019

Fionna Blackburne

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It is an essential item that should be kept in every vehicle.

Why? Because it is potentially a life-saving device to get you out of that car park late at night when you are far from home OR stuck with your children on the side of the road in the heat. 

No waiting on third parties or strangers for assistance - you got this!

What is a portable jump starter?

Essentially, a portable jump starter is a portable battery. 

It allows you to jump-start your vehicle without using long cumbersome jumper cables and having another vehicle on hand to provide the power to your dead battery.  

However, it is important to note that a jump starter does not charge your battery. 

It will supply enough current to crank your engine and get you back on the road again and to your mechanic. 

If you were also wanting to charge your battery to its full capacity (if it isn't damaged), you will need to purchase a pack that can jump start and charge the battery at the same time.

What sort of jump starter should I get and how much are they? 

How much will a portable jump starter set you back?  You will be looking at a base price of about $80.

When purchasing a portable jump starter, you need to consider: 

  1. The size of your engine — select a jump starter that can easily cope with the size of your vehicle’s engine; 
  2. The actual size of the jump starter — remembering it is to be stored in the boot of your vehicle; and
  3. Ensure the jump starter is fully charged and kept in the boot of your vehicle.

Technology is constantly changing and the latest jump starters come with a USB port.

YAY for all those parents out there who go camping! 

Because now you can charge your kids tablets and your phone time and time again before needing to recharge the jump starter.

Thumbnail image: Paramount Pictures

Fionna Blackburne

Written By

Fionna Blackburne

Fionna is the owner of Southeast Auto Mechanical in Beenleigh, Queensland. A former lawyer, Fionna decided on a radical career change, qualified as a light vehicle mechanic and took over Southeast Auto in 2016.

As well as delivering quality service to their customers, Fionna and her team run an award-winning, free car maintenance workshop program for women.