Choose the Right Jumper Cables with These Tips

Whether you accidentally left a light on, the temperature has recently shifted to extreme heat or cold, or maybe you suspect that there’s an electrical problem draining the battery, there are all sorts of reasons why you might find your car battery dead… At least temporarily. 

As annoying as it is to get in your car and realize you need a jump, it’s even worse to realize you can’t get a jump because you don’t have jumper cables! Jumper cables are an essential piece of gear that you should always have in your vehicle. Over time, they may see some wear and tear, so it’s important to choose a good set that will hold up through the years. 

What to Look for When Buying Jumper Cables

There are several concerns to keep in mind when buying jumper cables, including: 

Length

The length you’ll need depends on the size of your vehicle, but it’s better to err on the side of longer than shorter. For instance, if you have a particularly long vehicle like an extended cab truck, you’ll need longer cables than if you have a compact sedan. Consider that you may not always be in an ideal space when getting a jump. The length of the cables doesn’t matter too much when you’re in a large parking lot with plenty of room for another vehicle to pull up nose-to-nose with your own for a jump; however, if you’re on the side of the highway and need a jump from a vehicle lined up behind you, you’ll wish you had that extra length. 

Clamps

Another important concern when buying jumper cables is the type of clamp (the part that you attach to the car battery terminals). Some jumper cables have flimsy, cheap clamps that will break after repeated uses. You want sturdy, durable clamps, and you also need to make sure they are able to attach securely to both kinds of battery terminals, whether on the top or the side of the battery. And last, but definitely not least, be sure to select handles with adequate insulation. It should be thick, durable, and cover as much of the handles as possible so you don’t accidentally give yourself a car-battery-sized shock!

Cables

The wires in your jumper cables carry electricity between the jumper car battery and the jumpee car battery, so good quality is very important! Don’t settle for flimsy wires that may not carry enough electricity to effectively jump start a vehicle. Select jumper cables with a gauge of at least 8, preferably 6, and with good, thick insulation. 

Whether you’re looking for a set of lightly used jumper cables to add to your vehicle, or need to replace a car battery on a budget, we’ve got the used auto parts and junk cars DIY mechanics need at U Wrench It! We are open for business and our expansive lot allows for easy social distancing so you can conduct your shopping safely.