subject: Are Battery Boosters A Good Idea? [print this page] Most people eventually experience being stuck somewhere because their car will not start usually it is simply because their battery is flat. There are several options when that happens; ask a passing car to give you a jump-start or call a breakdown service and wait for them to come and get you started. However, there is a third option, which is to carry a battery booster.
A jumper pack or battery booster is very much like a battery, but with cables attached to allow you to connect it to a flat battery. Fortunately, they are not as heavy as a standard battery, but they have enough power within them to jump-start a family car. Most battery boosters will also work as a charger to enable you to recharge your car's flat battery once you get home.
When you live in a cold climate, carrying a battery booster with you could save your life. When your car battery gets very cold, the amps held in the battery are drastically lowered. If your car will not start in an isolated place or at night, a passing motorist is unlikely. In those circumstances, your battery booster can get you out of trouble immediately.
You can buy a battery booster and charger combined for as little as 50, but it is worth paying a little extra to get a good quality booster. Some boosters will not work on a battery that has gone totally flat, there has to be a little charge left in the battery. It is also important to buy one with jump leads that attach to the battery not the type that plug into the cigarette lighter.
You cannot use a battery booster on all types of car; a few have ECU systems that can be damaged by using a booster pack. Before buying a booster pack check with your local dealer whether they are safe to use with your make and model of car. Follow the battery boosters instructions precisely, not following the instructions can result in a power surge, which can damage your cars electrical systems.
