Which Jump Pack Is The Best Fit For Your Vehicle?

With winter on the way, it's time to start preparing for the cold months ahead. Winter weather can be difficult on your vehicle, with freezing temperatures taking a serious toll on the batteries in your car or truck. According to AAA's Automotive Research Center opens in new window, an auto battery loses about 35% of its power at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At a temperature of 0 degrees, that loss drops down to 60%.

Fortunately, you can be prepared for battery failure by carrying a jump pack in your car. Jump packs (also known as jump starters) are compact, easy-to-use devices that allow you to jump start your vehicle without the aid of another car. There are two basic types of jump packs, lithium powered chargers and lead acid varieties. We’ll be discussing what sets these two classes apart and highlighting a few examples of each to help you determine which model best fits your needs.

Lithium Jump Packs

Due to their high power output and small lightweight size, lithium jump packs are the ideal choice for everyday use. They vary in voltage from 400 to 4,000 amps and can effectively jump start a dead car, truck, boat or motorcycle battery in a matter of seconds.

Batteries Plus Bulbs carries a number of lithium chargers from NOCO, perfect for typical consumer needs. Each pack features a USB port to charge digital devices, as well as spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection, making them safe for anyone to use.

The GB20 – Looking for a jump pack for your compact or Smart car? This pack features a jump starter rating of 400 Amps and is specifically designed for engines of 4.0L or less.

The GB40 – The most popular jump pack of its type. It's rated at 1,000 Amps and is built for mid-range vehicles featuring gas engines of up to 6.0L or diesel engines of up to 3.0L.

The GB50 – Your go-to source for vans, boats, SUVs, trucks and cars with V8 engines. The GB50 has a 1,500 Amp rating, perfect for gas engines up to 7.0L or diesel engines of up to 4.5L.

The GB70 – This is the model for diesel trucks and other large vehicles, placing 2,000 Amps at your fingertips. It's made to jump start gas engines of up to 8.0L and diesel engines of up to 6.0L.

The GB150 – Designed for semi trucks and other heavy vehicles, the GB150 powers vehicles with gas or diesel engines of 10.0L and up with a rating of 4,000 Amps. It also provides up to 80 jump starts on a single charge.

Lead Acid Jump Packs

Lead acid packs make up the second category of jump starters. Unlike lithium packs, lead acid jump starters are heavier in weight and tend to include a larger variety of secondary applications such as air compressors. They are a great fit for individuals looking for a single multi-function tool that covers a number of automotive needs.

Another advantage of lead acid packs is that their batteries can be replaced. This means that lead acid jump starters can be used more or less indefinitely, unlike a lithium pack that will eventually have to be replaced.

The DieHard 750A Jump Starter – The most basic of the lead acid jump starters, this model has 750 Amps of recharging power perfect for starting cars, ATVs, motorcycles, boats and personal watercraft. It can also produce 21 hours of 12V DC power, making it the perfect way to power electronics when a storm hits.

The DieHard 950A Jump Starter – This is the most popular of our lead acid packs. It features a rating of 950 Amps and includes a built-in 150 PSI air compressor to reinflate tires. Its built-in charger can also be used as either a USB or DC power source, providing 36 hours of power from the two power outlets.

The DieHard 1150A Jump Starter – This model features an impressive 1150 Amps for jump starting a variety of vehicles. It also provides 400 Watts of AC household power and 54 hours of 12V DC power from 2 power outlets. Plus, it contains a 100 PSI digital air compressor.

Jump packs offer a simple, reliable way to stay prepared in cold weather. Whether you're an average motorist, a professional truck driver or someone who works with heavy construction equipment, there's a jump starter solution for you. Be sure to check out our full assortment online, or stop by your local Batteries Plus Bulbs for help finding the perfect jump pack for your needs.