- When buying a jump starter, pay attention above all to the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps), the real starting current on a cold battery.
- Choose a model whose CCA is equal to or higher than the EN value on your own battery.
- If you drive a diesel or a larger car, take a model with extra CCA margin.
- Also check the clamp protection, the cables and the number of starts per charge.
You buy a jump starter once and hopefully use it rarely. Still, you want it to work at the exact moment your car sits cold and flat on the driveway. The packaging shouts big numbers, but not every number says something about the starting power. Below you can read what really matters, so you choose the right model in one go.
What it really comes down to: the CCA
The most important value is the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). That is the starting current the jump starter delivers for 30 seconds at minus 18 degrees Celsius, exactly the moment your car has the hardest time starting. The rule of thumb is simple: the CCA of your jump starter must be equal to or higher than the EN value on your battery. You find that EN value on your battery's label, for example EN 540. So do not look at the inflated peak current figure, look at the CCA. You can read why that number is so often misleading in our article about peak current or CCA.
Pay attention to the clamps and the protection
Good clamps make the difference between starting safely and taking a risk. Smart clamps with protection against reverse polarity, short circuit and sparks clip directly onto the battery terminals. That is safer and loses less current than a makeshift connection. If you accidentally connect the wrong terminal, the protection steps in. If you want to bring a deeply discharged battery back to life, a ForceStart function is handy, which briefly sets the protection aside.
Cable thickness and length
You only get the CCA on the box if the current actually reaches the battery. Thin cables and flimsy clamps cost voltage along the way. Good jump starters therefore use thick copper cables, often 8 AWG, and cables long enough to comfortably reach the battery. If the battery terminals are hard to reach, that extra length comes in handy.
Capacity: how many times can you start
The capacity in ampere hours (Ah) or milliampere hours (mAh) says nothing about the power, but it does say how many times you can start a car before you need to recharge the jump starter. For home use, getting one car going again is usually enough, but if you drive several vehicles or you are travelling, a larger capacity is a nice extra. The power stays the CCA, the capacity determines the number of goes.
Petrol or diesel: which jump starter suits you?
A diesel engine has higher compression and needs more starting current than a petrol engine of the same size. For a small petrol car you often manage with 480 to 620 CCA. For a common diesel, an SUV or a larger car you choose 960 CCA or higher. If in doubt, take one step extra margin, especially if you often drive short trips or have an older battery. For diesels we recommend the Boost Pro 8250 or the Boost Xtreme 8250.
Our recommendations per situation
| Model | CCA | Petrol up to | Diesel up to | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Basic 3000 | 480 | 6,5 L | 3,5 L | €64,95 |
| Boost Mini 3750most cars | 620 | 7 L | 4 L | €94,95 |
| Boost Pro 8250 | 960 | 10 L | 6,5 L | €189,95 |
| Boost Max 10200 | 1.440 | 13 L | 9 L | €249,95 |
| Boost Xtreme 8250+ compressor | 1.920 | 16 L | 12 L | €399,95 |
- 620 CCA, covers most petrol and diesel cars
- Compact, fits in the glovebox
- Ordered before 5 PM, shipped the same working day
"Do not let yourself get confused by the highest number on the box. Look up the EN value on your own battery and choose a jump starter with at least as much CCA. For a diesel or a larger car, pick a model with margin. That is the most honest way to choose."
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay attention to when buying a jump starter?
Look above all at the CCA, the real starting current on a cold battery. Also check the clamp protection, the cable thickness and the number of starts per charge. The CCA must be equal to or higher than the EN value on your battery.
How much CCA do I need?
For a small petrol car often 480 to 620 CCA. For a common diesel, SUV or larger car you choose 960 CCA or higher. Always compare with the EN value on your own battery.
Which jump starter is suitable for a diesel?
A diesel needs more starting current, so choose at least 960 CCA. The Boost Pro 8250 covers most diesels. For a large diesel or extra certainty, choose the Boost Max 10200 or the Boost Xtreme 8250.
What is better, a high peak current or a high CCA?
The CCA. Peak current is a short current burst without a fixed measuring method and is not comparable between brands. The CCA is the honest measure of the real starting power.
Can a jump starter damage my car electronics?
No, provided you connect the clamps in the right order and use a model with protection. The smart clamps protect against reverse polarity, short circuit and sparks.
