Battery Charger vs Jump Starter vs Booster Cables: Which One Do You Need?

When you’re worried about the longevity of your battery on the road, the options for recharging and jumping your ride can be confusing. With booster cables, jump starters and power packs, and battery chargers all available, which one should you choose?

We’ll walk you through the options!

Best for Off Season Maintenance: Battery Chargers - 

If you’ve got a car (or motorcycle, ATV, or side by side) that sees substantial downtime, you’re going to want a battery charger.  When you’re driving or riding every day, you’re charging your battery anyway, but when it sits in the offseason, that battery can drain down substantially.  You might have trouble cranking when you go to use it for the first time in a few weeks or months.  You could even kill the battery altogether if it sits for too long.  The good news is, there’s a way to ensure the health of your battery for years to come.

With the right charger, like the TYPE S 5A Battery Charger and Maintainer, you can keep power on your battery during your downtime.  With its built-in smart microprocessor, you can make the most of nine different charging statuses -  Pulse charge, constant current, constant voltage, analysis, repair, trickle charge, fully charged, and maintenance.  The processor will know which mode it needs to be in, so you don’t have to stress about it.  The TYPE S 5A Battery Charger and Maintainer will keep your battery healthy, repair any damage it senses, and make sure when your ride’s ready to hit the road when you are.

Best for Road Trips and Emergencies: Jump Starters - 

If you’re on the road solo, you’re going to want to keep a jump starter handy.  It’s even more true when you’re traveling during the coldest parts of the year, when accessories can drain your battery and leave you stranded.  Jump starter packs like the TYPE S 12V 6.0L Battery Jump Starter with Qi Wireless Charging, JumpGuide™ and 8,000 mAh Power Bank allow you to jump your vehicle without another car or separate jumper cables.  You can even follow the directions on the screen if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

You can get back on the road quickly, and get to a shop to replace a battery if needed.  No wait times, no roadside strangers, and no awkward tow truck rides.  It’s important to pay attention to your jump starters capabilities, though, especially if you’re driving a diesel truck.  Make sure you choose a jump starter with enough power to get the job done.

Just remember to keep it charged, or you could find yourself in need of a backup plan.  

Speaking of which….

Best as an Affordable Back Up Plan: Booster Cables - 

If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, it’s always a good idea to have a spare set of booster cables (also known as jumper cables).  They’re easy enough to use, but you should know how to use them before you need to.  Brush up with the help of Youtube, a family member, or a friend.  You can’t beat the extra insurance they provide when you’re stranded.  That said, they do require another vehicle to jump you and get your car running again, which isn’t always convenient.

If you still don’t know which way to go with your vehicle’s power needs, or if you have questions about any of the TYPE S products we offer, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to help.  Call us at (866) 294-9244, or shoot us an email anytime.