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How many amps do you need to jump start a car

How many amps do you need to jump start a car

It is quite natural that each car owner wants to buy the best jump starter. But this task may be quite a challenge if you do not have experience using such devices. A great variety of models are available on today’s market. Inexperienced persons need to conduct some research to understand which one suits them best. This article will dot the T’s and help you make a well-informed decision.

First of all, it is worth considering the way your jump starter will be used. Are you going to run it on one or multiple cars? In the latter case, the device should be chosen based on the parameters of the largest auto. The following rule applies here: the more amps the better. It is always possible to jump-start a small vehicle with a powerful model. But you cannot go the other way around.

Necessary amps should be indicated on the car battery’s top or side. If you cannot find it, look into a vehicle’s manual.

Unexperienced auto lovers often muddle up different amp values: CCA, CA, and peak amps. Which one should direct your choice? The right answer is CCA. However, we will overview the meaning of each parameter in order for you to form a comprehensive picture of the jump starter’s operation.

What peak amps are

Peak amps are a total current delivered by a battery. It is of little use while choosing a jump starter. In most cases, this indicator is simply ignored. CCA and CA play much more important roles because they give an idea of how the device will operate.

However, peak amps gain value when accessories are exploited in parallel with a jump starter. A car owner can understand how long their equipment would work before the need to charge a jump starter arises.

What CCA and CA are

Cold Cranking Amperes is the current provided by a lead-acid battery for 30 seconds at 0 °F (−18 °C). Cranking Amperes is exactly the same thing, just for 32 °F (0 °C). You should base your choice on CCA since it is easier to jump-start a car in warm weather. It is crucial to make sure cold would not hamper the vehicle’s smooth operation. If you live in an area where the temperature drops below 0 °F, it is better to buy a device with an amp margin.

Choosing a jump starter

With the explanations above, it should be easier for you to choose a suitable device. Just take your battery’s amps and look for a model providing higher current. However, if you have failed to find this data, our list should help you navigate in the rich market of auto equipment. Check out amps for different engine types:

  • 4 cylinders, gasoline – 160 A
  • 4 cylinders, diesel – 350 A
  • 6 cylinders, gasoline – 210 A
  • 6 cylinders, diesel – 450 A
  • 8 cylinders, gasoline – 250 A
  • 8 cylinders, diesel – 650 A

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