Jump leads for car

[mrochester]

Hi all

I'm getting my first car tomorrow (Toyota Aygo) and want some jump leads for the boot. I understand that I need to look out for ones that are both long enough and powerful enough to charge the battery quickly. Can anyone recommend what I'll need?

Many thanks

M

 

[paradigm]

Powerful enough to charge the battery quickly? Jump leads aren't used for charging, they are used to start your car by utilising another vehicle (or another battery) as the electricity source.

You'll likely be fine with anything that isn't the cheapest of the cheap in your local motor factors. Obviously the thicker gauge of cable, the less likely they will be to melt, but an Aygo I imagine doesn't draw a huge amount of amperage on start unlike larger engine cars (or diesels).

I'd go for moulded clamps over the type that just have a rubber sheath, as this way you are less likely to short something out on the more exposed metal of the rubber-covered clamps.

Something like these - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-foot-3...7518?pt=UK_Recovery_Tools&hash=item35b692242e

 

[pepsilol]

I've never carried jump leads personally.

Anyway, Costco sell them.

 

[mrochester]

Powerful enough to charge the battery quickly? Jump leads aren't used for charging, they are used to start your car by utilising another vehicle (or another battery) as the electricity source.

You'll likely be fine with anything that isn't the cheapest of the cheap in your local motor factors. Obviously the thicker gauge of cable, the less likely they will be to melt, but an Aygo I imagine doesn't draw a huge amount of amperage on start unlike larger engine cars (or diesels).

I'd go for moulded clamps over the type that just have a rubber sheath, as this way you are less likely to short something out on the more exposed metal of the rubber-covered clamps.

Something like these - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-foot-3...7518?pt=UK_Recovery_Tools&hash=item35b692242e

Sorry yes I understand they aren't used to charge the battery I was just under the impression that there were differents in the amperage that had an effect on how quickly it would do its magic.

 

[Finglonga]

Personally I wouldn't bother, only jump started a car once in 5 years and that was because the wife left the lights on overnight.

 

[paradigm]

Sorry yes I understand they aren't used to charge the battery I was just under the impression that there were differents in the amperage that had an effect on how quickly it would do its magic.

It shouldn't have any effect on "how quickly" things happen, but obviously if you are using too thin a gauge cable to do the "jump" then they will heat up like elements in an electric fire (I once was stranded in a field in the middle of wales after camping, I had a leisure battery, but the only cable I had was model car 1:10th scale RC cable which is about 5mm thick! It did the job, but almost melted in the process, I imagine that 30s later they would have ignited!).

It's always better to overspec than underspec.

Personally I wouldn't bother, only jump started a car once in 5 years and that was because the wife left the lights on overnight.

For the sake of £10 is it worth not having the option in the event of it happening? I've even played "the good Samaritan" and helped out randomers in carparks

 

[shoes]

An Aygo is so light you could probably jump start it single handedly with no issue.

 

[paradigm]

An Aygo is so light you could probably jump start it single handedly with no issue.

You mean bump start, surely? Jump start involves leads and a 2nd power source.

And whilst that might be possible, it depends on location and if you want to risk it. I've done it with my Seat Leon, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[mrochester]

Ordered the £8 jump leads. For the sake of £8, I might as well have them! Many thanks.

 

[shoes]

You mean bump start, surely? Jump start involves leads and a 2nd power source.

And whilst that might be possible, it depends on location and if you want to risk it. I've done it with my Seat Leon, but I wouldn't recommend it.

You're correct - I did mean bump start. D'oh!

Bump started many cars without an issue, although never single handedly.

 

[Hostile-17]

Get some Leads or you could get a batery pack similar to http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=portable+jump+starter

 

[phil675]

I'd get a battery pack, much more useful when your stranded somewhere and no ones about. I keep jump leads, try to get longish ones as short ones can be awkward with some cars.

 

[poker_999]

just get the the thickest cable with the highest quality crocodile clips

 

[Matt82]

I'd get a battery pack, much more useful when your stranded somewhere and no ones about. I keep jump leads, try to get longish ones as short ones can be awkward with some cars.

by the time you have to use it, 99% of the time its totally flat

 

[ins0mn1ac]

It's just as easy to bump start, assuming you'd be in the same position to jump start the second person could just give you a push rather than open the bonnet and recharge from batteries save your money

 

[paradigm]

It's just as easy to bump start, assuming you'd be in the same position to jump start the second person could just give you a push rather than open the bonnet and recharge from batteries save your money

Why do people seem to be under the impression that jump starting somehow magically recharges your battery?

Wow, it saved you £8 on jump leads, I know what I'd rather be using if my car were for example at the bottom of a steep hill with no room to bump.

Also, if your battery is that flat that it can't power the injectors or prime the fuel pump, no amount of bumping is going to help you.

 

[Deleted member 66701]

Also, if your battery is that flat that it can't power the injectors or prime the fuel pump, no amount of bumping is going to help you.

Bumping wont help if it's an auto either


I've always had jumpleads in every car I've owned - got me home (and others) on a few occasions.

 

[Hostile-17]

by the time you have to use it, 99% of the time its totally flat

Thats true, although mine suggests a 'charge every 3 months'. I get away with every 6 as I can charge it from a 12V socket in boot

 

[paradigm]

I can charge it from a 12V socket in boot

Not if your battery is flat you can't