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It’s 2 AM on a dark highway. Your tire pressure warning light are flashing. The battery is dead.
You open your trunk and pull out the thing the mechanic told you to buy. Because it’s not just convenient, it’s also about having peace of mind that you’re prepared to deal with most common types of roadside issues yourself, no help required. Jump starter/air compressor combos has become popular in last few years.
These small unit do the job of two tools in one. Sounds great right? Looks pretty slick too.
But there’s no one size fits all here. Some work well, some are just overpriced pieces of junk that let you down at a crucial time. Knowing the difference is what keeps you from purchasing something that might be cool on your shelf but ineffective out in driveway.
Guide to Jump Starter and Air Compressor Combos
Understanding Jump Starter Specs
The next thing to consider is capacity. When manufacturers talks about their peak amps, they’re using a deceptive figure, as these aren’t indicative of sustained performance. Instead, seek out cold cranking amps rating.
That’s the amount of power the device provides when your car battery is at its weakest (i.e., when temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit). If you see something listed as having 400 peak amps but only 200 cold cranking amps, it won’t be able to fire up a V6 in wintertime. It is a small difference, but it is still important when its cold outside.
Battery Technology and Diagnostics
These units contain better battery technology now too. Earlier versions had lead-acid cells which leak and weigh a bunch. Now they has protected lithium batteries that last for months and don’t weight as much.
A favorite among enthusiasts is the noco gb20 which will not only gets your big SUV started, but it can do it several times over on a single charge. It even has built in diagnostics where it lets you know whether or not your alternator are functioning. What was just a jump box becomes a basic check of your car’s health.
Air Compressor Performance
The second thing that often goes overlooked is inflation capability. A lot of combos has a weak compressor that only handles one tire. The GoalZero Yeti 2000X have a beefy compressor that fills up your truck tire within a reasonable timeframe.
Nothing is more annoying than a slow unit where it take you twenty minutes to add two PSI. Make sure to note what type of tires each one will fill and how long it takes. If you drive a daily commuter car, a slow compressor may work for you.
Durability and Protection Ratings
If you drive a truck or tow a trailer, you want some serious airflow. Durability equals portability They are going to see some abuse. Items is tossed around.
Placed into a hot trunk. Moisture can occur. So the case has to be tough.
Look for one rated at least IP67 on dust/water protection. The Jackery Jumpbox Plus series stand out with a solid shell and easy to read display. Nothing worse than guessing what battery life remains.
Safety Features and Connectivity
That just mean you’re disappointed. Knowing that allow you to plan. The connectivity options range widely in sophistication but are becoming standard.
You can get most of them with USB ports so you can plug in and top up your phone or use one as an emergency laptop charger. So your jump starter double as an emergency back-up power pack for your devices. And some have smart clamps that stops the spark if someone accidentally reverses polarity of their cables (which can melt your car’s computer module).
It sounds like technical jargon, but it is realy just a handy safety measure to avoid costly errors.
Choosing the Right Unit for Your Needs
The best combo is what’s best for your needs and car. For example, if you have a tiny sedan, you don’t need the massive capacity required for a diesel truck.
Think about where you go and what type of driving you do in bad weather. Do you live somewhere warm and own a hybrid? Maybe get a compact, lightweight unit with great USB charging.
Do you live in Minnesota and drive a big SUV? Go ahead and get a unit with high cold cranking amps and an extra-fast compressor. One size doesn’t fit all.
Your life will determine the best tool for you. In the end, it’s all insurance. It is insurance you should of not need.
That thing in your trunk is fully charged and ready, giving you some confidence as you hit the road. So whether you pick a versatile Jackery for day-to-day needs, or something more rugged like the NOCO for heavy-duty jumpstarts, it’s the same mission. Be ready for when things don’t go right.
Stranded is annoying. Unready is worse.