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How to Choose Heavy Duty Jumper Cables to Buy

Educational  ·  August 20, 2021

How to Choose Heavy Duty Jumper Cables to Buy

Jumper cables are like umbrellas. It’s better to have them and not need them, rather than need them and not have them. If you were anything like me, you’d want to keep heavy-duty jumper cables at the ready because these cables can be lifesavers in an emergency. 

So how do you choose the best heavy-duty jumper cables to buy?

Check the jumper cables specs because many manufacturers call their products heavy duty even though they aren’t. Look for a smaller wire gauge number (smaller number means thicker wire), thicker and longer cables with better insulation, and strong clamps that will stay on the battery’s terminals. Lastly, consider the price – too cheap could mean they’re not really heavy-duty.

Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about buying heavy-duty jumper cables.

What Are Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables?

So, let’s start with the basics. What do we consider heavy-duty jumper cables? The term ‘heavy duty’ generally refers to equipment consisting of parts that can handle heavy demands. In the context of jumper cables, that means the cables themselves can smoothly and effectively conduct a great amount of electricity without overheating or failing.

Plus, it's reasonable to expect heavy-duty jumper cables to last a long time without wearing out, despite repeated use.

What Specs Do You Check when Buying Heavy Duty Jumper Cables?

Before you go out shopping for heavy-duty jumper cables, there’s one crucial thing you need to know: There are no standards for ‘heavy duty’ jumper cables.

That means there’s no stopping manufacturers from calling their flimsy cables ‘heavy-duty’. And that’s what they often do – market their jumper cables as heavy duty, not because the components are of higher quality but because doing so helps in sales.

Jumper Cable Specs to Look For

So, when you’re trying to pick out the jumper cables that are genuinely worth your money, be sure to compare several products across different brands. Your comparison should be based on the specs of each jumper cable set, such as:

If all the specs mentioned above check out, and the price is slightly higher, then you can rest assured that what you're buying is a heavy-duty product.

Are Heavy Duty Jumper Cables Better?

Yes, heavy-duty jumper cables are better, especially for heavier vehicles with larger batteries. There are two main reasons why this is the case.

Firstly, heavy-duty jumper cables will last longer. Even though you’re paying more upfront to buy those cables, you’re assured that you can use them many times throughout their useful lifespan. Even if you rarely use them, it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll fail you during an emergency.

Remember that when you buy high-quality gear, it’ll likely be a very long time before you’ll need to replace them (if ever).

Secondly, heavy-duty jumper cables do a better job, even under heavier demands. For instance, trucks and other heavy vehicles have larger batteries, so those jumper cables will experience heavier electric current running through them. That will generate a lot more heat, and only a pair of genuine heavy-duty jumper cables can deliver without burning up or breaking down.

What Gauge Is Best for Heavy Duty Jumper Cables?

Remember: The smaller the gauge, the thicker the wire. Nobody knows who came up with that system, but that’s the way it is.

Here’s what you need to know about the jumper cable gauges you’ll come across:

Frequently Asked Question about Jumper Cables

What should I look for when buying heavy duty jumper cables?

When shopping around for heavy-duty jumper cables, here are the qualities you’ll want to look for:

To learn more about jumper cables and other essential automotive gear, check out the blog at Carpart.com.au. There, you'll learn how to shop for better equipment and become a well-informed car owner.


By Ray Hasbollah

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