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:
- Wire gauge: At its core, the essential specification of heavy-duty jumper cables is the wire gauge, i.e., the size of the wire inside. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the cables are. For example, cheaper cables are often 10-gauge. So, a gauge of 8 is good, 6 is better, but 4 is genuinely ‘heavy duty’ and is suitable for heavy vehicles like trucks.
- Thickness: Arguably, the second-most important quality to look for is the thickness of the jumper cables. Like the wire gauge, a thicker cable represents higher quality. In addition, thicker cables are more durable and won’t break easily.
- Length: Another important quality to look for is the length of the jumper cables. This one is mostly for practicality’s sake. A longer cable makes it easier to connect your dead battery to the power source, whether it's another vehicle or some kind of a battery jump starter.
- Clamps: Clamps on both ends of the jumper cables are also essential and indicate the cables’ heavy-duty quality. Firstly, the clamps must have a good grip and won’t come off easily from the battery terminals. Plus, part of the clamps must be covered in rubber to protect your hands from electric shock.
- Insulation: Heavy-duty jumper cables come with heavy-duty insulation. That refers to the material wrapped around the cable, which prevents it from overheating. High-quality insulation will last longer, and that means the wires will have a longer useful life overall.
- Price: Last but not least, check the price tag. That is typically an excellent indicator of whether the product you're buying is genuinely heavy-duty. For instance, if the packaging says 'heavy duty' but it's somehow much cheaper than leading brands, then those words are probably meaningless.
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:
- 10 gauge: As mentioned before, most cheap jumper cables will have a gauge of 10 (i.e., a smaller wire). That will do fine for jump-starting a small car, though the cables themselves might not last very long with repeated use.
- 8 gauge: If you’re looking for something more reliable, then you’ll want at least an 8 gauge jumper cable, which can let 50% more power flow through it. That will do well for a regular car and a small truck.
- 6 gauge: Still, people who want heavy-duty jumper cables typically go for a 6 gauge, which lets 150% more power through than a 10 gauge.
- 4 gauge: For people driving trucks and other heavy vehicles, or people like me who love going over-the-top with their gear, 4 gauge jumper cables would be the best option. These allow 250% more energy to flow through than 10 gauge jumper cables, making them good enough for large trucks and SUVs.
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:
- Wire Gauge - Go for at least 8-gauge jumper cables or lower.
- Length - Go for jumper cables that are 12 feet in length or more.
- Thickness - Compare the thickness of the cables you’re looking at. Thicker cables last longer and won’t break so easily.
- Clamps - Look for clamps that have a strong grip on the terminals and are easy to grip themselves.
- Insulation - Insulation prevents the jumper cables from heating up and burning, so consider this as well.
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