KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on March 01, 2026, 11:04:40 PM
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Will a $45 jump starter survive sitting in the trunk of a car all winter (at 5 below zero) ?
Or should I just buy a set of cables for my wife's car?
Stig
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a decent set of jumper cables will run you close to $200, if not more, get them at least the full length of the car + 5 or 6 feet, you can't always position the cars nose to nose. next, look for minimum 2 gauge, but preferably 0 or 00 so that the cables don't melt.
I made my set with welders cable 1/0 gauge 25ft in length, about 53 years ago for about $50 at the time, today, about $300- $400
I have no experience with ownership of a jumper pack I have observed them work perfect and observed failure
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Will a $45 jump starter survive sitting in the trunk of a car all winter (at 5 below zero) ?
Or should I just buy a set of cables for my wife's car?
Stig
I've asked my mechanic son for you, I'll let you know what he thinks!
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Stig, I have a Noco 1000A jump starter and also a no name Chinese one (~$30). The Noco lives in the car my daughter will hopefully, someday be driving on her own!
I have only used the Noco once but it worked fine. I remember to recharge it about once or twice each year and it seems to keep at least 90% of its charge in between.
I also like the idea of using it to jump start a bike in the garage, if needed. (haven't needed to, yet). Easier and much safer than jumper cables from a car.
Project Farm (youtube) has done a big test on these. 'Bob Is The Oil Guy' forum has a huge thread on these.
They work well, are very convenient, safe and you don't need to rely on a stranger for help, if needed. (or do a belt and suspenders approach, keep them both in your car!)
edit: I just noticed in the Amazon listing where 30,000+ were purchased in the last month alone..I think they are pretty popular
edit #2: attached pic of other one I own. Purchased due to good reviews and dirt cheap price (maybe $29 at the time?). Haven't used it, yet. Disappointed in that I think my cell phone weighs more than this thing does. The Noco is solid and heavy. This thing is a featherweight and feels like a toy.
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I've asked my mechanic son for you, I'll let you know what he thinks!
He reckons there's no reason it shouldn't survive that? Give it a recharge and see?
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one more point.....not all of these jump starters are able to start a completely drained battery. If they don't detect more than 2 (?) volts some will not allow the jump starter to work. The Noco has an override button you press for this situation (I used it on a neighbor's completely dead battery). I'm not sure about my Nexpow (gotta love these names) but I don't think it has the ability to start the completely dead batteries.
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Thanks Hawk. Just looking at the Noco starter pack as a potential purchase!