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Can I use a battery charger to jump start a car?

Hello

I'm thinking of buying a portable device that I can use to jump start my car on cold mornings when frequently the engine doesn't turn.

Looking at various websites, I see car battery chargers that need to be left on for several hours. Essentially what I would like to know is, if these devices can be used to jump start a car (i.e. after connecting for a few minutes at most). Additionally, I cannot leave the device charging the car battery for a few hours as I do not have a garage. I also see that chargers range from as little as £20 and go as much as over £100. Do I need to get a more expensive one to have a 'jump start' capability?

Many thanks

13 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Inexpensive ones won't do it, but when you get in the £50 range you should find some that do. An example is the Schumacher SE-1275A. I have the predecessor, which is slightly more expensive and has only 50 amp boost instead of 75, and I have used it successfully a few times when my daughter left her satellite radio on for a few days. You have to leave the booster on the battery for a few minutes (2-5 minutes, I think) before trying the starter if the battery is dead, but if you are just after a bit more oomph it should be ready to go right off the bat.

    Jump starters that are basically portable batteries won't be very useful for extra cranking on cold mornings - they have no more voltage than your battery. It can be valuable to have a charger available from time to time, too.

    Source(s): http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SE-1275A-Automati... 35 years maintaining my own cars
  • 1 decade ago

    You can get a portable jump start device from different auto parts stores. Chargers are meant to be overnight long-time chargers. They do a better job fully charging your battery though, than just a jump start. Even the jumpstart packs will tell you that if your battery dies and you need to use it, you should charge your battery on a battery charger.

    A low amp slow charge is the best way to fully charge your battery and prevent the need for a jump.

  • 1 decade ago

    Why don't you just get a full charge on your battery. Then if you have to get a jump start after the battery is fully charged, you have other problems besides it being cold out. I suggest getting the alternator checked.

    In answer to your question, NO, you can't use a charger to jump start a car.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Yes, although it should be at least a 50 amp model. A 'jump box' or 'hot box' would be a better choice for what you want, one of those things that you plug into the house electricity, charge it up, and then store it in your trunk until you need it.

    A well maintained vehicle with a well maintained battery should not need help even on the coldest morning.

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  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    A charger with a "boost" mode will jump a car.You're best bet is to get a portable power booster.It's basically a portable battery that you hook to your battery in an emergency situation.The newer ones even have an air compressor built into them so you can air up a tire if you need to.You can get them at Walmart or any auto parts store.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    The answer to your question is Yes, ...some chargers have a "start boost " mode . I have one , but dont leave it on too long in the start mode, you'll ruin the battery, (I did).... anyone that says no, just dont know...they are out there, but the best charge is Long & slow

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  • 1 decade ago

    You need a new battery plain and simple. Don't throw money away on a booster or charger when a new battery will fix the problem where the others will just mask it.

  • 1 decade ago

    its not a charger its a jump starter u just charge up the jump starter then keep it in ur car so if u need to use it its ready to use just remember to check it every so often to make sure its charged and ready to use

  • 1 decade ago

    no charger are not meant for starting , they give out very low current which is best for charging. while starting starter pulls out very high amp of current. even a very expensive charger will not give u ajump start as it is meant to charge battery effectively.

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