Power Up: A Complete Guide to Battery Chargers & Boost Packs
Battery chargers and boost packs are one of the key components you should have with you if you drive a vehicle. Sometimes, breakdowns either of our own vehicle, or someone else’s, can be unexpected. This is why these items can be argued to be a necessity.
In today’s guide, we present Power Up: A complete guide to battery chargers and boost packs.
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What Is a Battery Charger?
Whether it's under the specification of a car battery, or a regular battery, battery chargers are devices that re-supply power to batteries that have the ability to be recharged.
That being said, car batteries are vastly different to a regular battery charger, which only needs to be plugged into a wall to work. For the sake of this guide, any mentions of batteries or battery chargers, is strictly referring to those used by vehicles, rather than the ones we have in our houses.
When it comes to battery chargers for cars, they are medium to large sized, usually suitcase shaped items, with wires coming from it. The end of these wires have metal clamps which connect to the car’s battery, allowing the electricity to be conducted through them.
How to use a Battery Charger
Using a battery charger is simple, all you need to do is:
- Open the hood of your vehicle, or wherever the battery is.
- Take out the battery charger
- Connect the clamps onto the car battery terminals, making sure to match positive to positive, and negative to negative.
- Once connection is secure, turn the battery charger on.
- Wait until the battery has charged.
- Once charged, turn off the battery charger.
- Remove the clamps and store your battery charger away.
- Close the hood of your vehicle and turn on the ignition.
- If done correctly, your vehicle should start.
Depending on the battery charger you buy, the device may stop charging and turn off automatically once the appropriate charge has been given.
What Is a Battery Boost Pack?
A battery boost pack is similar to a battery charger, in design and application, although its function is to start the car, not charge it. It provides a high voltage of electricity, should be enough to make it start.
To use the battery boost pack, simply…
- Open the hood or wherever the battery is located on your vehicle.
- Connect the positive and negative clamps to the positive and negative terminals on the battery.
- Turn the device on and place it away from the engine.
- Enter your vehicle and start the car as you normally do.
- Turn the device off, and safely remove the clamps and store the boost pack away.
Are Jump Leads the Same as a Battery Boost Packs?
No. They are in application, but not in design. Whilst battery boost packs help the ignition via its own external unit, a jump lead is designed to use the electricity of another vehicle in order to jump start the ignition, hence the name, jump lead.
Power Up: A Complete Guide to Battery Chargers & Boost Packs
Below, we will share our top picks in battery chargers and boost packs. Each one containing unique features that go beyond your standard jump leads. These tools are guaranteed to help you.
Silverline Automatic car Bike Battery Charger Boost Starter 6 Volt 12 Volt – £62.24 (Not Including Vat)
This battery charger also contains a feature in which it can do the job of a boost pack, meaning you have a two solutions in one product. This battery charger/booster can also be used on bikes. Whether it's a bike or vehicle, as long as it is 6 or 12 volts, this item will work with them.
Silverline usb Power Pack and car Battery Jump Starter 12 Volt Boost Pack – £61.20 (Not Including Vat)
This boost pack not only serves the purpose of jumpstarting vehicles that have vehicle engines of 2.5L or lower, it also doubles as a USB power bank.
This means if you ever break down somewhere and have also run out of battery, you are effectively secure on two fronts, and should be able to make your way back home in no time.
Faithfull car Battery Charger 4 amp 12 Volt – £20.91 (Not Including Vat)
Faithfull delivers a simple yet effective battery charger is compatible with battery’s that have a capacity of between 20Ah to 65Ah. It also contains an easy-to-read LED indicator that tells you the state of the batteries, and when it is fully charged. It can also be used as a battery tester.
Amtech car Battery Booster Jump Jumper Leads 800amp Cables - £14.53 (Not Including Vat)
The Amtech jumper leads that we supply are easy to use, suitable for all vehicles, including vans and agricultural/commercial vehicles with a battery start up power up to 800A. It is 3.5m in length, with a solid copper cable coated in PVC. It is corrosion resistant, features spring-loaded connectors, making it suitable for daily garage use.
What Happens if I don’t Have a Boost Battery Pack or Battery Charger?
In this instance, having neither of these items, and not knowing anyone who can deliver one to you as soon as possible, your only option is to call your breakdown cover provider, so they can organise some help for you.
What if my car won’t Start at all?
If your car doesn’t start at all despite trying the previously mentioned methods, it can be an indication of a more severe problem with your vehicle. In this instance, it is better not to persist as you may run the risk of damaging the vehicle more, or causing a fire.
It is best to call your breakdown cover provider, and take it from there.
When Shouldn’t Boost Battery Packs or Battery Chargers Be Used?
Motorways
If your car has broken down on the motorway, it is not safe to leave the vehicle to try to fix the issue. This includes charging the battery or using a boost battery pack. You must call the national highway, and then your breakdown provider for help.
Purchase Battery Chargers and Boost Packs Today
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We endeavour to not only provide the right products for you, but also provide the best guidance possible. Furthermore, we hope that Power up: A complete guide to battery chargers and boos packs, has helped you learn something new.
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