Since the functions of the jump starter and the battery charger are almost similar, you can easily be confused to differ them. Usually, the difference between jump starters and battery chargers comes in their power-delivering system, portability, size, cost, and safety features.
You can use your battery charger only when recharging the car battery. However, the jump starter is ready to jump-start your vehicle immediately with a dead battery. This is where the actual difference comes from. Review the details about the jump starter and the battery charger to remove your confusion.
Differences between Jump Starters and Battery Chargers
5 significant factors come into consideration while differentiating between the jump starter and battery charger. Here’re what these factors are-
1. Purpose
A jump starter is designed to start the car engine with a dead battery, allowing you to start your vehicle without roadside assistance. Battery chargers, however, can recharge your dead battery, but it takes time, and you cannot start your car until the battery is adequately charged.
2. Voltage and Amperage Output
The AMP varies from 400 to 600 AMPs for the jump starters to jump-start any vehicle with ease. Commercial vehicles require a bit high AMPs from 1500 to 2000. The amperage of a battery charger depends on its purpose, and it may vary.
The average charging rates of a battery come into 2, 10, 12, OR 15 AMP. You have to go for a higher AMP if you want fast charging. However, before applying the battery charger with a higher AMP, you must check out the manufacturers’ instructions because it can be detrimental.
3. Size and Portability
Unlike a battery charger, a jump starter always comes with a compact size and portability. You can take the jump starter in your car and travel. On the contrary, a battery charger isn’t as portable as a jump starter. Because you have to place it in a fixed place as it requires an electric socket board.
4. Safety features
The jump starter has a maximum number of safety features compared to the battery charger. It offers safety features, for example, temperature control protection, timeout protection, low voltage protection, spark-proof clamps, overheating protection, and many more.
Like the jump starter, the battery charger also provides some safety features, but these are few than the jump starter, like auto shut-off charging, DC source for the protection circuit, etc.
Ways to Choose the Right Device
Consider the following factors before making your decision on whether to buy a jump starter or a battery charger–
1. Consider Your Intended Use
A jump starter is essential for long-run trips where there can be a chance for the battery to go down. To avoid waiting for roadside assistance, you must choose the jump starter.
However, when you already have a jump starter or use your vehicle no longer for long trips, a battery charger is enough.
2. Consider the Type of Vehicle
A jump starter isn’t the right tool for modern vehicles. If you need to jump-start your extremely old vehicle with your latest model car, we recommend not going for a jump starter. Rather you should use the battery charger to recharge your old car battery.
3. Consider the Using Traits these Tools Require
You must consider the using traits these tools require before purchasing. A jump starter is pretty flexible and well portable. It never requires any power outlet to plug in, but the battery charger does. Besides, a battery charger isn’t portable. Consider this issue before deciding on your tool.
4. Consider the Budget
Budget is a significant factor when selecting between a jump starter and a battery charger. Although the purpose of these two tools is not the same, still, you have to consider your budget. People with tight budgets intend to erect upright with the battery charger. But we recommend you choose the jump starter if it’s about your long-run trip.
Conclusion
You can find out the difference between jump starters and battery chargers, focusing on their charging aptitudes. A jump starter can charge a vehicle significantly faster in terms of its higher amperage than the battery charger. It will be useful if you want a quick start on your vehicle with an empty or dead battery.
However, a battery charger cannot get you an immediate start with an empty battery. Therefore, jumpstarter is more reliable for anytime roadside troubles which is incomparable to the battery charger.
As a mechanical engineer, it’s easy for David to explain the functionality of the tool. David test most of the tools before writing a review. its help him to learn something new and suggest the best product for you.