Cold morning tip
Dead battery? Start your own car.
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Cold mornings are when batteries quit, and jumper cables are useless without a second car and someone willing to help. A portable lithium jump starter fixes that. You clamp it on, press a button, and start the car yourself.
My pick: NOCO Boost Plus GB40
RoadsideNOCO Boost GB70Check price on Amazon RoadsideNOCO Boost Plus GB40Check price on Amazon- 1000A peak12V lithium
- Gas up to 6.0LDiesel up to 3.0L
- Up to 20 startsPer charge
- About 2.5 lbFits a glove box
- Spark-proofReverse-polarity protection
- USB-CPower bank for phones
- 100-lumen LEDBuilt-in flashlight
- IP65 housingWater- and dust-resistant
Why this one
- Small enough to live in the glove box, so it's there when you need it.
- Covers most everyday vehicles: gas engines up to 6.0L, diesels up to 3.0L.
- Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection, so hooking the clamps up backwards won't hurt you or the car.
- Doubles as a USB power bank and flashlight, which matters when you're stuck at night.
Who should get something else
If you drive a full-size truck, a large V8, or a bigger diesel, the GB40 is undersized. Get the NOCO GB70 instead.
Drive a truck or big SUV? Get the GB70.
Big engines and diesels need more power, and the cold makes it worse. The NOCO Boost GB70 is the truck and SUV version: 2000 amps, rated for gas engines up to 8.0L and diesel up to 6.0L.
- 2000A peak12V lithium
- Gas up to 8.0LDiesel up to 6.0L
- Up to 40 startsPer charge
- About 5 lbLives in the truck, not the glove box
- 400-lumen LEDBuilt-in flashlight
- USB-CPower bank for phones
It's heavier than the GB40, and it costs more. For a regular car, the GB40 is plenty.
Pair it with: a 12V tire inflator that shuts off at the pressure you set. Same glove-box idea, different cold-morning problem.
Quick pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Starts your car with no second vehicle | Not enough for big trucks or large diesels |
| Compact, fits a glove box | Needs a recharge every few months to stay ready |
| Safety protections built in | Costs more than basic jumper cables |
| Charges your phone too |
Quick FAQ
Will it work on my car?
If your gas engine is 6.0L or smaller (or diesel 3.0L or smaller), yes. Check the engine size in your owner's manual or on the sticker under the hood.
Is it a good gift?
It's one of the most practical winter gifts out there, especially for new drivers or anyone with a long commute.
How do I keep it ready?
Charge it fully when it arrives and top it off every few months.