Jumper cables can be a lifesaver when your car battery dies or when you encounter any emergency situation where you need to boost your vehicle’s battery. However, not all jumper cables are created equal. If you are in the market for a new set of jumper cables, Walmart has a great variety of options. In this article, we will discuss the types of jumper cables at Walmart to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Introduction
Importance of Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are an important tool to have in any vehicle. They are used to revive a dead battery in a car and get it back on the road. Without jumper cables, stranded drivers may have to wait for someone else to come and help them. This can be both time-consuming and frustrating. Jumper cables are reliable and easy to use, making them an essential item to have in your car.
Types of Jumper Cables
Different Gauge Sizes
Jumper cables come in various gauge sizes, which refer to the thickness of the wire. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire, which means it’s better at handling a larger current. Common gauge sizes include 4, 6, and 8.
Length of Cables
The length of the cables can vary, typically ranging from 10 to 20 feet. It’s essential to consider the distance between the two cars and ensure that the cable you choose is long enough to reach from one battery to the other. It’s good to err on the side of caution and have a slightly longer cable to ensure you can make the connection without any issues.
Advantages of Purchasing Jumper Cables from Walmart
Affordable Pricing
One of the main advantages of purchasing jumper cables from Walmart is the affordable pricing. Walmart offers competitive prices on all of their products, including jumper cables. This means that you can purchase high-quality jumper cables without breaking the bank.
Wide Range of Selection
Walmart also offers a wide range of selection when it comes to jumper cables. They have multiple brands and types of cables to choose from, so you can find the right cable for your car. This makes shopping for jumper cables much easier, as you can find everything you need in one place.
Quality of Products
Lastly, Walmart is known for offering quality products. Their jumper cables are made from high-quality materials, ensuring that they will work effectively when you need them. When you purchase jumper cables from Walmart, you can trust that you are getting a reliable product that will last for years to come.
Best Jumper Cables Walmart Has to Offer
1. The Energizer Jumper Cables
They are designed to jump-start dead batteries in any type of vehicle. These cables are 16-feet long and have a heavy-duty construction for durability and longevity. The clamps are made of copper and have a strong grip to ensure efficient transfer of power. The Energizer Jumper Cables come with a storage bag, making it easy to store them in the trunk or glove compartment.
Features:
- 16-foot long cables
- Heavy-duty construction
- Copper clamps with strong grip
- Storage bag included
Benefits:
- Can be used to jump-start any type of vehicle
- Durable and long-lasting
- Efficient power transfer with strong clamps
- Easy to store in the provided bag
2. The Coleman Cable Jumper Cables
They are 20-feet long and come with a carrying case for ease of transportation and storage. The cables have a durable construction and can withstand extreme temperatures. The clamps are made of steel and have a strong grip to ensure efficient transfer of power to the dead battery. The Coleman Cable Jumper Cables are suitable for use with larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
Features:
- 20-foot long cables
- Carrying case included
- Durable construction
- Steel clamps with strong grip
- Suitable for large vehicles
Benefits:
- Long cables for convenient use
- Easy transportation and storage with carrying case
- Durable and suitable for extreme temperatures
- Efficient transfer of power with strong clamps
- Suitable for large vehicles
3. The Powerbuilt All-Weather Jumper Cables
They are designed to be used in any weather conditions, even in freezing temperatures. The cables have a heavy-duty construction and can jump-start any type of vehicle. The clamps are made of copper and have a strong grip to ensure efficient transfer of power to the dead battery. The Powerbuilt All-Weather Jumper Cables come with a carrying case for easy transportation and storage.
Features:
- All-weather design
- Heavy-duty construction
- Copper clamps with strong grip
- Carrying case included
Benefits:
- Suitable for use in any weather conditions
- Can be used to jump-start any type of vehicle
- Efficient transfer of power with strong clamps
- Easy transportation and storage with carrying case
4. The Schumacher Battery Cables
They are 6-feet long and have a durable construction. The cables are made of high-quality copper for efficient transfer of power to the dead battery. The clamps have a strong grip and are suitable for use with both top-post and side-terminal batteries. The Schumacher Battery Cables come with a carrying case for easy transportation and storage.
Features:
- 6-foot long cables
- High-quality copper construction
- Strong clamps suitable for top-post and side-terminal batteries
- Carrying case included
Benefits:
- Suitable for efficient transfer of power to dead battery
- Strong grip clamps for secure connection
- Suitable for use with top-post and side-terminal batteries
- Easy transportation and storage with carrying case
5. The Armor All Jumper Cables
They are designed to be tangle-free and easy to use. The 12-feet long cables have a durable construction and can be used to jump-start any type of vehicle. The clamps are made of steel and have a strong grip to ensure efficient transfer of power. The Armor All Jumper Cables come with a carrying case for easy transportation and storage.
Features:
- Tangle-free design
- 12-foot long cables
- Durable construction
- Steel clamps with strong grip
- Carrying case included
Benefits:
- Easy to use and tangle-free
- Suitable for use with any type of vehicle
- Efficient transfer of power with strong clamps
- Easy transportation and storage with carrying case
Choosing the Perfect Jumper Cables
Car Battery Compatibility
Before choosing a set of jumper cables, it’s essential to ensure that they are compatible with your car battery. Jumper cables come in a variety of lengths, gauges, and styles that can support different types of vehicles. Large vehicles with significant battery power require thicker cables than small vehicles. It’s important to note that not all jumper cables work for all types of cars. It’s crucial to check the manual or seek professional advice before purchasing jumper cables.
Precautions to Take
Jump-starting a car may seem like a straightforward process, but there are crucial precautions to take when handling jumper cables. First, make sure that there is no damage to the cables or exposed wires before using them. Make sure that both cars are turned off, and the keys are removed from the ignition. Additionally, jumper cables should never come into contact with one another while they’re connected to the battery, as this can cause electrical shock.
How to Use Jumper Cables
Once you’ve chosen the perfect set of jumper cables and taken the necessary precautions, it’s time to jump-start your vehicle.
- Firstly, connect one end of the red (+) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Next, hook the opposite end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Then, connect one end of the black (-) cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
- Finally, connect the black (-) cable to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery, away from the battery itself.
- Start the car with the working battery, allow it to run for a few minutes, and then start the car with the dead battery.
Alternative Methods to Jumpstart Your Car
Portable Jump Starters
A portable jump starter is a device that provides enough power to start a car without the need for a second vehicle. Portable jump starters come in various sizes, but they are typically small enough to fit in a glove compartment or trunk. Before using one, make sure it’s properly charged and consult the manufacturer’s instructions to know how to operate it correctly.
Car Battery Chargers
A car battery charger is another alternative method to jump-start a car. With a car battery charger, you attach the charger to your car battery and wait for it to charge fully. It can take several hours to charge a car battery fully. However, this option is useful if you have the time to wait for the battery to charge.
Maintaining and Storing Jumper Cables
Proper Storage Techniques
Jumper cables can be a vital tool to have in your car in case of a dead battery, but proper storage is crucial to maintaining the cables’ effectiveness over time. The following are some proper storage techniques for jumper cables:
- Keep the cables clean and free of any debris. Dirt, oil, and other substances can deteriorate the cables over time.
- Store the cables out of direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the cables’ insulation to break down and crack.
- Keep the cables in a dry and cool place. Moisture and humidity can lead to rust and damage the cables.
- Avoid storing the cables in a coiled-up position. This can cause the wires inside the cable to twist and weaken, leading to reduced performance.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly inspect the cables for any damage, including cuts, cracks, or loose connections. If any of these signs are present, the cables may need to be replaced.
- Clean the cables after using them to remove any dirt or debris. This helps to prevent rust or corrosion.
- Periodically test the cables by connecting them to a known-good battery. This can help identify any issues with the cables before an emergency situation arises.
- Use electrical tape to cover any exposed wires or connectors. This can prevent damage to the cables and increase safety when in use.
When to Replace Jumper Cables
Although jumper cables can last for a long time, they do eventually show signs of wear and tear, and it is essential to know when to replace them. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your jumper cables:
- Rust or corrosion on the connectors
- Cuts or cracks in the cable itself
- Damaged, frayed, or exposed wires
- Loose connections or connectors that won’t stay in place
- Reduced ability to transfer voltage (unable to jump-start a car effectively)
Conclusion
Having a reliable set of jumper cables in your car can give you peace of mind and help you avoid any unexpected situations. With the types of options available at Walmart, you can find the perfect jumper cables for your car. By considering factors like the gauge size and length of cables, you can ensure that you are purchasing the best jumper cables suited for your needs.