Which is better to have to jump start your car, jumper cables or High Frequency Fully Automatic Battery Charger (I seen this one on home depot online)?
How important is it to have these cables or charger?
I have not driven my van in a while and when I went to use it this morning it wouldnt start. The radio works and so does the alarm. Any ideas on why it doesnt start?
2007-03-08 03:27:57 · 6 answers · asked by Sunshine 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
With the battery charger, do you need another car to use it?
2007-03-08 03:32:23 · update #1
I have both, but I only use the charger if I have no other option. It is much quicker and easier to use cables, assuming another car is available.
If one method doesn't work, you can always try the other one too.
2007-03-08 03:30:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few different things to consider. Jumper cables (or booster cables) can be very dangerous for the vehicle doing the boosting. Can easily screw the alternator, and or the computer board. Alternator is a pain, but not bad to fix. If you mess the computer stuff, you're toast. It doesn't do a lot of damage to the vehicle being boosted, although a battery charger is better for all vehicles involved. It doesn't have to be a super fancy high tech expensive charger.
Secondly, check the alternator and starter of your van if it won't start. Could also be the battery. Might have enought juice to run the basic electronics, but not turn over. Hook it up to a charger, and see if that works. If you are steady losing charge in your battery though, you should have the alternator checked.
2007-03-08 11:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by Allycat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both wouldn't hurt. Sometimes you can have the jumper cables but can't find anyone to jump off of. I also have what is called a trickle charger. You can leave it hooked up to your house current and attached to your battery. It will maintain a small current to keep your battery fully charged until you are ready to start the engine. One other thought, letting a battery sit in a discharged state will cause the plates to form a sulphate on the surface which will shorten the battery's life.
2007-03-08 11:48:42 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have enough power for lights and radio, but not enough to turn the motor over. Your best investment would be something they call a 'Jump Pack". It is a portable battery that you charge in the house and carry with you in case of the need for an emergency jump start. Not expensive, they start around $50. Much better than cables because you don't need another vehicle to get yours started.
2007-03-08 11:32:06 · answer #4 · answered by progunr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jumper cables are reliable, low-tech tools. I have a pair in my truck that I paid $15 for. I bought them in the early 90's. I keep them in the zippered bag that they came with. They are good as new and have never failed me.
When you need 'em --and have 'em, they will put a big smile on your face.
2007-03-08 11:32:46 · answer #5 · answered by one_dog_grinning 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 Dollar Hydrometer at autoZone check each cell,This will take the Question,Batt good or Not.One thing with a Maint free Batt this is not an option.
2007-03-08 14:55:17 · answer #6 · answered by section hand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋