In recent years, lithium-Ion jump starters have flooded the market – but with their rise in popularity comes a surge in misleading claims. At Weego, we prioritize transparency and do the necessary homework to ensure our products meet real-world expectations. We want you to be just as educated when it comes to selecting a jump starter. Here are a few common claims you should be cautious about:
Claim 1: “Jump Starts Your Car X Number of Times!”
There’s no way for a company to know how many times their jump starter will jump your vehicle. The true measurement relies on vehicle and condition specific factors, including:
- Engine Size: Larger engines draw more power, which means they require more energy to jump-start than smaller engines.
- Battery Health: The more depleted your battery, the harder the jump starter has to work to get the engine started.
- Outside Temperature: Cold temperatures put more strain on the engine, requiring more power for a jump start.
- Vehicle-Specific Factors: Different vehicles have different power requirements for a jump start, depending on their size and engine type.
It’s a lot like the famous Tootsie Pop commercial – there’s no single answer to how many licks it takes to reach the center, just as there’s no exact number of jump starts a jump starter can handle. The answer varies based on specific conditions.
Claim 2: "Peak Amperage" – Not the Right Metric
Many jump starters boast about their peak amperage ratings, but these numbers can be misleading. Peak amperage refers to the maximum burst of power a jump starter can supply under ideal, controlled conditions, but it doesn't reflect how the jump starter will perform in real-world situations. Here's why:
- Peak Amperage = Burst Power, Not Sustained Power: Peak amperage is often measured in short bursts (just a few seconds) under optimal conditions, such as a warm engine and a fully charged battery. It may look impressive on paper, but it doesn't represent the sustained power your vehicle needs to start.
- Cranking Amps (CA) is the Real Measure: What really matters is cranking amps (CA), which measure the sustained power a jump starter can deliver over a period, particularly when starting a cold engine or a battery that's low on charge. Cranking amps provide a much more accurate picture of a jump starter’s real-world performance.
At Weego, we offer jump starters with cranking amps that reflect real-world needs:
- Weego 44s: 440A of cranking power – perfect for smaller vehicles like sedans and compact cars, as well as motorcycles and personal watercraft.
- Weego 70: 700A of cranking power – ideal for mid-sized vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks.
- Weego 120: 1200A of cranking power – designed for larger vehicles, trucks, and heavy-duty use.
Many companies rely on inflated peak amperage numbers to make their products appear more powerful than they are. However, these inflated claims can be misleading because peak amperage doesn't truly indicate how a jump starter will perform when it matters most. At Weego, we focus on cranking amps because we believe it gives you a much clearer picture of a jump starter's ability to deliver reliable power in the real world. For more information on amps, check out our blog.
With any product you’re spending a pretty penny on, it’s important to trust the company. At Weego, we stand behind our products because we’re passionate about them, and we think that shows in the quality. Need a second opinion? Check out our feature by the Wirecutter!
