When the temperature plummates, your car battery’s ability to hold a charge does too. A reliable jump starter isn’t just a convenience during the winter months; it’s an essential piece of emergency gear that can save you from being stranded in the cold. The challenge is finding a unit that can deliver the necessary cranking amps even in freezing conditions, as lithium batteries can struggle with performance loss in the cold.
This roundup focuses on the best jump starters engineered to perform when you need them most. We’ve evaluated key factors like peak amperage, engine compatibility, safety features, and additional functionalities to help you find the perfect emergency power source for your vehicle. From compact packs for sedans to heavy-duty units for trucks, these selections ensure you can start your engine and get back on the road safely.
The Best Cold Weather Jump Starters for Reliable Winter Starts
- NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter
- NOCO Boost X GBX155: 4250A UltraSafe Jump Starter
- Sharmeal Car Jump Starter 5000A for Up to 10.0L
- AstroAI S8 Car Battery Jump Starter for Up to 6.0L
- Scatach 002 4000A Car Battery Jump Starter
- WOLFBOX 4000A Jump Starter with 65W Quick Charger
- S ZEVZO ET03 Car Jump Starter 4000A Jump Starter
- Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp
- GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter 4000A Peak Car Starter
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter
The NOCO Boost GB70 is a robust and dependable choice for a wide range of vehicles. With 2000 amps of peak power, it is capable of starting engines up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel. Its impressive capacity allows for up to 40 starts on a single charge, making it an excellent tool for roadside assistance professionals or anyone who wants maximum peace of mind.
Safety is a cornerstone of this model, featuring NOCO’s patented UltraSafe Technology. This provides spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, ensuring foolproof connections to any 12V vehicle. Beyond jumping, it serves as a integrated power bank to recharge smartphones and tablets, and it recharges fully in just 6 hours.
NOCO Boost X GBX155: 4250A UltraSafe Jump Starter
For extreme conditions and larger engines, the NOCO Boost X GBX155 stands out. It delivers a massive 4,250 amps, making it suitable for gas engines up to 10.0L and diesel engines up to 8.0L. This is a jump starter built for heavy-duty performance, ensuring you have the power needed for trucks and large SUVs, especially in cold weather when batteries are most vulnerable.
It features an upgraded UltraSafe 2.0 system with enhanced thermal efficiency and power management for safer operation and a longer battery life. A key advantage is its rapid recharge time; using a USB-C Power Delivery charger, it can be fully recharged in 2.7 hours, and just 5 minutes of charging can provide enough power for a jump start.
Sharmeal Car Jump Starter 5000A
The Sharmeal Jump Starter offers an impressive 5000A of peak current, providing substantial power for engines up to 10.0L gas and 9.0L diesel. This high amperage ensures it can handle difficult starts, making it a strong contender for larger vehicles that require a significant power boost in cold conditions.
This unit prioritizes user safety with a design that includes an integrated battery and intelligent clamps. It is equipped with 10 types of protection, including essential spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection. This comprehensive safety suite helps prevent accidents from incorrect connections, offering confidence for all users.
AstroAI S8 Car Battery Jump Starter
The AstroAI S8 is a compact and efficient jump starter, ideal for smaller vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and SUVs. It can start 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines with its 1500A peak current. Its 45C high-rate lithium battery is designed to quickly start low-voltage and fully-drained batteries.
A notable feature is its smart boost mode, which automatically detects battery voltage. If the voltage is critically low, it unlocks a “BOOST” button to provide the extra power needed to start a completely dead battery. The unit also includes quality metal clamps for improved protection against heat damage and other potential issues.
Scatach 002 4000A Car Battery Jump Starter
The Scatach 002 is a versatile and powerful tool with a 4000A peak current, capable of starting a wide range of vehicles. It features a clear LED display that allows you to easily check the battery level, ensuring the unit is ready when you need it. This makes it a reliable companion for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats.
Safety is addressed with an intelligent protection system that includes spark-proof, reverse polarity, and temperature protection. Beyond its primary function, it offers three flashlight modes and can serve as a power bank for USB devices, adding to its utility in emergency situations.
WOLFBOX 4000A Jump Starter
Equipped with a substantial 24000mAh battery, the WOLFBOX Jump Starter delivers 4000A of peak power for vehicles with engines under 10 liters. Its high-definition LCD screen provides a clear and transparent view of the unit’s status, including battery level, so you are never caught off guard.
A significant advantage of this model is its 65W USB-C quick charging capability. It can be fully charged in approximately 1.3 hours using the included PD fast charger. It also functions as a high-speed power bank with multiple output ports, capable of charging laptops, phones, and other electronics efficiently.
S ZEVZO ET03 Car Jump Starter 4000A
The S ZEVZO ET03 is a powerful 4000A jump starter suitable for up to 8.0L gas and 7.0L diesel engines. It supports up to 50 jump starts on a single charge, offering remarkable reliability. A key feature is its force start function, which allows it to start vehicles with a completely dead battery at 0V, a common scenario in freezing weather.
This unit also functions as a 74Wh portable power bank with two USB output ports that can charge devices simultaneously at a faster rate than standard chargers. It comes with a convenient storage case, keeping the unit and its cables organized and protected in your vehicle.
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is a heavy-duty, professional-grade jump starter built around a robust 22Ah PROFORMER battery. It delivers 1700 peak amps and 425 cranking amps, providing reliable starting power for a variety of vehicles. Its proven design has made it a trusted tool in many professional settings.
This model features 46-inch heavy-duty #2 AWG cables, which are thicker and longer than those found on many compact units, offering greater reach and durability. While it is larger than lithium-based starters, its consistent performance and build quality are significant benefits for those who prefer a traditional booster pack.
GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter 4000A Peak
The GOOLOO GP4000 is a versatile and powerful jump starter capable of handling all gasoline engines and diesel engines up to 10.0L. It features a “BOOST” button that allows it to force-start a car even when the battery voltage is extremely low, a common issue in cold weather.
With a massive internal capacity, it can provide over 60 jump starts on a full charge. It also serves as a portable charger with dual USB outputs and a Type-C port, making it useful for powering smartphones, tablets, and other devices during emergencies or outdoor activities.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a highly portable and trusted jump starter, offering 1000 amps of power. Its compact size makes it easy to store in any glove box, yet it is powerful enough to start engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel. It is an excellent choice for standard cars, motorcycles, and SUVs.
Like its larger siblings, it incorporates NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology for spark-proof and reverse polarity protection. It also includes a built-in LED flashlight and can be used as a power bank for USB devices, providing essential features in a very small and convenient package.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Cold Weather Jump Starter
When the temperature plummets, your car battery isn’t the only thing that struggles; your jump starter does, too. I’ve learned the hard way that not all portable power packs are built for a deep freeze. If you live where winters are harsh, you need a unit specifically designed to perform when you need it most. Here’s what I always check for before buying a jump starter for cold weather.
First and foremost, look at the battery chemistry. Lithium-ion is the standard, but you want a specific type: Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LiFePO4. This is the single most important feature for cold weather use. Unlike standard lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 chemistry is much more stable and can handle the cold without degrading as quickly. They can also be safely stored in your freezing cold car trunk all winter without the same risk of damage or holding less charge. A regular lithium-ion battery can lose a significant amount of its charge and struggle to deliver peak power when it’s cold.
Next, pay close attention to the peak and cranking amps. Cold weather makes engine oil thicker and batteries less efficient, which means your engine requires a lot more power to turn over. Don’t just look at the peak amps; the cranking amps (CA) are a more realistic measure of sustained power. I always aim for a unit with at least 1,000 peak amps for a standard 4-cylinder or V6 engine, and even more for larger trucks or SUVs. Having that extra power headroom is cheap insurance on a sub-zero morning.
Beyond the core jumping power, consider the practical features. A bright, integrated LED flashlight is incredibly useful, especially one with an SOS strobe mode for emergencies. Many modern jump starters also function as power banks for your phones and other USB devices, which is a fantastic bonus if you’re ever stranded. I also check the physical design. A rugged, rubberized casing not only protects the unit from drops but also makes it easier to handle with gloves on. Finally, look for a clear, easy-to-read display that shows the battery level. You never want to be guessing if you have enough juice. By focusing on these key areas—battery type, power output, and practical features—you can find one of the best jump starters for cold weather that won’t let you down when the frost sets in.
FAQ
Can I leave my jump starter in the car during winter?
You can, but you need to be very careful. Standard lithium-ion batteries should not be left in a freezing car for long periods as the cold can permanently damage the cells and drain the charge. However, if you have a jump starter with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, it is specifically designed to handle extreme temperature storage. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended storage temperature range. Even with a LiFePO4 model, I make a habit of bringing it inside to recharge every 3-4 months to keep it at optimal health.
Why won’t my jump starter work even though it shows a full charge?
This is a classic cold-weather problem. If the unit itself is ice-cold, its internal chemistry can’t deliver the high burst of power needed for a jump start, even if the indicator lights show a full charge. The battery voltage might be present, but its ability to supply high current (amps) is severely limited. The best fix is to warm up the jump starter. Bring it inside your vehicle cabin and let it sit near a heater vent for 15-20 minutes before attempting to connect it to your car’s battery. This often restores its ability to function properly.
How often should I recharge my jump starter if it’s sitting in my cold car?
Cold temperatures accelerate the natural self-discharge rate of any battery. While a jump starter might hold a charge for a year in room temperature, in a freezing trunk, that time could be cut down significantly. I recommend checking the charge level on your unit at least once a month during the winter season. Most models have a button you can press to see the battery status. Plan on giving it a full recharge every 3 to 4 months if it hasn’t been used, just to be safe. A little routine maintenance ensures it’s ready to go.
Are the more expensive jump starters really worth it for cold climates?
In my experience, absolutely. The higher cost often reflects the use of that superior LiFePO4 battery chemistry I mentioned, which is inherently safer and more resilient in the cold. Cheaper models might have impressive amp numbers on the box, but they could fail when you need them most. You’re also paying for better build quality, more reliable internal components, and advanced safety features like spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection. For something as critical as getting your car started in a winter emergency, the investment in a quality unit is completely justified.
What is the difference between peak amps and cranking amps?
This is a crucial distinction. Peak Amps (or Peak Current) is the maximum, instantaneous power the jump starter can deliver for a very short burst. Cranking Amps (CA), sometimes called Starting Amps, is the more important number. It represents the sustained power the unit can deliver for 30 seconds. Since starting a car, especially a cold one, takes a few seconds of continuous cranking, the Cranking Amps figure is a better indicator of real-world performance. When comparing the 10 best jump starters for cold weather, I always prioritize a high and reliable cranking amp rating.