Would the gauge of the jumper cables make a differenc After several attempts with the smaller cable, we switched to a heavier cable and it started on the first turn of the key. I don’t see how that could matter. Usually, after cranking the key a few times my little cables would feel warm (they have …

Not weird at all. Wire gauge and length make significant difference. If not, we would use 20 gauge or smaller for everything. [image]

I have used a set of #4 gauge jumper cables I bought 50 years ago ever since. They have never failed to start whatever I’ve hooked them up to.

[image] old_mopar_guy: I have used a set of #4 gauge jumper cables I bought 50 years ago ever since. They have never failed to start whatever I’ve hooked them up to. I have a set made from 2/0 welding cable about 30’ long, heavier than heck, but they never failed to start what I hooked them u…

The guage and clamps make a huge difference, the thicker the better and since it seems like the only time you.need them is when it’s raining, snowing, in the freezing cold or blistering heat, at night in a sketchy area, this is no place to go cheapo. Had a pair of the discount, thinner guage for oc…

A little descent here. Sure heavier cables are best but in this day and age of highly expensive electronics, I would not jump another car. Yeah you can be caught by surprise but trying to get ten years out of a battery can cause unexpected failure. Better to change batteries sooner. I do carry o…

[image] bing: I do carry one of those small jump packs just in case someone else needs it but jumper cables will not touch my cars. +1 Master Mechanic Pat Goss (recently deceased… ) agrees with both you and me. [MotorWeek | Goss' Garage: Jump Starting] This is a good reminder f…

I agree with @bing . Modern cars need a jump pack to protect the electronics. If your car is more than about 15 years old, then jumper cables will be OK.

[image] bing: I do carry one of those small jump packs just in case someone else needs it That’s very nice of you: thanks.

I bought two lithium-ion jumpers, time to buy a third, they don’t last any longer than the lead-acid jumpers. If you carry one of these, how do you know if it has the strength to start an engine? My back-up is a 12-year-old battery that gets recharged every 3 years. OMG, jumper cables! [20210710_…

My torrent has top post. My vue has side post. My equinox has side post… Why does torrent use top post? Hard to jump side post. Restricted access to battery clamps.

Small vs. large gauge jumper cables

General Discussion

VDCdriver April 30, 2022, 10:17pm 7

+1
Master Mechanic Pat Goss (recently deceased… ) agrees with both you and me.

This is a good reminder for me to recharge my Cobra Jump Starter.

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Small vs. large gauge jumper cables

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