Comparison of booster models and start-up chargers shows that in 2020, compact lithium-polymer batteries with a recoil current of 300 Amps took the leading position. These are the characteristics that allowed devices like Neoline Jump Starter 850A and Berkut Specialist JSL-12000 Effectively start engines up to 3 liters, even in severe frost. The market has shifted from heavy lead boxes to lightweight ones. Power Bank formats that can be stored in the glove compartment without loss of capacity.
A critically important parameter in the choice was the presence of intellectual protection of terminals, since errors when connecting the “lighting” often led to the failure of the electronics of the car. Experts note that in 2020, manufacturers have implemented complex microprocessor circuits that control polarity and voltage surges. This made the start-up process accessible even to drivers without technical skills, eliminating the risk of short circuit.
Analysis of consumer reviews confirms that the reliability of the starting current is a decisive factor when buying. Drivers have stopped trusting cheap counterparts with overstated performance, paying attention to real tests and brands with a reputation, such as: Carku or 70mai. Below is a detailed analysis of the criteria and models relevant to the period.
⚠️ Attention: When using the 2020 launchers, be sure to check the battery’s production date. Lithium batteries degrade over time, even if the device is not used.
Key criteria for selecting a launcher
The rating was based on the capacity of the built-in battery, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). For a confident start of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a minimum of 6,000 mAh is required, but for diesel units or volumes over 2.5 liters, this parameter should be significantly higher. Start current The second key indicator is whether the device can turn the starter in thickened oil in winter.
The materials of manufacture and the quality of assembly of the terminal group also play an important role. Cheap models often use thin wires that heat up when high current is returned, which reduces the start-up efficiency. Top models of 2020 use copper veins with silicone insulation, which maintains elasticity at negative temperatures.
- 🔋 Battery type: Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) models are more compact and lighter than lead-acid models, but require careful attitude to the temperature storage regime.
- ❄️ Operating temperature: Most devices operate in the range of -20°C to +60°C, but the actual initiation current drops in the cold, which must be considered.
- 🔌 Package: The presence of adapters for laptops, USB ports for charging gadgets and a powerful flashlight increases the versatility of the device.
Do not ignore the additional features that turn the launcher into a multifunctional tool. The presence of a compressor built into the housing, or the possibility of working as a Power Bank Smartphones make buying more reasonable. However, for each additional functionality you have to pay weight and dimensions.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to charge a fully discharged starter from a car generator if the instruction is for a particular model. flatly that function. This can cause the battery to swell.
Market Leaders Overview: Top 3 Models of 2020
The leader of many independent tests in 2020 was the device Neoline Jump Starter 850A. It is distinguished by the presence of an intelligent protection module. Smart ClampsThis system not only prevents sparking, but also analyzes the state of the on-board network of the car. The device successfully started engines up to 3 liters even after a long downtime in the cold -25 ° C.
Second place is confidently held Berkut Specialist JSL-12000. This model is characterized by a high capacity of 12,000 mAh and the presence of a built-in compressor, which makes it an ideal solution for long trips. The body of the device is made of impact-resistant plastic, and the wires withstand repeated inflections without losing conductivity.
Closes the top three. Carku Tech 12It has proven itself as a reliable all-in-one device. It supports fast charging (itself) and has a rich complete set. Unlike competitors, the model is equipped with a powerful LED flashlight with a strobe mode, which is useful in emergency situations on the track.
| Model | Start current (A) | Capacity (mAh) | Max. engine capacity (l) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neoline 850A | 850 | 20000 | 3.0 (gasoline) |
| Berkut JSL-12000 | 900 | 12000 | 6.0 (gasoline) |
| Carku Tech 12 | 1200 | 13200 | 8.0 (gasoline) |
Technical features of lithium-polymer boosters
Modern. boosters They are based on lithium-polymer batteries that have high energy density. This allows for weight of 300-400 grams to give hundreds of amperes of current. However, the chemical composition of such batteries dictates its operating conditions: they are afraid of a deep discharge to zero and overheating above + 60 ° C.
Internal electronics of modern devices in 2020 include BMS (Battery Management System) – battery management system. It balances the charge between cells, protects against overloads and controls temperature. It is the presence of a high-quality BMS that distinguishes a safe device from a potentially dangerous one.
- 🛡️ Protection against overpole: The microcontroller blocks the current supply if the terminals are confused, saving the car's ECU.
- ⚡ Stress stabilization: When starting with a starter, the voltage at the terminals can drop briefly, smart electronics compensate for the dips.
- 🌡️ Thermal protection: When the wires are critically heated or the internal circuitry is automatically turned off.
⚠️ Attention: Storing a lithium booster in a car in the summer is not acceptable. Direct sunlight can heat the body to a temperature that causes irreversible degradation or ignition.
Instructions for safe start of the engine
The process of starting the engine with the help of a booster requires adherence to a clear algorithm of actions. First, you need to make sure that the device is charged at least 50%, the indicators on the case usually display this parameter. Then you should turn off all energy consumers in the car: headlights, tape, stove.
☑️ Checklist before launch
The connection is made in strict sequence: first red clamp on plus (+) the vehicle battery, then black to minus (-) or the mass of the engine. Only after that, if the device is not turned on automatically, you need to press the activation button. After successful engine start-up, the wires are switched off in reverse sequence.
If the engine did not start from the first time, you should not turn the starter longer than 5-7 seconds. The booster and battery should be rested for 30-60 seconds before the re-try. Long-term work on limit currents can lead to the operation of thermal protection.
What to do if the booster doesn’t work
If the device shows a connection error, check the density of the plugs. Oxidized contacts of the car can prevent the passage of current. Clean the terminals or try to connect to another mass point.
Comparison of boosters and traditional start-up chargers
Traditional start-up chargers (ROMs) run on a 220V network and often have lead-acid batteries. Their main advantage is the possibility of long-term recharging of the deadened battery of the car and the absence of capacity restrictions, since the power comes from the network. However, their size and the need for an outlet make them unsuitable for use far from civilization.
Boosters, in turn, are completely autonomous. They do not require a network to work and weigh 10-15 times less than stationary ROMs. But their life is limited by the number of charge-discharge cycles and the capacity of the built-in battery. For regular maintenance of the garage car battery, a stationary ROM is better suited, and for trips - a compact one. Jump Starter.
Expert advice: For northern regions, it is recommended to choose heated models or keep the booster in a warm place (the inner pocket of the jacket) before use to increase its return.
The cost of quality boosters in 2020 was comparable to good chargers, but the functionality of the first is wider. Being able to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet on the go is often the deciding argument in favor of buying a portable booster.
Operation and maintenance during the winter
Winter is the most difficult time for any electronics and batteries. Lithium batteries at temperatures below -10°C lose some of their capacity and cannot give off maximum current. Therefore launcher It is recommended to keep warm, and take into the car immediately before use or keep in a heat bag.
Regular recharging of the device is a prerequisite for readiness. Even when turned off, self-discharge is about 3-5% per month. If you leave the booster discharged for long-term storage, it can go into a deep discharge, after which it will be impossible to restore it without special equipment.
- 📅 Check schedule: Check the charge of the device every 3 months, even if it was not used.
- 🧼 Contact care: Rub the terminals with a dry cloth to avoid oxidation and loss of contact.
- 🔋 Cycle: Once every six months, it is useful to completely discharge and charge the device for calibrating the controller.
Can I fully charge the battery of the car with a booster?
No, boosters are only designed for short-term high-current returns to start the engine. Charge the dead battery up to 100% need to use a stationary charger connected to the network 220V.
How many launches can be made on a single charge?
On average, one full charge booster capacity of 12000-20000 mAh is enough for 15-30 engine starts up to 2.0 liters in the summer. In winter or for larger engines, the number of launches will be smaller.
Is it safe to use a booster for cars with a Start-Stop system?
Yes, the 2020 models are compatible with Start-Stop systems and sensitive electronics. The main thing is to strictly observe polarity and use models with intellectual protection.
What to do if the booster terminals sparkle when connected?
Sparkling when connecting smart terminals (Smart Clamps) is not possible because the current is supplied only after a circuit has been checked. If there are sparks, then the device is not protected or malfunctioning. Stop using immediately.
Can I carry a booster in the trunk all year round?
It's highly discouraged. In summer, the temperature in the trunk exceeds the permissible limits for lithium, and in winter the cold kills the charge. Ideal storage at room temperature in a dry place.