Few things are more annoying than getting into your car, turning the key, and getting nothing—no engine roar, just silence. There’s no need to panic, though!
Before calling a tow truck, you can take a few steps to figure out what’s wrong with your car. For example, a portable lithium jump starter might be the solution you’ve been seeking.
In this article, we’ll review the best lithium jump starters from Battery Tender. First, let’s review some troubleshooting methods for diagnosing battery issues.
Car Not Starting? Here’s What You Can Do
There are several reasons why your car might not be starting, but a dead battery is a surprisingly common culprit. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to diagnose (and fix) the issue if your car isn’t functioning as it should.
Check the Battery
A dead or weak battery is one of the most common reasons your car might be refusing to start. Before you assume the worst, you should check for certain signs. For example, if you hear rapid clicking when you turn the key or notice that your dashboard lights are unusually dim, your car’s battery might be dying.
To confirm, we’d recommend using a multimeter to check the battery’s voltage. A healthy battery should read about 12.6 volts when your car is off. If the reading is much lower, you’ll likely need to recharge or replace it.
Additionally, you should inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. If they’re covered in a chalky buildup, try cleaning them with a simple baking soda and water mixture to restore a solid connection.
Could the Alternator Be to Blame?
Even if your car’s battery is dead, the real issue might be the alternator. This component is responsible for charging your battery while the car is running. If it stops working, your battery will keep draining (which means you could potentially get stranded).
If you want to check this, start your car (if possible) and use a voltmeter to measure the battery voltage. A properly functioning alternator should give a reading between 13.8 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is too high or too low, your alternator may not be working correctly (in which case, a mechanic should inspect it).
Signs of a Bad Starter
If turning the key does nothing, it might be a faulty starter that’s causing the issue. This part is responsible for cranking the engine when you start the car, so if it fails, your car won’t turn on.
Common warning signs include a clicking sound when you try to start the engine or a grinding noise, which could mean the starter’s gears are getting worn out. If you suspect the starter is the issue, you’ll likely need a mechanic to repair or replace it.
Could It Be the Ignition Switch?
The ignition switch could also be causing issues. If your dashboard lights don’t turn on when you switch the key to the “On” position, or if the car only starts when you jiggle the key, you might have a faulty ignition switch.
Since this switch controls power flow to important components of your car (like the starter and fuel system), any failure here can prevent your car from starting altogether. If you notice any of these symptoms, we’d recommend having a professional take a look and replace the ignition switch if necessary.
The Best Lithium Jump Starters
If you’ve been looking to replace your car’s portable jump starter, you’re in luck. Battery Tender has some of the best portable jump starters on the market, with high peak AMPs for a burst of power to revive a dead 12-volt battery in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats.
These lithium-ion jump starters are compact, lightweight, and packed with safety features to ensure an easy and worry-free jump-start experience. Let’s take a closer look at popular Battery Tender lithium jump starters:
Battery Tender 1500 AMP Jump Starter & 12000mAh Power Bank
If you’re looking for a powerful and compact jump starter, the Battery Tender 1500 AMP Jump Starter is a fantastic choice. It delivers 1500 peak AMPs, which is enough to start gas and diesel engines up to a V8.
One of the best additional features is its built-in USB ports, including Type C (in and out), USB 2.4 AMP, and USB 3 AMP Quick Charge ports. This means you can charge your smart devices on the go, which is super convenient.
Not only that, but reverse polarity protection ensures the battery clamps won’t deliver power unless they’re connected properly to the battery terminals (therefore preventing damage and making the process essentially foolproof).
Battery Tender 1000 AMP Jump Starter & 8000mAh Power Bank
If you’re looking for a more compact (yet still highly effective) solution, the Battery Tender 1000 AMP Jump Starter is a great choice—especially for people who drive daily.
With 1000 peak AMPs, it has the strength to perform up to 30 jump starts on a single charge. Like its bigger counterpart, it supports 12-volt batteries and is safe for gas and diesel engines up to a V8.
This particular model includes an ultra-bright LED flashlight and an emergency strobe, which means it’s an excellent choice for winter months (when visibility is especially low).
It also comes with smart alligator clips, a micro USB charging cable, and a convenient storage bag. This means you’ll be able to keep everything organized in your center console or trunk.
Battery Tender 2000 AMP Jump Starter & 16000mAh Power Bank
For drivers who need lots of power, the Battery Tender 2000 AMP Jump Starter is truly the ultimate lithium jump starter. With 2000 peak AMPs, it delivers power that’s strong enough to revive large gas and diesel engines. Despite its power, it’s still portable, and fits easily under your seat or in your glove compartment.
This jump starter also includes multiple USB power ports, which means you can charge your phone, tablet, or other portable devices while driving (i.e. it’s perfect for long road trips).
Like all Battery Tender jump starters, it comes with spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a safe, hassle-free experience every time.
Why Should You Choose a Battery Tender Lithium Jump Starter?
Unlike more traditional, bulky acid battery jump packs, lithium jump starters have excellent battery life, are much lighter, and can charge faster. They eliminate the need for a tow truck driver or waiting for a random person to show up with jumper cables.
Also, their battery capacity is designed to hold a charge for months, which means you’ll always be ready when you need them.
Not only does Battery Tender have great products, but they also provide battery maintainers (which can keep your 12V battery in the best possible shape when you’re not using it). Whether you're preparing for the winter or just want peace of mind while on a road trip, a Battery Tender jump starter is definitely the way to go.
With a reliable power pack, fantastic safety features, and USB ports for even more added convenience, these portable jump starters are clearly must-have tools when it comes to traveling (or casual driving). Don’t wait until you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere—get a Battery Tender lithium jump starter today!
