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How Many Amps Do You Need In A Jump Starter? A Guide By Vehicle Type
You've heard the age-old anecdote about bringing a knife to a gun fight. Sure, you can still do a lot of damage with a knife. But it's just not the right tool for the job.
When stocking up their garages, sheds, or toolboxes, we've often seen people underinvest in poor-quality tools or overcompensate by buying the best, most expensive tools available.
Neither one of those options is good!
As my father always used to tell me, life is a lot easier when you use the right tool for the job at hand.
Now, when it comes to buying jump starters, people often get confused about the number of amps they need. It's essential to select a jump starter that meets your vehicle's specific requirements.
And that's precisely what we're here to clear up! Before you make a purchase, consider your vehicle's needs and the condition of its battery to ensure you select the right jump starter.
Below, we break down peak amps, cold cranking amps, and vehicle amp requirements to help you understand which jump starter is right for you.
Remember, the amp ratings listed on a jump starter typically represent the maximum output. Set realistic expectations about what to expect from your jump starter and ensure it aligns with your vehicle's demands.
What Do Amps Mean in a Jump Starter?
An amp, or ampere (A), is the unit used to measure electrical current in jump starters and many other electronic devices. Understanding these units can help you determine which device is suitable for your vehicle's specific needs.
When you're looking at jump starters, you'll often see them marketed with two different types of numbers: peak amps or cold cranking amps.
Let's take a closer look at what each of these two numbers means.
Peak Amps
Peak amps (PA) refers to the maximum amount of amps or power that a jump starter can deliver in a short burst. It is essential to understand the meaning of this number. A jump starter with a higher peak amp output can provide greater power for starting larger or more stubborn vehicles or older batteries.
However, as you'll see below, it's not the only number to consider. It's the cold cranking amps that help you determine whether a jump starter has the power needed to boost your vehicle.
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold cranking amps (CCA) refer to the number of amps required to start a vehicle's engine. It is essentially the power draw required by the starter, which depends on the engine's size, design, and condition.
In addition to CCA, the battery's capacity and health, measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere-hours (mAh), also play a crucial role, as higher capacity allows the jump starter to deliver sufficient cold cranking amps and ensures reliable performance, especially during repeated use or in extreme conditions.
We'll take a closer look at different starter requirements below. However, for now, know that cold cranking amps refer to the amount of amps a jump starter can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining an output of at least 7.2 volts.
Peak Amps (PA) Vs. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
To sum it up, peak amps refer to the maximum amperage output available for a short burst. In contrast, cold cranking amps is the amount of energy available for a more sustained period of time.
Therefore, cold cranking amps is the number you really want to keep an eye on while shopping around for a jump starter.
Still need help figuring out which jump starter is right for you? Explore our comprehensive jump starter guide to discover what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for one.
Jump Starter Amps Required by Vehicle Type
In the table below, we list various vehicle sizes and classes, along with the starter draw and cold cranking amps required by different engines.
This table serves as a quick reference guide to help you determine the number of cold cranking amps necessary for various types of vehicles. However, the actual amps required can vary depending on factors such as battery age, temperature, and engine condition.
Ultimately, we recommend opting for a jump starter that provides more power than you’ll actually need. This ensures you’ll be able to start different types of vehicles, even if you end up having to rescue someone else stranded on the side of the road.
Comparison of CCA And Starting Amps by Vehicle Type
Electricity… Peak amps… CCAs… It can all be a bit confusing. However, the following table should help clarify things for you, making it easier to find a jump starter that’s the right size for the vehicles in your driveway.
Remember, however, that the values in the table are based on average battery health and typical environmental conditions.
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when looking for the right size jump starter:
- Cold weather increases the start draw demand. So always size up if you live in a cold climate.
- Diesels require significantly more power because of higher compression ratios. So if you're shopping for a diesel engine, you may also needed to size up.
- Heavy equipment (tractors, loaders, excavators) may require dual batteries or high-output systems. (24V jump starters)
Is 700 Cold Cranking Amps Enough for Most Cars?
Typically, yes. Seven hundred cold cranking amps should be enough to start most cars, especially if you’re looking at a smaller sedan or a mid-size crossover.
Seven hundred amps may be sufficient for most standard vehicles. But for cars with V6 engines or diesel engines, or those with older batteries that require boosting in colder temperatures, a jump starter with an output of 1000A or more is the safer bet.
As you can see above, a jump starter that provides between 300 and 350 cold cranking amps is more than enough for most 4-cylinder cars, which only draw about 200A to start.
That said, it’s always the safer choice to go with a slightly higher power output (minimum 1000A output) to make sure you’ve got a jump starter that can boost almost any type of vehicle.
Want more details on how to use a jump starter? Check out our comprehensive guide that include step-by-step directions and safety tips.
Do You Always Need a Bigger Jump Starter?
It really depends on what you need the jump starter for. But bigger is NOT always better. If you’re buying a jump starter to use on your small 4-cylinder Honda Civic, you really don’t need to go with a bigger jump starter.
But if you have a full-size truck with a diesel engine, a class A motorhome, or if you plan on jump-starting any heavy equipment, you might want to look for a bigger, heavier-duty jump starter.
The thing to remember, however, is that heavier and more expensive can be overkill. So instead of looking for the best, most costly jump starter out there, it’s often better to match the jump starter you’re looking at to your specific needs.
And especially if you need a jump starter for a smaller car, it’ll be essential to consider factors such as size, weight, and portability, in addition to knowing the right amount of amps to look for.
Some jump starters, particularly those with lead-acid batteries, are known for their durability and can provide power for an extended duration, making them a reliable choice for longer-lasting performance.
Ready to compare different jump starter models? Check out our comprehensive guide on the best jump starters for cars, SUVs, RVs, and emergencies.
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Can You Use A 2000A Jump Starter On A Small Car?
Yes, you can use a 2000A jump starter on a small car. We've actually covered this in another blog about jump starters for motorcycles, where we highlight that it's impossible to "fry" a vehicle's battery by using a larger jump starter on a smaller engine.
The key is that jump starters only provide the power needed to start an engine. It doesn't force the full amount of current through into the battery. So it's not putting any strain on your vehicle's electronics, making it impossible for a jump starter to damage your car, battery, or alternator.
The more important thing is to remember never to use a 24V jump starter on a vehicle with a 12V system, as this can cause serious problems to your electrical system.
Tool Troopers' 1000A Jump Starter: One Tough Beast for All Conditions
There are various types of jumper cables, jump starters and battery chargers available.
But when you're on the road or pulling your hot rod out of the garage after being parked all winter, when battery trouble strikes, you need gear you can count on!
And that's why we designed our 1000A JumpForce Pro for emergencies, durability, and peace of mind.
Whether it's a dead battery on a cold morning or an engine that won't start while you're on a remote backroad, Tool Troopers has your back! With 1000A of peak power, it packs enough power to boost trucks, SUVs, cars, motorcycles, and even RVs without breaking a sweat.
But what really sets JumpForce Pro apart is its reinforced, aircraft-grade outer shell and waterproof casing.
It also features built-in safety systems that protect users from incorrect connections, prevent overheating, and guard against reverse polarity for safe operation.
It's shockproof, waterproof, and ultra-rugged, built to handle the kind of abuse that would leave cheaper jump starters in pieces.
Add in the built-in flashlight with emergency strobe mode, and you've got a tool that's just as useful in the dark as it is during the day.
JumpForce Pro offers fast charging capabilities (30 to 45 minutes for a full charge). Plus, Tool Trooper's exclusive recharge reminder service means you'll never forget to top it off. So it'll always be ready when you need it most.
Despite its formidable power, this unit is compact and tactical, designed to ride quietly in your glove box, toolbox, or gear bag until the day it earns its keep. It's handy to keep in your trunk for quick access during emergencies.
It's not just another piece of equipment… It's the kind of backup every driver, adventurer, and weekend warrior should have on hand.
Wonder what type of jump starter to buy? Check out our guide on jump starters with built-in air compressors to find out if these are the right type for you!
Image courtesy of 1 1 @ Unsplash.com
Frequently Asked Questions - How Many Amps Do You Need In A Jump Starter?
Wondering how many amps you'll need in a jump starter is a fair and legitimate question. Buy a jump start with an inadequate output, and you won't be able to get your engine started. Buy a jump starter that's more powerful than needed, and if you may have just spent more money than you needed to.
To address any other questions you may still have, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our readers.
What's better for a jump starter? Peak amps or cold cranking amps?
Both peak amps and cold cranking amps are essential measurements to understand. However, it's the cold cranking amps that are more important in determining whether a jump starter is capable of starting your vehicle. Cold cranking amps is the sustained power output of the device, which your vehicle's starter motor will draw to start the engine.
Do diesels need special jump starters?
Diesels don't need special jump starters. But they may need a higher cold cranking amp output. This is because their engines require more power to start than gas engines due to higher compression ratios. Diesels are also notoriously harder to start in cold conditions. Therefore, a jump starter with a higher CCA rating may be necessary to start a diesel engine. If you need to make multiple jump-start attempts, wait a few minutes between tries to allow the jump starter to cool down and prevent overheating.
Is 3000A too much for a car?
No, 3000A is not too much amp output for a car. Your vehicle will only draw what the starter motor needs. So, for example, if your starter motor only needs about 500A to start, then that's all it will draw from the jump starter, even if the jump starter can output more than double that.
What if my jump starter doesn't list cranking amps?
If your jump starter doesn't list cranking amps, you can determine its peak amp (PA) rating, which can give you a good idea of whether or not it'll be strong enough to start your vehicle. A higher Peak Amp rating generally means a stronger jump starter. When choosing a jump starter, consider a few factors, such as your battery's condition, your engine size, and user reviews or testimonials whenever possible.