The topic notebook

Jump Starters

How we research

A jump starter is a portable battery pack that can start a car with a flat battery without a second vehicle. Choose one by checking the engine size and fuel type it is rated for, then its safety features. Our research on specific models is listed below.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

How to choose

  • Match the engine and fuel. Makers rate packs by engine size, often separately for petrol and diesel. For example, a UK seller lists the NOCO GB20 for petrol engines up to 4.0 litres, with no diesel rating, and the NOCO GB50 for petrol up to 7.0 litres and diesel up to 4.5 litres [3][4].
  • Look at the built-in protections. Reverse polarity protection and spark-proof clamps are standard claims. They are the maker’s description, so check what the listing says for the model you are considering [3].
  • Plan to keep it charged. Both the RAC and the AA say to check that the pack is fully charged before you use it [1][2].
  • Think about cold weather. One UK reviewer of the NOCO GB50 reported that it may not work if left in a cold car over winter. One review proves little, so check the maker’s stated operating temperature [4].
  • Check the guarantee and the seller. Guarantees vary. The two NOCO packs above list 1 year at one UK seller [3][4].

Using one safely

These steps follow the RAC and AA guidance for a portable pack. Your pack’s instructions and your car’s handbook come first where they differ [1][2].

  • Do not jump start if the pack, the battery or the leads look damaged or are leaking.
  • Remove rings and metal jewellery, and keep metal away from the battery terminals.
  • Connect the red lead to the battery’s positive terminal and the black lead to a good earth point, usually a solid metal part of the engine.
  • Stand the pack on the ground beside the car, not on the engine.
  • Switch the pack on and start the car. If it does not start after a few tries, the fault may be more than a flat battery, so get help.
  • Once it starts, the RAC says to keep the engine running for about 5 minutes. The AA says about 5 minutes with the pack on, then 5 to 10 more with it off.
  • Both say to drive for around 30 minutes afterwards, avoiding heavy stop-start traffic, to recharge the battery. The AA adds that car batteries typically last 5 to 7 years.

Questions people ask

Should I get a jump starter or jump leads?

It depends on whether another driver is likely to be nearby and whether you will keep a pack charged.

The case for a jump starter: it needs no second vehicle, so you can use it alone [1].

The case for jump leads: there is no battery to keep charged. But you need a donor car with a fully charged battery of the same voltage, usually 12 volts, and the AA advises against using a hybrid or electric car as the donor [2].

Drawbacks: a pack that is flat when you need it is no help, and leads depend on someone else.

Bottom line: a pack suits people who often drive alone. Leads suit people who usually have someone nearby.

Will any jump starter start a diesel?

Not necessarily. Makers rate diesel engines separately. A UK seller lists the NOCO GB20 for petrol only, while the GB50 is listed for diesel engines up to 4.5 litres [3][4].

How long should I drive afterwards?

Both the RAC and the AA say about 30 minutes, avoiding heavy stop-start traffic [1][2].

Recalls and safety

Jump starters contain lithium batteries, so check recalls before you buy and again if you already own one. Our product safety and recalls page explains how we check.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled jump starters from Ring Automotive: the RPPL360 (published 27 March 2023, batches 38/21 and 05/23, printed under the unit) for a fire risk from a manufacturing fault [5], and the RPPL260 (published 1 March 2024, batch 38/21) because it may not cut off power in standby [6]. Both notices say to stop using the unit. Search the official recalls list for newer notices [7]. Recalls checked 19 October 2026.

Sources

  1. How to jump start a car, RAC, rac.co.uk. Checked 19 October 2026.
  2. Using jump leads, the AA, theaa.com. Checked 19 October 2026.
  3. NOCO GB20 Boost Sport 500A jump starter, Tayna (UK seller listing), tayna.co.uk. Checked 18 October 2026.
  4. NOCO GB50 Boost XL 1500A jump starter, Tayna (UK seller listing), tayna.co.uk. Checked 18 October 2026.
  5. Product Recall: Ring RPPL360 Fast Charge Lithium Jump Starter (2303-0111), Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK. Checked 19 October 2026.
  6. Product Recall: Fast Charge Jump Starter 260 and 9000mAh Power Bank (2402-0097), Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK. Checked 19 October 2026.
  7. Product safety alerts, reports and recalls, Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK. Checked 19 October 2026.

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