This simple, easy to use 12V charger is ideal for the home garage, where the occasional charger to an older style battery may require charge.
Is it wise to invest in this
I wouldn't recommend this as a high yield investment.
both are for different purposes…..
This is to maintain and charge your battery if your battery is low. It will be a while until you can start it if you need to go somewhere (~10min depending on battery size)
a jump starter will let you start it instantly and get you home/ where you need to go but wont charge the battery, your alternator will but might not be enough in a short trip but you need to keep it charged up
ahh ok, I'm pretty n00b with cars and my car battery just died :(
I found this link which still works surprisingly and signed up straight away for $69
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/341865
Just gave them a call and hopefully they can jump start my car
There different - 2amps vs 2.7amps.
Be more curious as to what the regular price is for these chargers? Is it even on sale?
There different
Where ???
Can anyone recommend a decent jumpstarter for a decent price? Thank you
I think this is just the normal price - I bought one last week.
FYI - might help someone.
Fully charged automotive batteries should measure 12.6 volts or above.
When the engine is running, this measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts.
Battery at 12.5V = 85% charged, 12.4V = 65%, 12.3V = 50%, 12.2V = 35%, 12.1V = problems
If you think you're having problems with you car battery you can buy a simple voltage meter that plugs into your cigarette lighter from around $5 which displays the voltage level and can give you a quick idea on the status of your battery. Otherwise a simple test is while the car is running turn on your headlights. If they are dim, that indicates the lights are running off the battery and that little or no charge is being produced by the alternator. If the lights get brighter as you rev the engine, it means the alternator is producing some current, but may not be producing enough at idle to keep the battery properly charged. If the lights have normal brightness and don’t change intensity as the engine is revved, your charging system is probably functioning normally.
If your battery isn't sealed and you can access the cells, it's worthwhile getting a hydrometer to test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell. It's a simple inexpensive test to check the acidity of each cell. If you spill any of the battery acid on your car or clothes make sure you wash it of with some water or with a solution of water and baking soda to neutralises the acid. While it won't burn you it will damage your paintwork if it isn't washed off. It's also a good time to check the levels of each cell especially in hot climates and top up any that are low - the electrolyte should only be topped off with distilled or demineralized water.
Lead–acid batteries also lose the ability to accept a charge when discharged for too long or when they are subjected to insufficient charging during normal operation due to sulfation.
You might be able to save a dying car battery by desulfation - kits are available from auto stores for around $10 and all you need to do is add the solution to each cell.
Thank you!
Thanks +1
Very helpful 2getted, thank you.
This "dummy charger" can be a good kit for those who got the smart charger from CTEK which cannot initiate charging sequence if the battery voltage is too low.
We had this problem once after having it on charge for ages and go what is the fault light on for. Read the manual, said it wouldn't start under 'x' Volts. Had a 240V power lead removed from something that went to bin/kerbside, also had a used 9V battery from smoke detector.
Mated the 9v battery terminals to prongs on power lead, held in place whilst I checked polarity with multimeter on the other end of lead. Wedged one of the wires into one car battery terminal, held the other one by hand, then got wifey to flick the switch on the battery charger and waited til it started the charge process, remove 9v from equation. Did the trick.
Smart idea - someone should make a product available to the market
Is it wise to invest in this or get a jump starter instead?