"Sometimes simpler really is better, you know?"
Totally get that. I've been tempted by those portable starters myself, but always wondered how reliable they'd be on long trips. Guess I'll stick with my trusty cables for now... thanks for sharing your experience!
I've had mixed luck with portable starters myself. Last winter, I got stranded in the middle of nowhere at night—battery totally dead. Pulled out my portable starter feeling pretty confident, and... nothing. Ended up flagging down a passing trucker who thankfully had cables. Ever since then, I've kept a set of cables handy as backup. Maybe it's just me, but simpler does feel safer, especially when you're miles from help. Anyone else had similar experiences?
Yeah, portable starters can be hit or miss. Had one myself that worked great...until it didn't. Now I just stick with cables—less fancy, but at least they don't randomly decide to quit on you when you're freezing your butt off at 2am.
"Now I just stick with cables—less fancy, but at least they don't randomly decide to quit on you when you're freezing your butt off at 2am."
True, cables are reliable, but they're only as good as the other car that's around to help. Had a late-night breakdown once in the middle of nowhere...no cell service, no passing cars for almost an hour. After that adventure, I got myself a decent jump starter (not the cheapest, but definitely not top-of-the-line either). Been going strong for three years now. Guess it's about finding that sweet spot between price and reliability.
"Guess it's about finding that sweet spot between price and reliability."
Yeah, but how do you even tell where that sweet spot is? Had a jump starter myself that lasted barely a year. Thought I was saving money, but ended up wasting it instead. Now I'm back to cables...but honestly, maybe I just picked the wrong brand. Any tips on spotting the good ones without paying an arm and a leg?
