One of the most common car problems is a dead battery.
You try to leave, but the engine won't start. Haven't you experienced that at least once?
A dead battery deep in the mountains on the way to a campsite would be the worst.
To avoid that, make sure to bring a battery starter.
Here are our recommended starters.
Causes of a Dead Battery
While data on the causes of dead batteries isn't publicly available, the most common cause is likely forgetting to turn off the lights.
This happens when you leave a tunnel and forget to turn off your headlights, or when you leave the car with a door ajar and forget about the dome light.
Modern cars have measures in place like warning sounds, but it's still easy to let your guard down and forget to turn off the lights.
What happens if your car battery dies on the way to a campsite?
What happens when a car battery dies?
Engine won't start
The most common issue is that the engine won't start.
You'll quickly notice it because the starter motor won't turn, but when the battery dies, the engine won't start when you try to crank it.
Many people have probably thought "huh?" and sighed.
Also, in rare cases, a similar phenomenon can be caused by running out of gas.
In the case of a gas shortage, the starter motor will turn, but the engine will not start.
Sometimes you can run out of gas if you started the engine before leaving and then forgot about it.
Engine won't stop
Just because the battery dies doesn't mean the engine will immediately stop.
This is because while the battery is used for starting, during operation, power generated by the engine is used directly, and the spark plugs, which ignite the gasoline, are not powered via the battery.
Therefore, after using a battery starter, you can idle the car to recharge the battery.
Signs of a dying battery
Air conditioner is weak
If you feel hot inside the car while driving to the campsite in the scorching sun, it's a sign that your battery is deteriorating and the air conditioner is not working as well.
This is because the air conditioner's compressor is powered by the battery, so if the battery is weak, the air conditioner compressor won't operate properly, reducing the car's cooling capacity.
Dim lights
Have you ever been driving at night and felt that your headlights were dim?
Headlights stop working when they reach the end of their lifespan, so if they feel dim, it's a sign of a dying battery.
If they get brighter when you rev the engine, your battery is quite weak, so be careful.
How to Deal with a Dead Battery
So, what should you do if your battery dies in the mountains on your way to a campsite?
Let's look at concrete solutions so you don't panic on the spot.
If you're a JAF member, they'll come to fix it.
If you use the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) smartphone app, they can quickly pinpoint your location using GPS and come to you immediately.
You can receive assistance even without membership, but if you're a member, the cost will be significantly lower, so it's a good idea to register now.
Corporate and family cards are also available, and using them can get you discounts.
Restore with a battery starter
Having a battery starter gives you peace of mind as you can restore power yourself.
It's reassuring to keep one in your trunk for when your mobile signal is out or no other cars are passing by. Its size allows it to fit in a toolbox, so it won't get in the way.
It's easy to use, so be sure to pack one when you go camping.
What is a LUFT Jump Starter?
- Compatible displacement: 5L for gasoline vehicles, 3L for diesel vehicles
- Max current: 500A
- Size (mm): 161 * 82.5 * 35
Introducing the LUFT jump starter, an item that allows you to recover your car yourself even if the battery dies.
Equipped with a high-performance smart IC cable, it features overvoltage protection and reverse current protection, making it safe for even those unfamiliar with cars. Its design prevents ignition or smoke generation due to malfunction.
How to use:
- Connect the cable to the main unit
- Connect the cable to the battery
- Check for the green indicator light and start the engine
It's simple, isn't it?
It's a great feature that it can be used with both gasoline and diesel cars, regardless of the car model.
Comparison with AUTOWN Jump Starter 10000mA
So, what are the differences between this product and a similar product sold on Amazon?
Let's compare the main features.
| Safety features | Battery capacity | Charging time | Remaining charge display | USB output | |
| LUFT | ◎ | 13600mAh | 3 hours | Digital display | 2 ports |
| AUTOWN | 〇 | 10000mAh | Approx. 10 hours | Indicator display | 2 ports |
Regarding battery capacity, both are sufficient as you won't be using it multiple times during a single camping trip.
Remember to charge it immediately after purchase and before/after your camping trip.
You'll regret it if you put it off (speaking from experience).
Safety features are important
| Safety features | Overcurrent protection | Short circuit protection | Force start function | Reverse current protection | Low voltage protection | High voltage protection | Overheat protection | Reverse connection protection |
| LUFT | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| AUTOWN | 〇 | 〇 | × | 〇 | × | × | 〇 | × |
However, safety features are crucial as they concern human life. While measures are generally taken to prevent dangerous situations during operation, even a slight difference can lead to serious injury, so this is the most important item to consider.
The key point is reverse connection protection.
If you connect the positive and negative terminals incorrectly, sparks will fly from the connection point, causing damage.
At worst, there's a risk of electric shock and serious injury.
You see people jokingly say "Whoa!" when getting an electric shock on TV shows, but it's not at that level.
I was safe because I was wearing protective gear, but I once made a mistake while connecting electricity at a construction site, and the monkey wrench I was holding shattered. Since then, I've paid meticulous attention to detail.
I always tell my family that you can buy broken things, but injuries stay with you for life. So, don't spare any effort to avoid and prevent things that can be avoided and prevented.
The LUFT I'm recommending this time is indeed about 3,000 yen more expensive than the AUTOWN.
However, based on these experiences, I strongly recommend investing in safety.
Summary
How was it?
If your car battery dies on the way to a fun camping trip, it will ruin the good memories.
It would be great if you could call JAF, but when that's not possible, a battery starter is essential.
Put your mind at ease in your trunk, and let's head to the distant mountains.
