Jump Start Vs. Battery Charger
by Sam Adams
If your battery does not have enough charge to start your engine there are two options for getting your car started: Jump starting the car or using a battery charger.
Considerations
Jump starting a car is a quick fix, but it requires that you have another car available and jumper cables. Using a battery charger can take several hours, but all you need is a charger and access to electricity.
Battery Charger Features
When charging your battery with a it can take 12 hours to two days to get a full charge on your battery. Some quick chargers will work faster, but will not give a full charge and are harder on the battery.
Jump Start Features
Jump starting your car will get you back on the road quickly, but once running you need to drive for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery.
Potential
If your battery was discharged because the lights were left on or something similar, charging with a charger or jump starting it will likely fix the problem. If the battery continues to die, the problem may be with the alternator or another component of the electrical system.
Fun Fact
If your car is a manual transmission, you may be able to start the engine by getting a push while in neutral and putting car into gear.
Writer Bio
Sam Adams has been writing since 2009 for various websites, specializing in gardening, travel and green lifestyles. She graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University in 2001 with a major in English and a minor in history.
