Portable Jump Starters Become Essential for Winter Driving

With frigid temperatures and snow pummeling the U.S., jump starters are a must-have for car owners this season.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

As winter storms continue to grip much of the country, portable jump starters have become a critical tool for car owners. The cold temperatures, snow, and ice can drain car batteries, leaving drivers stranded. Experts recommend keeping a reliable jump starter in the car to quickly get vehicles back on the road without waiting for roadside assistance or flagging down a neighbor.

Why it matters

This winter's brutal conditions have made jump starters an essential piece of gear for drivers. Batteries can quickly die in the cold, leaving people unable to start their cars. Having a portable jump starter on hand allows drivers to get back on the road quickly and avoid the hassle of waiting for help.

The details

The article highlights two top-recommended portable jump starters - the Battery Tender 2000 AMP 12V Jump Starter and the NoCo Boost X GBX155. Both units are praised for their power, reliability, and safety features that make them ideal for winter driving emergencies. The NoCo model is noted as particularly powerful and well-suited for larger vehicles like pickup trucks and RVs.

  • Winter storm Fern and a series of arctic blasts have been pummeling the U.S. in recent weeks.
  • Punxsutawney Phil has predicted several more weeks of winter weather.

The players

Battery Tender

A brand that makes a variety of jump starters, battery chargers, and maintainers that are popular with auto enthusiasts.

NoCo

A brand that makes powerful portable jump starters, including the high-end NoCo Boost X GBX155 model recommended in the article.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of waiting for roadside assistance, flagging down a neighbor, or digging for jumper cables in the snow, get yourself back on the road in minutes.”

— Sheilah Villari, Author

What’s next

With winter weather expected to continue for several more weeks, drivers should consider purchasing a reliable portable jump starter to keep in their vehicle.

The takeaway

This winter's extreme cold and snow have made portable jump starters an essential piece of gear for drivers. Having a dependable jump starter on hand can quickly get a stranded vehicle back on the road, avoiding the hassle of waiting for roadside assistance or other help.