USB output with 4-way device adaptor cable; including iPhone Lightning, USB C and Micro USB outputs to suit most mobile phone connectors Our tests include putting the blades in a freezer overnight to ensure they stay supple in cold weather, and the Bosch Aerotwin came out on top. Starting boost output of 1000A at 12V and 500A at 24V and peak output of 2000A at 12V and 1000A at 24V If you live in areas where the temperatures regularly plunge, it might be worth choosing dedicated winter tyres. These are a legal requirement in some European countries, because they make such a difference to safety in the colder months. A torch was fitted in the end of the jump start, pointing directly at the clamps, although there were no flashing modes as on the MSC. Of the five attempts, it managed to turn the engine over four times, although they were all much slower and half-hearted than the Overland, a reflection of the lower capacity of 6Ah. On the fifth attempt, it failed altogether and at the end, there was around 60 per cent charge left. Not a terrible result, but we get the feeling that if there were any other engine troubles, it would struggle to start it.

Our favourite breakdown warning devices go one stage further, adding flashing lights to make them even more visible. The test-winning Powerlantz also has a bright work light, so it can help you fix problems by the roadside. We take the two thin strips of rubber that keep our vision clear completely for granted. They are expected to provide smear-free cleaning in the coldest, wettest weather. Lithium ion batteries with very low charge cycle requiring only approx 6 monthly recharge if not used. This new Sealey looks smart and, at just 546g, is not much heavier than the Clarke. Rated for use with 4.0-litre petrol and 2.5-litre diesel engines, it passed our starting tests. Lithium Polymer batteries with very low charge cycle requiring only approx 9 hour monthly recharge if not used.Any driver who has been stranded in the snow, or had a ‘moment’ when driving through standing water, will know how crucial tyres are in winter. Most drivers will have an ice scraper and can of de-icer already, but now is the time to dig them out from the shed so you’re not left using a credit card to clear the screen when caught out while away from home. Internal 12V 18Ah Sealed lead acid battery, with mains powered charger and 12V charger lead for in-vehicle charging. Selectable 12V/10A and 19V/3.5A dc outputs with 8 adaptor plugs for use with laptop computers and other devices/accessories. With a whopping 18Ah on tap, the Plus version of MSC’s winner barely flinched at our starting tests, finishing with the battery state still at 100 per cent. Presented in a hard, zipped case, it’s dust/waterproof to the IP65 standard and comes with chargers for mains, USB and car. In addition, it has eight adaptors for charging a laptop; one worked well on our HP. It seems mean to have just one USB, but it has a multi-way cable to make life easier. Massively capable, if heavy, at 919g, this device can do almost everything.

Multi-function charge and start modes make the WBC180 a versatile piece of kit for any workshop or garage. Device is compatible with 12V and 24V lead acid batteries, with a capacity of up to 500Ah. Winter will take its toll on you and your car. The colder, wetter weather and longer hours of darkness mean you are going to have to concentrate harder while driving. Your car, meanwhile, will use more fuel, and harsh salt on the roads will accelerate corrosion.It powered our discharged battery from just 3V to turning over rapidly for all five tests, and all five LEDs were still bright at the end. The LEDs on the Smart Cable were bright, too, although the leads were a touch short. If you need the extra Ah for a larger engine or diesel, or for powering many devices, this is the one for you. For our starting test, each device had to assist an ailing battery on a 1.6-litre petrol engine, turning it over five times for five seconds, with two minutes in between attempts. The WBC180 is a heavy duty starter/charger, perfect for use in garages and bodyshops etc. Large wheels allow easy movement around the work area and the large ammeter at the top of the device provides a clear display of output current while in use.

Lithium-ion batteries with very low charge cycle requiring only approx 6 monthly recharge if not used.Many modern cars will have sophisticated LED headlamps, which have taken over from the equally bright xenon lights, which were popular on upmarket models a decade ago. But drivers of older and less expensive vehicles will still have to put up with the traditional halogen bulbs on at least some of their forward-facing lights. The JSM400 Jumpstarter is supplied with a zip fastening bag, AC battery charger, smart charging cable, switch cable, 3 way USb cable, car charger adapter and 8x notebook adaptors. This Clarke model has a monster Ah rating and was the heaviest of our trio, at 930g. The hard, zip-up case contained mains and car charging plugs, eight adapters for the DC 19V outputs and a four-way connector for most phones. It’s clearly designed with daily practicality in mind, not just for emergencies. Includes vehicle aux power outlet (cigarette lighter) and mains chargers. Very compact and lightweight: 220x90x30mm / 1.37

Machine Mart offers a range of jump starts for starting engines in the case of battery failure. We offer a heavy duty jump start which can be used for starting larger vehicles such as campervans. We also supply compact and more portable models suitable for smaller engines. A jump start can also be used to re-charge mobile phones and other electronic equipment, or even for inflating tyres, air beds etc. Includes vehicle aux power outlet (cigarette lighter) and mains chargers. Supplied in convenient zipped storage bag All perform well and our top four are particularly closely matched. The brand-new MSC just edges out the JSM300 Clarke, with Sealey’s recently launched RS600 chasing the leading pair hard. IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS PRODUCT IS NOT TO BE CONNECTED VIA A 13AMP PLUG. IT MUST BE CONNECTED TO A SUITABLE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY ISOLATOR OR HEAVY DUTY PLUGSelectable 12V/10A and 19V/3.5A dc outputs with 8 adaptor plugs for use with laptop computers and other devices/accessories