A dead car battery has a nasty habit of showing up when you need your car the most. Whatever the reason, hearing that dreaded click when you turn the key isn't exactly how anyone wants to start their day. That's where a portable jump starter can be a surprisingly useful thing to keep in the trunk.
Unlike traditional jumper cables, it doesn't require another vehicle to give your battery a boost. It's small enough to stash away, easy to carry, and can turn a potentially frustrating roadside wait into a problem you can handle yourself.