Why does the battery run down in winter?

Car batteries store and release energy through chemical processes. In cold weather, these processes are slower, so the battery can deliver less energy, while the vehicle's energy demand is at its highest. Cold starts require more energy because the engine oil becomes denser as it cools, making it harder for the starter to turn the engine. In addition, electrical systems such as the seat heater, window heater or fan also put a strain on the battery. The combination of these two factors means that the battery drains more quickly in cold weather and may not be able to start the engine.

Fortunately, if your battery is flat, there are several effective and safe ways to restart your vehicle.

One classic method is to use a bull cable. In this case, the battery of another car is used as a power source. By connecting the two batteries in the correct sequence and polarity, the discharged battery will provide enough power to start the engine. This is a quick and efficient solution, but it is important to make the connections correctly to avoid damage to the electrical systems.

An increasingly popular alternative is to use a portable starter unit, also known as a starting power bank. These compact devices can provide enough power to bring a fully discharged battery to life - without the need for external assistance from another vehicle. They have the advantage of being easy to use, safe and providing a quick solution in an emergency. What's more, many modern starters have a USB port so they can be used to charge a phone, tablet or other device.

Prevention is just as important: in cold weather, it's a good idea to check the battery regularly, keep the hooks clean and make sure the battery is at the right charge level. A well-maintained battery can prevent a lot of annoyance during the winter months.

What is a battery biking powerbank?

A portable jump starter - more commonly known as a car bikeshaker - is a handy and powerful device that allows you to restart your car without the help of another vehicle when the battery is flat. The device provides a high current for a short time, enough to turn the engine over and start the car - even if the battery is completely flat. Essentially, it performs the same function as a conventional bull cable, but without external assistance.

It's particularly valuable in unexpected situations: if you're stuck in a car park, at home or even on a deserted stretch of road, for example, you don't need another car to come to your rescue. With a few simple steps, you can start your vehicle on your own, quickly and safely.

Modern portable starters are compact and lightweight, so they fit easily in the boot or glove compartment. Many models have a multifunctional design, with built-in LED lights, USB ports or even a compressor. So they can be used not only to start the vehicle, but also to charge the phone, light the car or check the tyre pressure, which is particularly useful on longer journeys.

From a technological point of view, these devices are usually powered by a high-power lithium-ion battery, which, despite their compact size, can deliver a high starting current. They are therefore suitable not only for passenger cars, but also for SUVs, vans and small commercial vehicles. The advanced bikes are equipped with advanced safety features such as surge, reverse polarity and short circuit protection, making them safe for both the user and the vehicle's electronics.

Another advantage is that the starter units can be recharged and retain their charge level for a long time. A fully charged device can be ready to be used for months if needed. Only periodic recharging is needed to ensure maximum performance at all times.

Their ease of use, reliability and versatility make these devices ideal for everyday drivers, fleet managers, truckers and travellers alike. A well-chosen portable biker gives a real sense of security, as the owner is no longer vulnerable to the inconvenience of a dead battery - whether it's a cold winter morning or a remote location.

How to use it?

The biker powerbank is extremely easy to use and works in the same way as a traditional biker cable. There are two cables at the device's outlets: one red (+) and one black (-). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Connect the cables:

• Connect the red (+) cable to the red (+) terminal of the car battery.
• Connect the black (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

Turn on the starter:

• Once connected, press the power button to activate the device.

Start the car:

• Once you have connected the cables and turned on the device, get in the car, turn off all internal consumers (e.g. lights, radio, seat heater) and try to start the car. If you have a manual gearbox, do all this with the clutch in neutral to ease the engine's crankshaft when turning over.

Keep to the safety time limits:

• A start should not take longer than 10 seconds. If the car does not start, wait 30 seconds and try again. If after 5 attempts it still fails, wait 10-15 minutes before trying again.

Advantages of a bull battery compared to a conventional bull cable

The biker powerbank has several advantages over the traditional biker cable, which requires connecting two cars together.

• No need for another vehicle. This is especially useful if you are alone or stuck in a deserted place.
• Portability: these devices are lightweight and compact in size, so you can always take them with you in the car without taking up much space.
• Easy to use: using a car biking powerbank is extremely simple, requiring no technical knowledge or experience. No complicated setup or outside help is required.
• No need to have any technical or technical knowledge or training required.
• Quick and safe: while bull-wire starting can take longer and requires some skill to connect the cables, the quick-start starter starts the car quickly and efficiently. Plus, there's no danger of another passenger getting stuck on the side of the road.

Which are the best brands?

The Unix webshop offers a range of starter motors from several different brands, from entry-level models to professional solutions. Here are a few you can't go wrong with:

NOCO Boost: The NOCO Boost Plus is the cheapest entry-level model in the range, but it already delivers 1000 Ah of starting current, enough for an average car. By way of comparison, the factory battery in a BMW X1 is 760 Ah.

Telwin: Also a recognised brand that also offers products for professional users. Their starters are robust and perform well in extreme conditions. Plus, it also includes a high brightness LED light, which comes in handy when you need to find the right cables at night.

Osram: Osram, which is mainly known for its lighting technology, also produces high-quality starter units. The Batterystart 200, for example, is a compact and powerful lithium fast starter with power bank function and a 6000 mAh lithium cobalt battery.

In summary: here's what we learned about battery charging bikes

The battery biker powerbank is an extremely useful tool for any car owner, as it allows you to jump-start a dead battery without the help of another motorist.

Different manufacturers offer battery powered bikes with different capacities. For a passenger car a 1000 Ah starter is sufficient, for trucks we recommend a 2000 or 4000 Ah powerbank.

If you're going on long journeys or use your car frequently during the cold winter months, you should get a portable bikeshare from the Unix webshop, and if you're doing long-distance transport, it's a must!