NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Lithium Jump Starter Review
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A dead car battery is one of those problems that always seems to happen at the worst time. You are trying to leave for work, heading home from the store, or sitting in a parking lot wondering who you can call for help.
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is made for that exact situation. It is a compact lithium jump starter you can keep in your vehicle so you are not stuck waiting for another car, jumper cables, or roadside assistance.
In this review, we will look at what the NOCO GB40 does well, where it has a few drawbacks, and whether it is worth keeping in your car as an emergency tool.
Quick Recommendation
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a good choice for drivers who want a small, easy-to-store jump starter for everyday vehicles.
It is rated for gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters, so it covers many cars, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, vans, boats, and smaller trucks.
The biggest thing to know is that you need to keep it charged. This is not something to toss in the trunk and ignore for a year.
Best for: Drivers who want a compact emergency jump starter they can use without another vehicle.
Not best for: People with larger diesel engines or anyone who will forget to check the charge.
What Is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40?
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a 1000-amp lithium jump starter for 12-volt vehicle batteries. It is designed to help start a dead battery without needing a second vehicle.
It also works as a small power bank for phones and tablets, and it has a built-in LED flashlight for nighttime or roadside use.
For most people, the main reason to buy it is simple. It gives you a backup plan when your battery dies.
Key Features
- 1000 amps of peak power for jump starting dead 12-volt batteries.
- Works with gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel engines up to 3.0L.
- Compact design that fits in a trunk, glove box, or emergency kit.
- Spark-proof protection and reverse polarity protection.
- Built-in power bank for charging phones and other USB devices.
- 100-lumen LED flashlight with multiple light modes.
- Rugged housing with rubberized protection.
- Includes clamps, charging cable, storage bag, user guide, and warranty information.
What I Like About It
It Is Small Enough to Keep in the Car
The best emergency tool is the one you actually have with you.
The GB40 is small enough to keep in your vehicle without taking up much room. That makes it more practical than a large booster pack that ends up sitting in the garage.
You Do Not Need Another Vehicle
Regular jumper cables are useful, but only if someone else is around to help.
With the NOCO GB40, you can boost your battery without needing another car parked beside you. That is the main reason this product makes sense for people who drive alone, commute, travel, or live somewhere cold.
It Feels Less Intimidating Than Jumper Cables
A lot of people feel nervous about connecting clamps to a battery.
The GB40 includes spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection, which helps make the process feel more beginner-friendly. You still need to follow the instructions, but the safety features are a big part of the appeal.
The Flashlight Is Actually Useful
A dead battery is annoying during the day. At night, it is worse.
The built-in flashlight helps you see under the hood, check the battery area, and handle the situation with less stress. It is a small feature, but it makes sense on a roadside emergency tool.
It Can Charge Your Phone
The power bank feature is another useful bonus.
If your car will not start and your phone is low, being able to charge it can make a big difference. This also makes the GB40 handy for road trips, camping, and winter driving.
What Could Be Better?
You Have to Keep It Charged
This is the biggest downside.
The NOCO GB40 can slowly lose charge while sitting unused, especially if it is stored in a vehicle through heat, cold, and changing temperatures.
If you buy it, make checking the charge part of your routine. Every month or two is a good habit, especially before winter or a long road trip.
The Cables Are Short
The clamps work, but the cables are not very long.
For many vehicles, this will be fine. For some battery setups, it may feel a little awkward to position the unit while connecting the clamps.
A Hard Case Would Be Better
The included storage bag is helpful, but a hard case would offer better protection.
If you plan to keep it in a trunk with tools, sports gear, or other emergency supplies, you may want to buy a separate case.
Who Should Buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40?
This is a good fit if you want a practical emergency tool for a regular car, SUV, motorcycle, ATV, boat, van, or smaller truck.
It also makes sense for new drivers, commuters, parents, students, and anyone who does not want to depend on strangers for a boost.
If you live in a cold area, it is especially worth considering. Winter is hard on batteries, and having a charged jump starter in the car can save a lot of stress.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip this model if you have a larger diesel engine or a vehicle outside the rated engine size. In that case, a bigger NOCO model may be a better match.
You may also want to skip it if you know you will never remember to recharge it. A portable jump starter is only helpful if it has power when you need it.
Can It Replace Jumper Cables?
For many drivers, yes.
The main advantage is that you do not need another vehicle. You can handle a dead battery on your own, as long as the jump starter is charged.
Still, there is nothing wrong with keeping both. Jumper cables are cheap and do not need charging. The NOCO GB40 gives you independence. Together, they make a stronger emergency kit.
Is It Good for Winter Driving?
Yes, this is one of the better reasons to own one.
Cold weather can make weak batteries fail suddenly. If your car has ever struggled to start on a freezing morning, you already know how useful a jump starter can be.
Just remember to check the charge before winter. Leaving it untouched for months and hoping for the best is not the way to use this product.
Is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Worth It?
For most everyday drivers, yes.
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is compact, practical, and easy enough for non-mechanics to use. It gives you a way to deal with a dead battery without waiting for help.
It is not perfect. The cables could be longer, and you need to keep the unit charged. But those are manageable issues if you treat it like part of your vehicle emergency kit.
If it saves you from being stranded even once, it can feel worth the money.
Final Thoughts
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is one of those products you hope you do not need often, but you will be glad to have when you do.
It is small enough to keep in your vehicle, powerful enough for many everyday engines, and simple enough for most drivers to use with a little preparation.
The key is maintenance. Charge it when you get it, read the instructions, and check the battery level every so often.
If you want a compact lithium jump starter for your car emergency kit, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a strong option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles can the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 jump start?
The NOCO GB40 is rated for 12-volt batteries in gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. That covers many cars, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, vans, boats, and smaller trucks.
Can the NOCO GB40 jump start a completely dead battery?
It is designed to jump start dead batteries, but severely damaged or deeply discharged batteries may not respond normally. Always follow the user guide before using it.
How often should I charge the NOCO Boost Plus GB40?
Check it every month or two and recharge it as needed. It is especially important to check it before winter, long drives, or road trips.
Can the NOCO GB40 charge a phone?
Yes. It can be used as a portable power bank for phones, tablets, and other compatible USB devices.
Does the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 come with a case?
It usually comes with a microfiber storage bag. If you want more protection, a hard case may be worth buying separately.
Is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 better than jumper cables?
It is more convenient because you do not need another vehicle. Jumper cables are still useful, but the GB40 gives you a way to boost your battery on your own.
Is the NOCO GB40 good for winter?
Yes, as long as it is charged. Cold weather is hard on car batteries, so keeping a charged jump starter in your vehicle can be very useful during winter.
