Don’t Stress Over a Dead Car Battery Anymore. This Single Gadget Makes a Jump Start Simple and Quick.

We’ve all been there before. You head out to your car on a chilly morning, only to start the ignition and realize you’ve got a dead battery. Next thing you know, you’re scrambling to find someone to come give you a jump start, or waiting for the mechanic to show up. Talk about a terrible way to start the day.Whether you find yourself with a depleted battery brought on by cold weather, leaving your lights on overnight, or a failed alternator, you can make jump-starting your car so much easier. One of our experts’ favorite tools of the year, the Milwaukee M18 Hotshot Jump Starter, will take much of the guesswork out of the jump start process, and even eliminate the need for another car and a pair of jumper cables. It’s a product highlighted in our 2026 Gear of the Year guide, which showcases the latest and greatest innovations in home, tech, and more.Small enough to slide under your seat, the Hotshot boasts 70 jump starts on a single charge, and it also includes a work light and USB port to charge your phone and other devices. And its uses extend even beyond your car; if your lawn mower, motorcycle, generator, or other piece of equipment has a weak battery, the Hotshot can give it a needed jump start.But our list of favorite gear goes further than providing product solutions for your auto needs. From inexpensive tools to appliances for your latest home upgrade, our guide has it all, and includes our experts’ own testimonials on why they think the featured products rank among the best of the best.What other gadgets will you add to your wishlist? Dive into the Gear of the Year feature for our full list of favorite models, and join Pop Mech Pro for exclusive access to all of our expert product reviews, DIY guides, and more.