Do Speedway Stores Carry Jumper Cables?

Yes—many Speedway gas stations and convenience stores stock basic jumper cables, but availability varies by location and time of day. Because Speedway does not publish a chain-wide product inventory, the fastest way to confirm is to call the specific store you plan to visit or check in person.

What Speedway Typically Stocks

Speedway locations commonly carry a modest selection of automotive essentials—motor oil, windshield washer fluid, wiper blades, air fresheners, fuses, and often emergency items like jumper cables. Where available, cables are usually found in the automotive aisle or displayed near the front counter. Selection and price points can vary, but convenience stores typically carry lighter-duty sets for emergency use; heavier-duty cables and portable jump starters are less consistently stocked.

How to Confirm Availability at a Nearby Speedway

Because inventory can change quickly and differs by store, a short call ahead can save time. Store staff can tell you whether cables are in stock and where to find them in the store.

• Use the Speedway store locator to find the nearest location and phone number, then call to ask if they currently have jumper cables in stock.
• Ask about cable specs (gauge and length). For most cars, 4–6 gauge and 12–20 feet is practical; lighter 8–10 gauge sets are more common at convenience stores.
• Confirm price and whether they carry portable jump starters if you prefer a battery pack instead of cables.
• Check store hours; many Speedway locations are open late or 24/7, but hours vary by region.
• If they’re out of stock, ask staff for the nearest auto-parts store or big-box retailer with inventory.

These quick checks help ensure you get the right gear without extra trips, especially if you’re dealing with a roadside situation or late-night need.

Alternatives if Your Speedway Doesn’t Have Them

If your local Speedway is out of jumper cables, several other options can solve the problem quickly, often with broader selection or roadside support.

• Auto parts chains (AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly, NAPA) typically stock multiple gauges, lengths, and portable jump starters.
• Big-box retailers (Walmart, Target) often carry budget-friendly and higher-capacity cables and jump packs, with extended hours in many areas.
• Truck stops and travel centers (Love’s, Pilot/Flying J) frequently carry emergency automotive gear for 24/7 travelers.
• Pharmacy chains and supermarkets sometimes stock basic cables in urban locations.
• Roadside assistance (AAA, insurance add-ons, credit card benefits, new-car assistance) can jump-start your vehicle on-site.

Checking these alternatives can get you back on the road faster if a given Speedway location doesn’t have the specific cables or capacity you need.

What to Look For in Jumper Cables

Not all jumper cables perform the same in cold weather or with larger engines. A few specifications can make a big difference in reliability and safety.

• Gauge: Lower numbers mean thicker cables and better current flow. Aim for 4–6 gauge for most cars and crossovers; 2–4 gauge for trucks and SUVs.
• Length: 12–20 feet offers flexibility in tight parking situations without excessive resistance.
• Clamps: Look for strong, fully insulated clamps with solid teeth and good spring tension for secure contact.
• Conductors: Copper or copper-clad aluminum is common; pure copper typically performs best but costs more.
• Insulation: Flexible, cold-resistant insulation helps in winter and reduces tangling.
• Storage: A carrying bag or wrap keeps cables untangled and clean in your trunk.

Choosing the right combination of gauge, length, and build quality improves starting power and reduces the chance of poor connections or overheating.

Quick Safety Reminders

Using jumper cables incorrectly can damage electronics or cause sparks. Follow your vehicle manual, and use a safe connection sequence.

1. Park close but not touching; both vehicles in Park (or Neutral for manuals) with ignitions off and parking brakes on.
2. Connect red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+) terminal, then the other red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+).
3. Connect black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (−) terminal, then the final black clamp to an unpainted metal ground on the disabled vehicle (not the battery).
4. Start the donor vehicle, wait a minute, then try starting the disabled vehicle.
5. Remove cables in reverse order; avoid moving parts and keep clamps from touching.
6. Consult your manual for hybrid/EV guidance—many hybrids and EVs require specific jump points and procedures, and some should not be used as donors.

If you’re unsure about the procedure or see signs of a damaged battery (cracks, swelling, strong sulfur smell), call for professional roadside assistance instead.

Store Hours and Regional Notes

Speedway locations (now part of 7-Eleven’s network) often operate late or around the clock, but hours and product assortments vary by market. Urban and high-traffic highway locations are more likely to stock emergency automotive items such as jumper cables than smaller neighborhood stores.

Summary

Many Speedway stores do sell jumper cables, but there’s no chain-wide inventory and availability differs by location. Call the specific store to confirm stock and specs, and consider nearby auto parts retailers or roadside assistance if your local Speedway doesn’t have what you need.

How to jump start without jumper cables?

To jump-start a car without cables, use the “push start” method for manual transmission vehicles by pushing the car to a moderate speed (around 5 mph) with the ignition on and clutch depressed, then popping the clutch in second gear to engage the engine. For automatic vehicles, a portable jump starter box or a commercial portable car battery charger is required, which provides power to the battery and can charge your phone simultaneously. 
For Manual Transmission Vehicles (Push Starting)
This method uses the car’s momentum to turn the engine and start it. 

1. Ensure you have help: You will need someone to help push the car. 
2. Get in the driver’s seat: Turn the ignition on. 
3. Press the clutch: Push the clutch pedal all the way down. 
4. Engage the gear: Put the car into second gear. 
5. Push the car: Have your helpers push the car. 
6. Pop the clutch: Once the car reaches about 5 miles per hour, release the clutch abruptly. 
7. Drive the car: The engine should start; keep the engine running for a while to let the alternator charge the battery. 

For Automatic Transmission Vehicles
Push starting will not work on an automatic transmission, so you must use an alternative power source. 

1. Use a portable car battery charger (jump starter):
   • Charge the jump starter box.
   • Connect the jump starter’s cables to the dead battery terminals (red to positive, black to a bare metal part of the frame).
   • Follow the device’s instructions to turn it on and start your car.
   • Disconnect the starter and then drive to an auto repair shop.

Other Options

• Call for Roadside Assistance: A professional service can help you. 
• Use a Portable Charger: You can use a portable car battery charger (jump starter box) to charge the battery enough to start the car. 

Do gas stations have jumper cables?

Some gas stations sell jumper cables, while others do not, as many are now primarily convenience stores. It’s best to call ahead to check, or consider visiting an auto parts store, which will have a definitive selection. 
What to do if you need jumper cables

• Call the gas station: Ask them if they sell jumper cables, as some locations do. 
• Visit an auto parts store: An auto parts store is guaranteed to have jumper cables for sale. 
• Check for a portable jump starter: Some larger gas stations might offer portable jump starters, which are a battery-charging device, rather than traditional cables. 
• Ask for help: If you are already at the gas station, you can ask the employees if they have jumper cables or are willing to help, as some may. 

Who has the best jumper cables?

The Best Jumper Cables of 2025

• Best Overall Jumper Cables: VIKING 20 ft.
• Best Budget Jumper Cables: PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE 12 ft.
• Best Premium Jumper Cables: Diehard Advanced Power Booster Cable 71303.
• Best Practical Choice Jumper Cables: Energizer 6 Gauge Jumper Cables.

Does roadside assistance have jumper cables?

Aside from jump boxes and 10 to 20-foot long jumper cables, a AAA roadside assistance provider also keeps wrenches and a wire brush as handy jump-starting tools.