# Curbside Picks

> Research-led buying guides for practical gear, starting with car emergency equipment (jump starters, tire inflators, battery maintainers, winter car kits). Written by the Curbside Picks editorial team. Specs come from manufacturer pages and Amazon.com listings; we do not claim hands-on testing, publish star ratings, or list prices. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

## Car emergency gear

- [Battery Tender vs NOCO GENIUS1: Which Maintainer Should You Buy?](https://curbsidepicks.com/battery-tender-vs-noco-genius1/): Choose the NOCO GENIUS1 if you want one 1A unit that covers 6V and 12V batteries and lists lithium (LiFePO4) support, plus a Force Mode for very flat batteries. Choose the Battery Tender Junior (750mA) for a small 12V powersports battery and a 5-year warranty. Choose the Battery Tender Plus (1.25A) if you want a simple 12V car or motorcycle maintainer with the longest warranty here (10 years).
- [Best Battery Maintainer for Winter Storage (2026): NOCO GENIUS vs Battery Tender](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-battery-maintainer-for-winter/): For a car or truck stored over winter, the NOCO GENIUS2 (2A, IP65, lithium and lead-acid) is our pick. Choose the GENIUS1 for motorcycles, mowers and small batteries up to 30Ah. Choose the GENIUS5 if you also need to recharge a flat car battery. The Battery Tender Plus is the simple option with the longest warranty (10 years).
- [Best Jump Starter for a 7.3 Power Stroke (2026)](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-jump-starter-for-7-3-power-stroke/): For a 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, pick a pack whose maker rates it for at least a 7.3L diesel, and preferably 8.0L. The NOCO Boost X GBX155 (4,250A, up to 10.0L gas / 8.0L diesel) is our top pick because that official rating covers the engine. The GOOLOO GT4000S is the lower-cost alternative, with a more generous maker's claim of 12.0L gas / 10.0L diesel. The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is the shop and farm pick, with the important caveat that its listing does not state an engine-size rating. The NOCO GB70 is not a match for the diesel 7.3, because NOCO rates it only to 6.0L diesel.
- [Best Jump Starter for Diesel Trucks (2026): Duramax, Cummins & Power Stroke](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-jump-starter-for-diesel-trucks/): For most heavy-duty diesel pickups (6.6L Duramax, 6.7L Cummins or Power Stroke), pick a pack whose maker rates it for at least an 8.0L diesel. The NOCO Boost X GBX155 (rated to 8.0L diesel) is our top pick. The GOOLOO GT4000S is the lower-cost alternative. Mid-size diesels up to 6.0L can use the smaller NOCO GB70.
- [Best Jump Starter with Air Compressor (2026): 2-in-1 Picks](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-jump-starter-with-air-compressor/): The GOOLOO A3 is our top 2-in-1 pick. It's rated for gas engines up to 9.0L and diesels up to 6.5L, has a 150 PSI compressor with auto shut-off, and carries an 18-month warranty. The JOLTEKON 4500A lists a higher 8L diesel rating. If you drive a heavy-duty diesel, a dedicated jump pack plus a separate inflator is still the safer choice.
- [Best OBD2 Scanner for Subaru (2026): Check-Engine and Four-System Options](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-obd2-scanner-for-subaru/): For a straightforward check-engine light on a 1996-or-newer US Subaru, the ANCEL AD310 is the simple pick. It reads and clears emission-related engine codes only — not ABS, airbags or transmission. If you want those four systems on a supported Subaru, the FOXWELL NT604 Elite is our overall pick: FOXWELL published NT604 Elite Subaru software V2.34.006 in its August 2025 upgrades post, and the listing still tells you to check compatibility for your year. The ANCEL FX2000-US is a four-system alternative for compatible vehicles, but we did not find a Subaru-specific coverage table on its Amazon listing.
- [Best Tire Inflator for Tesla Model Y & Model 3 (2026)](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-tire-inflator-for-tesla-model-y/): For most Model Y and Model 3 owners, the GOOLOO GT160 cordless inflator is our pick. Its listing specifically quotes a Model 3/Y tire going from 30 to 36 PSI in 63 seconds, and it has a 7,500mAh battery. If you want a long hose and a car charger in the box, choose the Fanttik X8 Apex EV. Always inflate to the cold pressure on your driver-door placard.
- [Best Tire Inflator for Trucks (2026): VIAIR 400P vs 88P vs 450P-RV](https://curbsidepicks.com/best-tire-inflator-for-trucks/): For most pickup and SUV tires up to 35 inches, the VIAIR 400P is our pick. VIAIR rates it at 2.30 CFM at 0 PSI, 150 PSI, a 33% duty cycle at 100 PSI and battery-clamp power. Choose the lighter VIAIR 88P for tires up to 33 inches, with a note that VIAIR's own sources disagree on its free-flow CFM. Choose the VIAIR 450P-RV if you need a 100% duty cycle at 100 PSI and tires up to 42 inches, including Class A motorhome tires. A cordless unit such as the Fanttik X10 APEX is only for lighter top-ups.
- [Car Stocking Stuffers Under $50 (2026): Practical Gifts for Drivers](https://curbsidepicks.com/car-stocking-stuffers-under-50/): Good car stocking stuffers under $50 are things drivers actually use. A digital tire gauge (AstroAI). An OBD2 check-engine code reader (ANCEL AD310). A battery maintainer (NOCO GENIUS1). A Lifehammer safety hammer. A 12V tire inflator (AstroAI AIRUN H). A MagSafe dash mount. Emergency blankets. Aluminum valve caps. Each was listed under $50 on Amazon.com when we checked on 15 November 2026, but prices change.
- [AstroAI L7 vs GOOLOO GT160 vs Fanttik X8 Apex: Cordless Tire Inflators Compared](https://curbsidepicks.com/cordless-tire-inflator-comparison/): Pick the AstroAI L7 if you want the smallest and lightest (under 1 lb) for occasional top-ups. The GOOLOO GT160 has the biggest battery (7,500mAh, up to 45 minutes) and quotes Tesla Model 3/Y inflation times. The Fanttik X8 Apex is built for repeated use, with up to 17 top-ups in a row without a cool-down, per Fanttik.
- [NOCO GB40 vs GB70 vs GBX155: Which Size Do You Need?](https://curbsidepicks.com/noco-gb40-vs-gb70-vs-gbx155/): Choose by engine. The GB40 (1000A) is rated for gas engines up to 6.0L and diesels up to 3.0L, so it suits most cars and small SUVs. The GB70 (2000A) covers gas up to 8.0L and diesel up to 6.0L, which means V8 trucks and mid-size diesels. The Boost X GBX155 (4250A) covers gas up to 10.0L and diesel up to 8.0L, the class you need for 6.6L/6.7L heavy-duty diesels.
- [Winter Car Emergency Kit (2026): What to Keep in Your Trunk](https://curbsidepicks.com/winter-car-emergency-kit/): A complete winter car kit covers five needs. Jump power (a lithium jump starter or jumper cables). Tire air (a cordless inflator and a gauge). Snow and ice clearing (a long snow brush and a folding shovel). Getting unstuck (a recovery strap). Staying safe and warm (emergency blankets and a window-break/seatbelt-cutter tool). Add water, snacks, gloves and a phone charger.

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