That consolidation is valuable in a road car or touring setup where storage space matters. It may also make pre-trip checks simpler: one unit to inspect, charge and pack instead of several loose gadgets.
The catch is that all four functions depend on the same internal lithium battery. If you leave the A5 discharged, damaged or baking in an unsuitable storage location, all four benefits can disappear at once. Multi-function gear rewards owners who actually maintain it.
The biggest advantage of a portable jump starter is independence. Traditional jumper leads require another suitable vehicle, correct positioning and someone willing to help. As explained in our portable jump starter buyer guide, a charged jump pack can be used when you are alone–provided the vehicle and situation are compatible and you follow the instructions precisely.
GOOLOO claims the A5 can support 12V petrol vehicles and diesel engines up to 10 litres. That sounds generous, but engine size is only part of the story. Battery condition, temperature, connection quality, vehicle electronics and the cause of the no-start all matter.
- Move away from traffic and make the scene safe.
- Read the vehicle owner's manual and the A5 manual.
- Confirm that the vehicle uses a compatible 12V starting system.
- Inspect the battery for cracking, leaking, swelling, freezing or other obvious damage.
- Confirm the correct jump points and polarity.
- Keep the clamps apart and away from moving components.
- Stop if the unit becomes unusually hot, damaged or behaves unexpectedly.
Modern cars can have model-specific procedures and sensitive electronics. RAC WA warns that an incorrectly performed jump start can cause electrical damage; if you are unsure, roadside assistance or a qualified technician is the smarter call.
The A5 also has a BOOST function intended for a deeply discharged battery. Treat that as an advanced step, not a button to press casually. Safety protections may behave differently in an override mode. Use it only in the circumstances described by the current manual, after confirming polarity and connection.
Most importantly, jump starting is not battery repair. If the vehicle needs repeated jumps, struggles to crank or shows battery damage, have the battery and charging system tested and work through these battery and camp power checks. The underlying problem may be a worn battery, an alternator fault, parasitic drain or something unrelated to the battery altogether.
Is the built-in inflator enough for a 4WD?
This is where expectations matter.
GOOLOO lists a 160 PSI maximum and 35 L/min airflow. It also claims the A5 can move a 285/70R17 tyre from 30 to 36 PSI in around two minutes. That is a useful reference point, but it is a manufacturer claim under its test conditions–not a promise for every tyre, temperature or battery state.
For common jobs, the inflator looks genuinely handy:
- Correcting a tyre that is a few PSI low before a highway run
- Adding air after plugging a small tread puncture
- Adjusting caravan, trailer, bike or recreational equipment pressures within the unit's instructions
- Equalising pressures when a tyre-pressure monitor flags a small difference
- Providing an emergency option when the nearest servo compressor is unavailable
For serious 4WD use, maximum pressure is not the key number. Large tyres contain a lot of air. Airflow, hose design, heat management and duty cycle determine how long it takes to bring four tyres from low sand pressures back to safe road pressures.
The A5's compact inflator may do that job eventually, but repeatedly asking a small battery-powered unit to air up four large tyres is different from topping up one. A dedicated unit chosen with help from our portable 12V compressor guide remains the more appropriate primary tool for regular beach driving and remote touring.
The sensible setup is not necessarily "A5 or compressor". It can be A5 for jump starting and quick tyre jobs, plus a high-duty compressor for planned 4WD air-downs. Add a proper tyre repair kit, accurate gauge and serviceable spare; inflation alone cannot repair sidewall damage or a tyre that cannot safely hold air.
A5 versus the alternatives
| Option |
Best use |
Main advantage |
Main limitation |
| GOOLOO A5 |
Compact multi-purpose roadside backup |
Jump starter, inflator, light and USB power in one unit |
Shared battery; compact inflator is not ideal for repeated large-tyre air-ups |
| Jump-only lithium pack |
Drivers focused on starting support |
Often smaller and simpler |
No tyre inflation |
| High-duty 12V compressor |
Regular 4WD tyre deflation and reinflation |
Better suited to sustained, high-volume airflow |
Cannot jump-start a vehicle |
| Jumper leads |
Vehicles travelling with another suitable vehicle |
No internal lithium battery to maintain |
Requires a donor vehicle and correct jump procedure |
| Roadside assistance |
Uncertain faults or complex modern vehicles |
Skilled help and potential diagnostics |
Wait times and remote-area coverage can vary |
If your vehicle rarely leaves sealed roads and you want one compact "just in case" tool, the A5's versatility is compelling. If every weekend involves airing down 33-inch tyres, prioritise a proper compressor and view the A5 as a secondary convenience.
What we like
Four genuinely relevant roadside functions
This is not a novelty combination of unrelated gadgets. Starting, tyre pressure, light and phone power are all useful around a stranded vehicle.
No donor vehicle required
A compatible, charged jump pack gives solo drivers a degree of independence that jumper leads cannot.
Auto-stop inflation
Preset pressure can reduce the faffing involved in a small top-up, although it remains wise to verify pressures with a trusted gauge and follow the vehicle placard.
Built-in USB-C output cable
A cable attached to the unit is harder to forget. The listed 45W output may be useful for compatible travel devices, but charging performance depends on the connected device and protocol.
Compact enough to remain in the kit
Emergency gear only helps if it is actually packed, maintained and reachable. The A5's size is practical for many boots and cargo drawers.
What we would watch
It is not a complete recovery kit
The A5 cannot replace safe recovery knowledge, a spare tyre, puncture-repair gear, a proper compressor for repeated air-ups, battery maintenance or roadside support.
Claimed peak amps are difficult to compare
Brands do not always present peak-output claims under identical test conditions. Do not select a jump starter on the biggest number alone. Compatibility, clamp design, protections, instructions, warranty support and owner maintenance all matter.
Lithium gear dislikes neglect and extreme heat
The manufacturer recommends recharging the A5 every three months and warns against storage above its stated temperature limit, including high-temperature parked vehicles. The ACCC advises keeping lithium-ion products in cool, dry places out of direct sunlight and not using products that are swollen, leaking, venting gas or overheating.
That presents a practical Australian problem: a jump pack is most useful in the vehicle, but parked vehicles can become extremely hot. Follow the current manufacturer's storage instructions, choose the coolest suitable location available, inspect the case regularly and build the unit into your pre-trip routine.
One battery powers everything
Inflating tyres and charging devices consumes energy you may later want for a jump. Preserve enough capacity for the task that matters most.
Who should buy the GOOLOO A5?
The A5 is a strong fit for:
- Commuters who want more capability than a basic jump pack
- Solo drivers who cannot rely on a donor vehicle
- Caravanners wanting a compact backup for the tow vehicle or trailer tyres
- Touring 4WD owners who already understand that a compact inflator is a backup, not their main sand-driving compressor
- Families building a practical emergency kit without filling the boot with separate gadgets
- Drivers who will set a reminder to inspect and recharge it
It is less suitable for:
- 24V vehicles or systems not explicitly supported
- Hybrid or electric vehicles unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically permits the procedure for the relevant 12V system
- Owners needing repeated, rapid inflation of large off-road tyres
- Anyone expecting it to diagnose or recharge a failing battery
- People likely to leave it uninspected in extreme vehicle heat for months
A simple pre-trip routine
A jump pack should not be something you discover flat during an emergency. Before a long drive:
- Inspect the A5, cable, clamps, hose and connectors for damage.
- Charge it with the equipment recommended by the manufacturer.
- Confirm that the display, light and inflator power on normally.
- Read the jump-start instructions before you are standing beside a dark road.
- Locate the approved jump points in your vehicle manual.
- Check tyre pressures when cold and inspect the spare.
- Pack gloves, an accurate gauge and a compatible tyre repair kit.
- Keep roadside-assistance details somewhere accessible without relying solely on a flat phone.
GOOLOO currently recommends recharging the A5 every three months. A repeating calendar reminder is cheap insurance, although the current manual should remain the final authority.
Final verdict: useful backup, not magic rescue box
The GOOLOO A5 has a better reason to exist than many multi-function gadgets. A flat starting battery, a soft tyre, a dark engine bay and a dying phone are all plausible road-trip problems. Combining support for all four into a compact unit could save space and make a stressful situation easier.
For most buyers, the value lies in convenience and independence. The auto-stop inflator broadens the A5 beyond a normal jump pack, while the USB output and light make it useful even when the car starts perfectly.
Just keep the claims in perspective. A 160 PSI maximum does not turn a compact inflator into a high-duty 4WD compressor. A 4,000A peak claim does not fix a failed battery or make every vehicle safe to jump. And no lithium emergency tool can help if it is damaged, overheated or left discharged.
Used within those limits–and maintained properly–the GOOLOO A5 looks like a practical one-box backup for Australian cars, utes and touring vehicles.
Ready to compare it with your current roadside kit? Check the latest GOOLOO A5 details and availability on Amazon Australia
Frequently asked questions
Can the GOOLOO A5 jump-start a diesel 4WD?
GOOLOO claims compatibility with 12V diesel engines up to 10.0 litres. That is a manufacturer rating, not a guarantee for every vehicle or battery condition. Confirm your vehicle's approved jump procedure and the current A5 instructions before use.
Does the GOOLOO A5 replace a 4WD air compressor?
Not for regular large-tyre air-ups. Its compact inflator should be useful for pressure corrections and emergency inflation, but touring drivers who repeatedly air down for sand or tracks should carry a dedicated compressor suited to sustained work.
Can I leave a lithium jump starter in my car?
Follow the manufacturer's current storage limits. GOOLOO warns against high-temperature storage, including very hot parked vehicles, and the ACCC recommends cool, dry storage away from direct sunlight. Inspect the unit regularly and never use a battery that is swollen, leaking, venting or overheating.
How often should I charge the GOOLOO A5?
GOOLOO currently recommends charging the A5 every three months for battery health. Check the current manual because maintenance advice can change, and charge it before longer trips.
Is the A5 a battery charger?
No. A jump starter provides a short burst to help crank a compatible vehicle. It does not properly recharge or diagnose the vehicle battery, and it will not solve an alternator fault or other underlying problem.
Can I use it on a hybrid, EV or 24V vehicle?
Do not assume so. The A5 is listed as a 12V jump starter. Hybrid and electric vehicles may have a separate 12V system with model-specific procedures, while many trucks use 24V. Consult the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the A5 manual; use professional assistance if there is any doubt.
What else should I carry with it?
At minimum, consider an accurate tyre gauge, tyre repair kit, serviceable spare, gloves, warning device, first-aid kit, water and roadside-assistance details. Remote travel requires a broader plan than any single gadget can provide.
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