Will a battery booster device really work?

I have seen advertised in a newspaper, a device you plug into a cars 12v point (ciggy Lighter) when charged you remove the device and if you have a flat battery in future simply re-insert the device into the ciggy lighter and it will boost your battery to start the car.

Do you know anything about this, is it genuine, does it work?

Asked on 3 December 2012 by sg&p

Answered by Honest John
Depends how the lighter socket/accessory socket is wired. If it's hard wired directly to the battery (with an inline fuse) then the gizmo might work. If not, it won't work.

Similar questions
Can you recommend a new car with as few gadgets as possible but space for dogs and lots of fishing gear. Doesn't need to be 4wd but ground clearance required, and switching off seat belt beeping required...
I have a 2009 manual BMW Z4 2.5 which I have owned for about 10 months. It looks great but is not overly comfortable on long runs, the gear changes don't appear to be smooth, it is very impractical and...
There seems to be an ever-growing number of electrically-powered devices in cars: digital instruments, heaters, fans, air conditioners, ever more powerful sound systems, built-in TVs, flashing indicators,...