Battery CCA Rating: Winter Is Coming! Do You Know Yours

As we enter sub-zero temperatures, the health of your vehicle battery should be a top concern. Modern vehicles and their engines place great demands on automotive 12-volt battery systems. In addition to starting your engine, this system must power new vacuum controls, computerized engine diagnostic and control systems, and more elaborate passenger entertainment systems. Do you know your battery CCA rating?

With that said, how do you ensure that your battery meets the demands of starting your vehicle in winter? There’s a rating system called the Cold Cranking Amperes (CCA).

Cold weather can be a real problem for your vehicle when it comes to the health of its battery. Thus, before winter comes, you should be checking its CCA rating. Below, we’ll discuss relevant information about battery CCA rating and what it means to your battery.

What Is a CCA Battery Rating?

Cold Cranking Amperes, or CCA, is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery’s ability to start an engine in freezing temperatures. The higher the CCA rating, the faster an engine’s cranking. In cold climates, a battery’s CCA rating is a better indicator of suitability and performance. Therefore, you should consider it when comparing and selecting your battery.

“The rating refers to the number of amperes a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts,” explains Jim Mitchell, VP of Retail Sales at Bauer Built. “The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of the battery. Battery Council International (BCI) defines it as ‘the number of amperes a lead-acid battery at 0ºF can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell.’”

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Why Check the CCA Rating of a Battery?

A battery’s starting power deteriorates with its age, and cold weather won’t make your battery last longer. Higher starting power is a good indicator of battery life. Thus, one should purchase a new battery with such power.

If your area rarely experiences temperatures below zero, replacing your battery with an extra 300 CCA isn’t inevitable. However, it’s still critical that replacement batteries have a CCA rating equal to or greater than the original battery for optimal performance.

Typically, the average CCA reading for a car ranges from 350A to 600A and higher for trucks. The higher your CCA reading, the more power you’ll have. For instance, a battery with a CCA rating of 500A can deliver 500A at –18°C (0°F) for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts.

Cold temperatures can negatively impact a battery’s ability to produce power by slowing down the chemical reactions that occur within the battery. This leads to a weaker electric current. Moreover, cold climates will cause engine oil to thicken and become difficult to pump through the engine block. If the temperature gets low enough, diesel fuel will gel, making it impossible for the engine to run.

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Cold Cranking Amperes vs Cold Cranking Amperes

Apart from CCA, some batteries also feature a Cranking Amperes (CA) rating or Marine Cranking Amperes (MCA). While they’re used in various temperatures, CCA and CA values indicate how much power the battery can produce at a given temperature. Typically, a CA rating is higher due to warmer temperatures.

Check Your Battery’s CCA Today

As with all power systems in your vehicle, it’s vital to test your battery’s performance regularly. Batteries that sit unused for long periods will naturally self-discharge. However, the real damage occurs when a depleted battery’s electrolytes meet freezing temperatures, cracking the internals and the case.

Moreover, measuring CCA can help you evaluate your battery’s health as we approach the coldest months. To ensure your battery’s performance, visit one of our Bauer Built locations. We use advanced diagnostic and testing equipment for efficient battery testing. If you need insights and tips on general tire maintenance and vehicle repair services, you can count on us at Bauer Built.

Categories: Battery, Bauer Built Blog, Car Care Tips