CCA is a measurement of the number of amps a battery can deliver at 0° F for 30 seconds and not drop below 7.2 volts. The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of the battery.
Cranking amps is a measure of the number of amperes a lead acid battery at 32° F can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell.
This defines a battery’s ability to power a vehicle with an inoperative alternator or fan belt. The rating is the number of minutes a battery at 80 degrees F can be discharged at 25 amps and maintain a voltage of 10.5 volts for a 12 volt battery. The higher the reserve rating, the longer your vehicle can operate should your alternator or fan belt fail.
Dryfit batteries are lead-acid batteries, similar to automotive batteries except that the electrolyte (Acid and water) is immobilised in a silica gel substance. In addition, the case is sealed and safety valves are fitted to release excess gases in case of overcharging. This design makes them safe for use in electric vehicles and they can be charged inside premises with no danger of poisonous gas and acid escaping.
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will provide the vehicle manufacturer’s group size and CCA rating requirements for your car. Or, ask your battery retailer to refer to his battery application guide for the recommended battery. Remember: Never use a battery with a CCA lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Cold temperatures dramatically reduce the effectiveness of chemical reactions within the battery, while increasing the battery’s internal resistance. Both of these cause a reduction in cranking power as temperatures drop. Batteries left in a discharged state are also susceptible to freezing, which damages internal components and containers. It is important to keep batteries at a full charge during periods of extreme cold.
Heat is the number one cause of battery failure. Extreme heat causes the water in the battery’s electrolyte to evaporate. Further, heat causes a battery’s positive plate grids to corrode more rapidly. Both of these conditions are detrimental to the long-term life of a battery.
Modern automotive batteries need little attention. If your battery has removal vents, checking the water level and adding good drinking water as necessary to maintain the level at the bottom of the vent wells will help extend the life of the battery. Be careful never to overfill, as this will cause acid to be expelled from the vents during normal battery cycling. Check both terminals regularly for corrosion and tight connections. If necessary, clean with baking soda and water. Keep the top of the battery clean of heavy dirt and oil to prevent low-grade short-circuiting. If your vehicle has not been started in more than a month, recharge the battery before using the car.
Heat, vibration and malfunctioning vehicle electrical systems are the largest contributors to battery failures
Battery life will vary from vehicle to vehicle based upon many factors. If you would like better performance from your next battery, consider upgrading to a higher CCA/CA rating.
Warnings that a battery may need replacing or that the electrical system needs to be checked include:
- Slow or interrupted turnover of the starter motor.
- The instrument panel indicates battery discharge for extended periods after the engine is running.
- The battery seems to loose power quickly in cold or extended starts.
- The headlights dim at idle.
Many times there is little or no warning that a battery is about to fail. If you suspect the battery is failing, have it tested or replaced.
A modern automobile’s vehicle’s charging system consists of 3 components:
- Alternator – Mechanical device driven by the engine accessory belt. It provides continuous voltage to replenish the battery while the engine is running.
- Voltage Regulator – Monitors the battery’s state of charge and adjusts alternator activity as necessary to charge the vehicle’s battery and provide power necessary to run accessories.
- Battery – An electrical reservoir used to store electrical energy until it is needed by the vehicle’s starting system to crank the engine and power the fuel and ignition systems.
Remember: All batteries contain acid and can cause injury if not regarded as dangerous.
- Wear proper eye and skin protection
- Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
- Connect the other end of the same cable to the positive post on the boosting vehicle’s battery.
- Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative post of the booster battery.
- Make final jumper cable connection to the engine block of the stalled vehicle.
- Start disabled vehicle and disconnect cables in reverse order.
