A: CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. This is the amount of power exerted by your battery when starting your vehicle on a cold day. The definition by Battery Council International (BCI) is the discharge load in amperes which a new fully charged battery at 0 degrees Fahrenheit can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a voltage of 1.2 volts per cell or higher.
Q2: What is the difference in CCA and CA or HCA?
A: CA and HCA stands for Cranking Amps and Hot Cranking Amps these ratings are the same as CCA, but are typically tested at 32ºF and 80ºF respectively. These ratings may be useful for people not living in cold weather climates. The 32ºF and 80ºF rating are also sometimes referred to as MCA, or Marine Cranking Amps.
Q3: What does RC or reserve mean?
A: RC stands for Reserve Capacity . The BCI defines this as the number of minutes which a new, fully charged battery at 80ºF can be continuously discharged at 25 amperes and maintain a voltage equal to or higher than 1.75 volts per cell. This is a useful number should your battery have to provide power for ignition, lighting , etc. in the event of failure in the vehicles electricity generating system.
Q4: What is the #1 reason for battery failure?
A: Positive grid corrosion. This is a natural occurrence over time, however it is accelerated by operating in an extremely hot climate or by overcharging. Overcharging can occur due to malfunction on the part of your vehicle's electrical system. Vibration is also a major reason for battery failure.
Q5: Which is worse for a battery, hot weather or cold weather?
A: Hot weather. While most of us have grown up thinking that cold weather is the worst weather for a battery, the fact is that your car is simply harder to start on very cold days. This is primarily due to the thickening of the motor oil during extreme cold. Heat actually damages the battery. Studies indicate that the average battery lasts nearly twice as long in a cold weather climate vs. a hot weather climate.
A: Yes, if it is in a state of discharge. It is very important to make sure your battery stays fully charged in extreme cold weather. If a battery freezes, it can damage the plates and container.
Q7: Will a battery rapidly self discharge if placed on concrete?
A: No, placing a battery on concrete will not cause it to discharge any faster than any other surface.
Q8: Can I store a battery indefinitely?
A: No, a battery will self-discharge slowly over time. Allowing a battery to sit in a discharged state will ultimately lead to severe positive grid corrosion and battery failure. An un-used battery should never be allowed to sit over 6 months without a recharge.
Q9: Do I need to add water to my battery?
A: Today's low maintenance and maintenance-free battery's should not require water addition. However, due to a vehicles electrical system sometimes performing at less than 100%, some water addition may be necessary from time to time. Continental Batteries do provide you with removable vent caps in the unlikely event you should have to add water due to an inefficient electrical system in your vehicle. It is advised that you periodically check the water level of your battery.
Q10: What does the battery group size (BCI) refer to?
A: This refers to the physical dimensions of the battery. It also includes the post type and configuration, hold-down type, etc.
Q11: Can I replace the battery in my vehicle with a different battery group size?
A: Yes, as long as the voltage is the same (i.e. 12 volts). Before doing this, however, you should make sure that the replacement battery fits in the vehicle and can be properly secured(held down) to avoid excessive vibration. You should also check your vehicle's manual to make certain that you use a replacement battery with sufficient Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).
Q12: Can a battery really explode?
A: Yes, when working with or near a battery, or jump starting
a vehicle, always:
Promotional Products - Route Truck Service - FAQ - Warranty Info - Contact Info Home Page - About Us - Our Batteries - Customer Service - Dealer Resources |
Continental Battery
1-800-442-0081
E-mail
Us
© Copyright 2003 Continental Batteries Company
Delivering Quality Since 1932