TSimilar to CCA; Cranking amps is a measure of the number of amperes a lead acid battery at 32 degrees F can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. (CA ratings are more commonly used in climates where temperatures rarely drop to 0F.)

TA battery's Reserve Capacity represents the length of time the battery can maintain the vehicle's electrical needs in the event the alternator fails. Battery Council International defines Reserve Capacity as a measure of the time (in minutes) a lead-acid battery can deliver 25 amps at 80 degrees F and maintain terminal voltage of at least 1.75 volts/ cell.

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 materials for recommended fitment. Remember: Never use a battery with a CCA lower than the manufacturer's recommendation. Also, whenever available, a battery with a higher CCA is more capable of providing for the electrical needs of older vehicles, and will not adversely affect the vehicle's electrical system.

A battery's group size is simply a measure of the physical dimensions of the battery. This measure has no relation to the battery's electrical capacity. Regardless of group size (physical dimensions), two batteries are equal in power if the RC and CCA ratings are the same

Heat, vibration and malfunctioning vehicle electrical systems are the largest contributors to battery failures.

A modern automobile's vehicle's charging system consists of 3 major 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.

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. Cars require an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather, due to the fact that motor oil is thicker and makes engines harder to crank.

Similar to CCA; Cranking amps is a measure of the number of amperes a lead acid battery at 32 degrees F can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. (CA ratings are more commonly used in climates where temperatures rarely drop to 0F.)

Modern automotive batteries need little attention. If your battery has removal vents, checking the water level and adding good drinking-quality 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.)

Battery life will vary from vehicle to vehicle based upon many factors. If you experience unsatisfactory performance from the vehicle's starting system, or an instrument panel indication is that there may be a malfunction, take the vehicle to have the electrical/ starting systems checked. Consider an upgrade to a battery with higher cranking performance if you experience insufficient performance from your vehicle's current battery

All batteries contain acid and can cause injury if not regarded as dangerous.
1). Wear proper eye and skin protection.
2). Charge only in an area where ventilation is adequate and the battery is unlikely to be disturbed.
3). Never attempt to charge a frozen battery.
4). Always keep vent caps in place while charging.
5). Never allow anyone to smoke around a charging battery.
6). Unplug charger before connecting the battery. Be sure to observe proper polarity when connecting charger leads to the battery.
7). Refer to the charger manufacturer's instructions for safe charger operation.

A battery's Reserve Capacity represents the length of time the battery can maintain the vehicle's electrical needs in the event the alternator fails. Battery Council International defines Reserve Capacity as a measure of the time (in minutes) a lead-acid battery can deliver 25 amps at 80 degrees F and maintain terminal voltage of at least 1.75 volts/ cell.