What is the Purpose of a Cranking Amp?

What You Need to Know About Cranking Amps

When you car battery needs to be replaced, you’ll want to know what the best options are. When you first hear about the cranking amps test, or a battery earning a CA rating, it might seem unfamiliar. What is the purpose of a cranking amp? To answer this, it helps to understand the tests that are used to give these ratings.

How CA Ratings Measure the Reliability of Your Battery

Cranking amps ratings, abbreviated as CA, are tests used to determine the amount of current discharged, measured in amperes, at 32° F for a duration of 30 seconds. This may seem confusing at first, but these tests offer a lot of useful information.

• Setting Quality Standards for the Industry

The Battery Council International (BCI) has determined guidelines for manufacturers based on the results of certain tests that allow for quality standards in the industry. Tests like these ensure that all products are made well and

• Determining How Well a Car Can Start in Any Conditions

Since the CA rating is based off the freezing temperature of water, it can help you learn about how cold it has to be before your car has difficulty. Cold temperatures can make your battery less effective because it reduces the speed at which certain chemical reactions occur. 

• Helping Consumers choose which battery is right for them.

So, what is the purpose of a cranking amp? Because these ratings determine the range of temperatures that your car will be able to start in, you may be able to make a better decision about what will be the best option for your specific needs. For example, people living in milder climates have different needs than those who live in areas with harsh winters. You can learn more about what CA rating is best for your vehicle by contacting a battery specialist. Visit this website for more information on battery replacement in San Diego.