Examine battery life and quality when purchasing a new car battery. The make, model and year of a car are also considerations in purchasing the appropriate battery. Understanding the various specifications of a battery allow the purchaser to make an informed decision. An improper battery creates more difficulty in starting your car under adverse weather conditions.
CCA or Cold Cranking Amps
The battery's cold cranking amps (CCA) rating is one of the most important specifications of a car battery. The CCA is defined as the discharge loads, which are measured in amps, that a battery with a full charge delivers for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and still maintains the voltage at or above 7.2 volts. The CCA rating needs to meet or exceed -- based on the climate of your area -- the car's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cranking requirements. Colder climates especially require higher CCA ratings because of the increased power needed to crank a sluggish engine with a cold battery.
RC or Reserve Capacity
Another specification of a car battery is the reserve capacity (RC), according to the Auto Guide website. The number of minutes a battery at full charge can be discharged at 25 amps at 80 degrees Fahrenheit until the voltage drops below 10.5 volts is the definition of the RC. By connecting either two 6 volt batteries in a series or two 12 volt batteries in parallel, the RC is boosted if necessary. More RC is better whether the climate is hot or cold.
Series Number
The series number of a battery is an alphanumeric designation that matches up the correct shape and size for the model of car, according to the Cars Direct website. Series numbers appear like 24, 78R or 22F, and so on. The series number on car battery's specifications is an indication of the proper battery for the year, make and model of the vehicle.
Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, full charge, make model, number battery, series number
