Automotive Battery Ratings and Temperature Effects

Vocabulary flashcards covering battery specifications, BCI ratings (CCA, CA, MCA, Reserve Capacity), and the effects of extreme temperatures on battery performance and longevity.

Battery Group Size

A standard grouping categorized by dimensions—length, width, and height—where batteries belonging to the same group have the exact same physical size.

Battery Council International (BCI)

An organization whose rating and sizing standards signify the physical group size and performance capacity of automotive batteries.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The number of amps a new, fully charged battery can deliver continually at $0^\circ\text{F}$ for $30\,\text{sec}$ while maintaining voltage above $7.2\,\text{V}$.

Cranking Amps (CA) / Marine Cranking Amps (MCA)

The rating used to determine the number of amps a fully charged battery can deliver continually at $32^\circ\text{F}$ for $30\,\text{sec}$ while maintaining voltage at $> 7.2\,\text{V}$.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

The number of minutes at $80^\circ\text{F}$ that a battery can be discharged at $25\,\text{amps}$ while maintaining at least $10.5\,\text{V}$ on a $12\,\text{V}$ battery.

Extreme Temperatures

The primary cause ($\#1$ cause) of automotive battery failure.

Effects of High Temperature on Batteries

Causes the water in the battery's electrolyte to evaporate, increases the rate of corrosion, and decreases the overall lifespan of the battery.

Effects of Cold Temperature on Batteries

Conditions more stressing than heat that cause engine oil to thicken (requiring more power to start), increase internal battery resistance, and decrease the effectiveness of chemical reactions.