What Are Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?

If you’re searching for a reliable starting battery for your boat or have ever struggled to start your car, outboard motor, lawn mower in cold weather, you’ve likely come across the term Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). In this post, we’ll break down what does CCA mean, how it affects your equipment, and how to test the battery's CCA for reliable performance.

What Are Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?

Deep cycle and starting batteries are different. Starting batteries are designed for quick, high-power bursts needed to start the engine, and CCA is one of the key indicators.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is a measurement of how much power a cranking battery can provide to start an engine in cold temperatures. For general starting batteries (such as AGM batteries), it refers to the number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C) while maintaining a minimum voltage of 7.2V for a 12V battery.

Is a Higher CCA Battery Better?

In general, a higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating is better, especially in cold weather. A higher CCA ensures your battery can handle starting your engine even in freezing temperatures. However, if you’re in a region with milder winters, a higher CCA may offer less of an advantage. While it provides extra starting power, it could also be more than you need, leading to higher costs for a feature that doesn’t get used.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) VS Marine Cranking Amps (MCA)

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) both measure a battery's starting current, but under different conditions. CCA tests the number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C), focusing on cold-weather performance. In contrast, MCA measures the amps a battery can provide for 30 seconds at 32°F (0°C), the freezing point of water, focusing on marine applications.Therefore, the MCA rating is typically higher than the CCA rating for the same battery.

How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do I Need?

The Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) you need depends on your engine’s required CCA value, and the climate you’re in.

For cars, the general rule is that the larger the engine displacement (e.g., V6 or V8 engines), the higher the CCA required. Smaller cars with 4-cylinder engines often need around 400 to 500 CCA, while larger vehicles, like trucks or SUVs with V6 or V8 engines, typically require 600 to 800 CCA. 

For outboard motors, CCA requirements are often determined the required starting current of the motor's engine. Generally, smaller outboard motors (under 20 HP) may require around 300 to 600 CCA, while larger engines (over 100 HP) might need anywhere from 600 to 1,000 CCA. For example, Redodo's 12V marine cranking battery with 800 CCA (-10℃ in 1 second) is ideal for an outboard motor with up to 135 HP.

If you live in an extremely cold area, it’s recommended to opt for a cranking battery with a higher CCA for better reliability like the 1000 CCA battery, including for RV batteries that need extra power in cold conditions.

Cold Cranking Amp Chart for Reference

This chart provides a quick reference for the recommended Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) based on your engine type or marine motors size. 

Do lithium batteries have CCA?

Lithium deep cycle batteries do not have CCA ratings, as they are designed for long-term energy delivery rather than engine cranking. However, lithium starting batteries can have a CCA rating and replace traditional lead-acid options for vehicles and marine applications. They can deliver the same or greater CCA than lead-acid starting batteries while being significantly lighter, more compact, and longer lifespan.

If you're looking for a lithium marine starting battery, ensure it is labeled as a suitable CCA rating for your application. For dual-purpose applications (starting and deep cycling), some lithium batteries offer both capabilities.

How to Test Battery Cold Cranking Amps?

Testing the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) of your battery is crucial to ensure it's still performing well, especially before cold weather sets in. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to test CCA, either on your own or with professional help:

Test with a Digital Battery Tester

• Step 1: Turn off the engine and all electrical components in your vehicle or equipment.
• Step 2: Connect the positive (red) clamp of the tester to the positive battery terminal and the negative (black) clamp to the negative terminal.
• Step 3: Power on the digital tester. Once it's on, select the CCA mode and input the battery's voltage rating. The tester will display a reading of the battery’s voltage and CCA.
• Step 4: Compare the tester’s CCA reading to your battery’s rated CCA. If the result is significantly lower, your battery may be failing.

Practical Simulation Test

If you’re unsure whether your starting battery is compatible with your engine, consider performing a practical simulation test. Start by cooling the battery to -10°C (14°F) for at least 4 hours. Then, connect it to an oscilloscope, a resistance load bank, and other testing tools to simulate a high-current load. The oscilloscope will record the waveform during the test.

Keep in mind that this method requires specialized equipment and technical expertise to carry out effectively.

Professional Battery Testing

Many auto parts stores and marine service centers offer free battery CCA testing. They’ll measure the voltage and the actual starting performance and CCA value, test the battery under load, and compare the results to the battery's rated CCA. Then they’ll advise whether your battery is still in good condition or needs replacement based on the results.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) helps ensure your vehicle, outboard motor, or lawn equipment performs reliably, especially in cold weather. Choosing the right CCA for your engine size and climate will keep your equipment starting smoothly when you need it most. For most applications, Redodo offers reliable marine cranking batteries with 800 CCA and 1000 CCA options. Visit Redodo today to find the right cranking battery for your needs!

FAQ on Cold Cranking Amps

Is 800 Cold Cranking Amps Good?

Yes, 800 CCA is ideal for larger engines, such as V6 or V8 vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and outboard motors with higher horsepower (over 100 HP). It provides enough power to ensure reliable starts in cold weather, particularly in regions that experience freezing temperatures. However, the actual required CCA value should still be considered.

Is 500 Cold Cranking Amps Good?

For smaller vehicles like compact cars or boat outboard motors under 20 HP, 500 CCA is generally enough. It offers reliable starting power in moderate to mild climates. If you live in a region with extreme cold, you may want to consider a higher CCA to ensure your battery can handle the demands of winter.

What happens if CCA is too high?

If CCA is too high for your engine and motors, it won't hurt your engine or motors but can be unnecessary. However, you’ll pay more for extra power that your engine doesn’t need.

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