| Frequently
Asked Questions about Heavy Truck Batteries
What is Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) Rating?
This industry rating measures the cranking power a battery has available to
start a car's engine at 0 degrees F. Battery Council International defines
it as the number of amperes a lead acid battery at 0 degrees F can deliver for
30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. Top of Page
What is Cranking Amp (CA)
Rating?
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.) Top of Page
What is Reserve Capacity (RC)?
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.
Top of Page
How can I determine
what is the correct battery for my vehicle?
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.
Top of Page
Why is battery
power not always proportional to its size?
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. Top of Page
What effect does extreme
cold have on my battery?
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. Top of Page
What effect does extreme
heat have on my battery?
Heat is the number one cause of battery failure. Extreme heat causes the water
in the battery's electrolyte to evaporate. Further, heat causes a
battery's positive plate grids to corrode more rapidly. Both of these
conditions are detrimental to the long-term life of a battery. Top
of Page
How should I maintain
my heavy truck battery?
Modern automotive batteries need little attention. If your battery has
removable vents, check the water level and add good drinking-quality water (distilled water is preferred) as
necessary to maintain the level just below, but not touching the bottom of the
vent wells as shown. This 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.)
Top of Page
What causes a battery to
fail?
Heat, vibration and malfunctioning vehicle electrical systems are the largest
contributors to battery failures. Top of Page
How often should I replace
my battery?
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. Top of Page
How do I charge a 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.
Top of Page
How does a car's charging
system work?
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. Top of Page
How do I jump-start
a car with a dead battery?
Remember: All batteries contain acid and can cause injury if not
regarded as dangerous.
1- Wear proper eye and skin protection.
2- Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
3- Connect the other end of the same cable to the positive post on the boosting
vehicle's battery.
4- Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative post of the booster
battery.
5- Make final jumper cable connection to the engine block of the stalled
vehicle.
6- Start disabled vehicle and disconnect cables in reverse order, taking
precautions to keep all hands, clothing, hair and cables out of all moving
parts. Top of Page
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