When you are choosing a battery you can often turn on the cold cranking current (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC), but do you really know these two parameters of the battery? Can you choose the battery you need according to these two parameters? In this article, we will lead you to understand the difference between these two parameters, so that you can better choose the battery you need.
1. Difference between Cold Start Current and Reserve Capacity
Difference in concept: Cold cranking current refers to the ability of a battery to start a generator in cold conditions. Reserve capacity refers to the time that a fully charged battery can maintain when the output current is 25A and the output voltage drops to 10.5V.
The difference in significance to the vehicle: cold start current directly affects the engine’s ability to start. When the temperature drops, the engine inland oil will become more viscous, the actual its difficult to start, then you need the role of cold start current, it can provide power for the engine, so that the engine in the cold environment can also be normal driving. When your engine is in a state of short-cycle stalling, the reserve capacity is going to play a role, although your engine stalled, but the reserve capacity to ensure that the other equipment in your system normal use.
The difference in measurement: The cold start current rating indicates how much current can be supplied and measured at -18°C for 30 seconds at the lowest voltage. The reserve capacity is the time it takes for the battery output voltage to drop to 10.5V at a constant output current of 25A.
Difference in Units: As you know from the definition of cold-start current, cold-start current is expressed in amperes (A). However, reserve capacity is expressed in minutes.
Difference in application: Cold start current is most important for reliable engine starting. Especially in cold conditions, it is directly related to whether the engine can start or not. So the cold start current is mainly larger in cold weather batteries, and it is more suitable for starting in cold weather. The reserve capacity is relevant to the power supply of other auxiliary equipment after the engine is turned off, if the reserve capacity is large enough, it can supply power to auxiliary equipment for a long time under the condition of the engine being turned off. Reserve capacity will be larger in batteries that require continuous power, such as those required for ocean driving.
2. Which is more important, cold start current or reserve capacity?
If you live in an area that experiences cold winters or sudden temperature drops, the cold start current is more important to you. A high cold start current ensures that you can travel without any hindrance. However, if the cold start current is low, the engine won’t start because it’s too cold, and in severe cases, the ignition coil may simply burn out. If you need continuous power.
For example, to keep accessories or other devices in the system working without interruption when the engine is off, when choosing a battery, you need to be careful to choose one with a high reserve capacity, which can provide you with a better experience.
Conclusion:
Cold cranking current and reserve capacity are two different parameters of batteries that determine the application of batteries in different fields. When you choose these two parameters of the battery, you can choose the right battery according to your actual needs.
FAQ
Generally, the cold start current of a car should be more than 300A, for warmer weather areas, the cold start current of a car is not even 300A. However, for cold weather areas, it is better to ask for a higher cold start current when you buy a car, so as to reduce the power of the car that can not be started. And if your car’s generator has a larger displacement, the cold start current should be increased accordingly.
It is normal for batteries to lose cold start current and reserve capacity during use. You can provide proper maintenance to slow down the loss of cold start current and reserve capacity.
