What is more important Cold Crank Amps or Reserve Capacity?
The Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) test is the number of amps required to crank an engine for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to lower viscosity engine oils, gear reduction starters and smaller engines having the right amount of CCA is required but not too much. More CCA will not start your car faster. The Reserve Capacity test is the number of minutes that a battery will last with the headlights left on or at a 25 amp draw. Due to the increased electronics in a vehicle, having as much Reserve Capacity as possible is now more important than having the excessive CCA.
How can I tell how many Cold Cranking Amps my battery has?
Most Battery Manufacturers put the "CCA" rating right on the label of the battery. Be careful when shopping for batteries as some manufacturers put on the label a reference to "CA". This is a reference to "Cranking Amps" this test is done at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and not a 0 degrees like the Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) test.
How can I tell how much reserve capacity my battery has?
This should be on the label right under the CCA rating of the battery.
Does this battery perform well in cold weather?
It is important to have the right battery for your vehicle. Refer to OEM specifications in your Owner’s manual or an OEM driven supplier such as ACDelco.
How long does this battery last without losing its charge?
All batteries need to be maintained. Parasitic drains in a vehicle can deplete a battery in 2-4 weeks. To be safe, vehicles should be started once a week or once every other week and idled for 5 minutes to ensure that the battery retains a reasonable state of charge.
What is the difference between a (Accessible) Maintenance-Free Battery and a Filler Cap Battery?
Batteries that are Accessible Maintenance Free or Sealed Maintenance Free have a Calcium Additive to the plate material inside the battery that helps to prevent the gassing off of electrolyte. These types of batteries should never need to have water added. Vent caps on these batteries should not be removed at any time as this breaks the seal and could allow seepage or water loss. Low electrolyte in these batteries is an indication of overcharging. Filler Cap batteries have an additive in them that requires the checking and refilling of the battery with distilled water.
If my car has a "start-stop" feature, does this affect what type of battery my car has?
In the case of GM vehicles AGM batteries are required for Start Stop vehicles. Use of a flooded battery will result in the life only being about 4-6 months. Most other vehicle manufacturers are using AGM for these vehicles as well.
Can I buy an ACDelco Gold (Professional) or Silver (Advantage) AGM Battery instead of an ACDelco EREV AGM Battery for my Chevrolet Volt?
No. The Chevrolet Volt requires this unique AGM battery.