Are higher CCA’s better?
When it comes to choosing a replacement car battery, a lot of people will tell you “higher CCA’s are better”, and that there is somehow a correlation between a higher CCA rating, and a longer lasting battery.
Are higher CCA’s better, and is there somehow a correlation between a higher CCA rating, and a longer lasting battery.
First we need to look at what the CCA rating is, and how it is measured.
CCA is the current a fully charged battery can deliver for a period of 30-seconds, whilst also maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. This test is performed at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. The current a battery can produce reduces the colder they get – so the CCA rating is actually an indication of how a battery performs in severe cold starting conditions. So whilst the CCA rating is important, it relevance in Australia might not be the most important factor.
Some battery manufacturers try to take advantage of this CCA by tailoring their products specifically to produce the highest CCA ratings possible – and this is achieved by packing as many lead plates as possible into each of the 6 cells in this battery. The more individual plates you can fit in here.. the higher the CCA rating on the battery will be.
But to fit more lead plates into this cell… the lead plates themselves need to be thinner – and this can have an impact on the strength and long-term durability of the plates, the cell, and the battery.
So, in colder countries or climates CCA ratings definitely are important. But in hotter climates like we have here in Australia, having less plates but making them thicker so that they’re stronger, more robust and able to combat corrosion better – is equally important.
Yuasa batteries strike a balance between offering competitive CCA ratings required by vehicle manufacturers and providing a long service life. Yuasa batteries feature expertly designed internal components and durable construction to help combat the causes of battery failure and deliver what motorists really want – longer service life and superior performance.
For more expert tips and battery advice, come in-store and speak to one of our local battery experts!