The actual Cold Cranking Amps on my car battery are 377 Factory Cold Cranking Amps are 470. How much longer, or for how many more miles can I drive my car on this car battery without running into issues?
Elizabeth,you check a battery according to its voltage when car is off, and also look at how old it is or has it been run down a few times? If the car has been sitting for a half hour, the voltage of the battery should read at least 12 volts or a little more(if not,it probably has a weak or dead cell) .
Now to check the charging system, have someone read the volts when the engine is running. Should show 13.5 to 15 volts if it's charging the battery correctly. don-ohio (:^)
Testimonial: "Thank you! Will do! :)"
Just ask the question and if someone is able to provide an answer they will. Makes it faster than posting a question asking if we can answer a question.
Testimonial: "lol thanks ... was not sure how this site worked. As some sites have live response ... got it."
Tell us what your question is Elizabeth and we should be able to provide the answer or advice you seek.
Testimonial: "THANKS! :)"
Elizabeth. If only one year old, it is unlikely bad. Take your car to 3 different auto parts stores (NAPA, AutoZone, Carquest, Bumper to Bumper, etc.) and ask them to test the battery. Most do it for free here in Wisconsin. I think someone is trying to take advantage of your inexperience. Trucster
196 views
Usually answered in minutes!
The Cold Cranking Amps only indicates the maximum power that the battery can supply during a cold start. It has no affect on how far or long you can drive, assuming that your alternator is working properly. If you live in a cold climate it is possible that the battery may not provide enough energy to start the car on very cold days.
OK. Thank you for the insight. I should not have any issues driving from Los Angels to Las Vegas right? Car is new. Have had it a year. Alternator is working properly to my knowledge. Just had the car serviced. Was told the battery reading was RED, and should buy a new battery ASAP.
When I viewed your question earlier the lower text wasn't displayed or I would have provided an answer.
A car alternator is not designed to recharge discharged batteries and for practical purposes is incapable of doing so except when a battery is young and healthy and then it takes an extended amount of time (without stops).
The meaning of the RED result of the battery test is not clear as the type of test is unknown. It might have tested red because it is quite discharged rather than having an actual fault. A battery can become discharged under certain types of usage even when nothing is wrong.
A battery that has been discharged or partially discharged for more than a few weeks will never fully recover its design capacity though it can remain serviceable.
The difference between a battery supplying enough current to start the engine and not enough is very small and unknown.
Ideally the battery should be charged and retested. If that is impractical I suggest you buy a small solar charger that plugs into the lighter socket and helps keep the battery in a good state of charge for longer.
×