Car Batteries Key Terms

Maintain a car's good working condition by learning car battery key terms

Car batteries are rechargeable power sources that provide energy to a vehicle's electrical system. Batteries are responsible for powering the car's headlights, locks, car alarms, power locks and windows, the ignition system and various other components. Learning more about car batteries key terms can help businesses selling car batteries and auto service providers gain knowledge on how to best address their customers' battery issues and keep their customers' cars running at optimal performance.

 

Cell

A standard 12-volt battery is composed of six cells connected to create two volts each. Each cell contains an electrolyte which is an ionized compound that creates an electrical current. Each cell also includes plates.
Try: Read more about cells at Edmunds.

Corrosion

Corrosion is solid sulfates that can form on car battery terminals over time. Corrosion can decrease a battery's performance by preventing good electrical contact between the battery terminals and cables.
Try: Learn more about corrosion at Exide Technologies.

Jump start

Jump start is a method used to restore power to a car's battery. This technique starts a car by using another car's battery through a connection established by jumper cables.
Try: Read more about jump starting a car’s battery at Progressive.

Amp hour (Ah)

The amp hour measures a car battery's power capacity. The higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery can run.
Try: Read more about amp hour at Power Factor.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

Cold cranking power measures the battery's ability to start in cold weather. The measurement determines the amount of amps a battery can produce for 30 seconds at zero degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the number of amps delivered, the higher the battery's performance in cold weather.
Try: Find out more about CCA at EE&S.

Reserve capacity

Reserve capacity measures a battery's capacity to start a vehicle with a faulty alternator or fan belt. Reserve capacity determines the battery's ability to deliver ample amounts of power at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Try: Learn more about reserve capacity at AutoBatteries.com.

 

• If the car battery dies in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, the vehicle will not start unless it is jump-started. However, a vehicle with a manual transmission can still be started if the car battery dies as long as the alternator and voltage regulator are in good working condition.

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