MINT HILL, NC – If you’re curious about what kind of battery you need, look no further! Today we’re talking all about batteries.

The battery you see in cars is called a “starting” battery. It is called so because it’s designed simply to start the car, it provides quick jolts of energy as compared to long, sustained amounts of power.

We measure a battery’s “strength” in cold-cranking amps, or CCAs. Cold cranking amps are simply how many amps of power a battery can deliver at 0 degrees for 30 seconds while also not dropping below 7.2 volts. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, simply remember that a higher CCA simply means a stronger battery in tough conditions.

Everyone in the auto repair industry has an opinion on what batteries they like and don’t like, but what brand of battery you pick is ultimately irrelevant so long as the CCAs are correct and you properly maintain it.

Here in the Carolinas, the battery strength that was recommended by your manufacturer is fine. You can find this in your owners manual, or you can find out online. We don’t have particularly harsh winters and we rarely go below 20 degrees in the coldest months, so something super strong isn’t needed. Now, if you have family in snowy climates and you visit them often, it’s absolutely a good idea to get a super-strong battery, but if you aren’t planning on seeing a Minnesota winter any time soon, you’ll be fine.