A battery's "CCA" rating indicates what?

The CCA, or Cold Cranking Amps, rating of a battery is a crucial specification that indicates the number of amps a battery can deliver at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery. This measurement is particularly important for vehicles that may be started in cold weather, as it reflects the battery's ability to start an engine under challenging conditions.

Understanding CCA is vital for ensuring that a vehicle's battery can provide enough power to start the engine in colder temperatures, which is when batteries often struggle. The higher the CCA rating, the better the battery's performance in cold conditions, making it a critical factor in battery choice for reliable vehicle operation.

The other options do not correspond to the CCA definition. The total capacity of the battery refers to amp-hour ratings, while the lifespan relates to how long the battery can effectively hold a charge. The maximum voltage the battery can provide is typically around 12.6 volts when fully charged, but this is not what CCA measures.