Hi Scotty
I have an 06 Grand Marquis and the battery is nearing the 5 year mark so I'm planning to replace it. Walmart has good deals on their Everstart batteries. I do have a question. What is the difference between a battery with 650 CCA compared with one which has 850 CCA? The latter is double in cost, but does have a three-year warranty. What are your thoughts on which one I should choose? Thanks, Joe.
What is the difference between a battery with 650 CCA compared with one which has 850 CCA?
A higher CCA battery rating means the battery performs better in cold temperatures. A higher CCA value will generally have a longer replacement/warranty period.
Everstart's lead acid batteries come in 3 tiers: they are the Value, Plus and Max series.
The price, CCAs and warranty increase accordingly from Value, Plus to Max. I put a new Everstart Plus in my 4 cylinder Camry just last week because they have served me well.
What is the difference between a battery with 650 CCA compared with one which has 850 CCA?
CCA = "Cold Cranking Amps."
In other words "more juice".
Those extra amps are useful if you're starting a car in subzero temps, because cold oil is thick, and because batteries get sluggish in the cold.
If your old battery worked fine for you, then you can stick to the same rating.
Obviously the 850 CCA battery is more powerful and can give you an edge starting in cold weather. You'll want to install a battery that has at least the capacity specified by Ford for that car.
Too little CCA can put a strain in your charging system, so even if it works fine, don’t go below the manufacturer’s specs. From what I remember hearing from Scotty, as long as the battery fits, you can go as high CCA as you want. The more the better, but also the more money you’ll pay. Unless you’re in Alaska or somewhere super cold or you’re running a bunch of accessories off your battery (in general, higher CCA batteries will also have higher capacity), you really don’t need to exceed the recommended specs. Remember that CCAs are rated at 0°F. And the only downside to having more CCA than needed according to manufacturer’s specs is more weight=less gas mileage though it’s probably nominal.
@bobthehatking why would a battery with less capacity strain the charging system?
I remember that’s what Scotty said. Maybe I’m wrong
Just go to Costco...they sale intersate batteries they are by far the best I have ever used.. they have 36 month money back
Guarantee and they refund the current price of the battery if you need replacement...
@thdesha Costco batteries are great definitely if you have a membership, otherwise AAA or Walmart