Auto Parts: replacement battery help, deep cycle batteries, amp hours

Question
I have a Dodge 2002 grand caravan and the battery is finally giving up. It is a group 34 rated at 600 CCA. The problem is I am abroad and they sell batteries here without CCA but rather with AH or Amp hours. How do I figure out what battery (how many amp hours) I should choose as a replament?
Thanks in advance.


Answer
Hi Rocky,

There is no formula for finding the right battery with CCA vs. AH.

I would hunt for the mid-range AH rated battery. A deep-cycle would be a higher AH rating than a standard car battery which should top off somewhere in the 40-60 AH range.

Your vehicle needs a specific amount of amperage to operate the starter, which is really the only time the battery is used, and that is what you need to make sure you match. Deep cycle batteries typically have long storage life (85Amp/hr w/4hr. reserve) while having low CCA and visa-versa for standard editions (45Amp/hr w/4hr. reserve). So, look for something with around 50 AH should be enough to work fine.

Wish I could help more.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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