Every driver knows the frustration of a dead battery—especially when it’s freezing outside. Whether it’s early morning before work or a late-night grocery run, the last thing you want is to be stranded. This is where understanding cold cranking amps becomes essential. It’s not just a technical term—it’s the difference between a car starting or not in the cold.
At Tow Mates, we’ve helped thousands of customers through roadside situations. Time and time again, we see people overlook one critical detail when buying a jump starter: the cold cranking amps rating. If you’ve ever wondered why your jump starter fails you during winter, keep reading.
What Are Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold cranking amps, or CCA, is a rating used to define a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. Technically, it’s the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. This measure is especially crucial because batteries lose efficiency in the cold.
Higher cold cranking amps mean the battery can perform better in lower temperatures. So if you live in a region with harsh winters, this is one of the most important specs to pay attention to when choosing a jump starter.
Why Cold Weather Affects Car Batteries
When temperatures drop, your engine oil thickens and your battery’s chemical reactions slow down. This combination makes starting the engine harder, especially for diesel or larger petrol engines. Batteries can lose up to 60% of their power in freezing weather. That’s why cold cranking amps matter—they provide that critical push to get your vehicle started when your battery struggles the most.
How Many Cold Cranking Amps Do You Really Need?
This depends on your vehicle. For smaller petrol cars, a jump starter with 400–600 cold cranking amps might be enough. Larger vehicles like trucks, vans, and SUVs often require 700–1000 CCA or more.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small Cars (4-cylinder): 300–500 CCA
- Midsize Cars (6-cylinder): 500–700 CCA
- SUVs and Trucks (8-cylinder): 700–1000+ CCA
If your car has a diesel engine, opt for a cold cranking amps jump starter with even higher ratings, as diesel requires more power to turn over.
Cold Cranking Amps vs Peak Amps
One of the most common mistakes people make is confusing cold cranking amps with peak amps. Peak amps represent the absolute maximum current the device can deliver for a short burst. But this doesn’t mean it can sustain that power long enough to start your car, especially in cold weather.
Cold cranking amps are more important because they reflect consistent performance under stress. Always choose a jump starter based on CCA, not peak power ratings alone.
The Role of Quality Jump Starters
A jump starter’s performance isn’t only about cold cranking amps. Internal build quality, cable thickness, battery type (like lithium-ion vs AGM), and temperature resistance all factor into real-world reliability.
At Tow Mates, we’ve tested countless models. Those with solid copper clamps, thick gauge cables, and durable lithium batteries consistently deliver better starts in low temperatures. Even with similar cold cranking amps, the overall design can make a big difference.
Do All Jump Starters Show Cold Cranking Amps?
Unfortunately, not all brands clearly list their CCA ratings. Some focus on peak power numbers to attract attention. As a buyer, always check the specifications closely. If cold cranking amps aren’t listed, be cautious—it might not be suitable for cold weather performance.
How to Test Cold Cranking Amps in Your Current Starter
Already own a jump starter? You can test its effectiveness by trying it on a low-charge battery during early morning hours. If the car struggles to turn over, it might not have enough cold cranking amps. Some battery testers can measure CCA output too.
If your jump starter fails under cold conditions even though it works fine in warmer weather, that’s a strong sign that the CCA isn’t up to par.
Tow Mates’ Tip: Prioritize Cold Cranking Amps When Buying
When choosing a jump starter, don’t just go by brand name or design. Focus on what matters. We always recommend our customers check for the following:
- Cold cranking amps rating clearly listed
- Lithium battery with high discharge capacity
- Short circuit and overload protection
- Long cable reach with solid clamps
A cold cranking amps jump starter is more than a gadget—it’s peace of mind. Choose right, and you won’t have to worry about your car starting, no matter how low the temperature drops.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean car trouble. With the right jump starter—one that meets your vehicle’s cold cranking amps needs—you can drive confidently year-round.
At Tow Mates, we’ve seen how much easier life gets when customers make informed choices. So next time you’re shopping for a jump starter, ask yourself one question first: How many cold cranking amps does it have?