How much current is there when starting a car?

[Genevieve]

When starting a car, the current can exceed 300A. The steps for starting a car are: 1. Press the clutch and wait 5 to 8 seconds after turning the ignition key to the ON position; 2. Then turn the key to the start position to start the engine; 3. Immediately release the ignition key after the engine starts successfully, allowing it to automatically return to the ON position. Precautions for starting a car include: 1. Do not start the engine immediately after inserting the key; 2. For vehicles with a one-button start, do not press the brake when starting; 3. When using a timing light or timing instrument, connect the device as instructed; 4. After starting the car, let it warm up for about 1 to 3 minutes.

[LaAshlyn]

I've been driving for so many years, and every time I start the engine, that current surge is particularly strong, usually between 150 to 200 amps, especially during cold starts in winter when it can rise above 250 amps. Small sedans are generally fine, but for large SUVs or pickup trucks, the current can even surge to over 300 amps, which is related to battery quality and engine size. When the current is high, the starter motor makes that buzzing sound, and if the battery is old or the voltage is unstable, problems can easily arise. That's why I make it a habit to regularly check the battery's health, testing the voltage every six months to avoid getting stranded on the road. A normal start only takes a few seconds—never twist the key repeatedly in quick succession, as that will cause the current to surge repeatedly and shorten the battery's lifespan.

[SanCharlotte]

As a car enthusiast, I understand that the current during engine startup is extremely high, typically fluctuating between 100 to 500 amperes. The exact value depends on the vehicle type—small sedans require around 150 amps for their starters, while SUVs or diesel vehicles may need up to 400 amps due to higher engine compression ratios. The current magnitude is significantly affected by battery capacity and temperature; in cold weather, resistance increases, causing the current to spike momentarily, whereas it's much better when the engine is warm. This reminds me of upgrading to a high-power starter motor when modifying my car, which stabilized the current and was more battery-friendly. The key is to match the battery's CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) value properly, ensuring it's not below the manufacturer's recommended level, otherwise, you might encounter starting issues.

[LeLyla]

In daily driving, I've noticed that the current surges instantly during ignition, typically ranging from 100 to 300 amps. For me, this serves as a reminder—excessive current can drain the battery, leading to startup failure, especially since my urban commute often involves traffic jams with frequent starts that accelerate wear. Therefore, I check the battery terminals monthly to ensure they're free from corrosion or looseness; if the battery is old and demands more current, it's better to replace it early. Remember, avoid starting the engine with the air conditioning and audio system on, as this increases the load, potentially pushing current peaks beyond 500 amps, which could endanger the safety systems. Simple maintenance is all it takes to keep things running smoothly.