What is the current of a car battery?
2 Answers
Car batteries typically have a current ranging between 10A to 20A. Here are specific details about car batteries: Working Principle: During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy. When discharging, the metal lead acts as the negative electrode, undergoing oxidation to form lead sulfate; lead dioxide serves as the positive electrode, undergoing reduction to also form lead sulfate. Battery Maintenance: Avoid leaving the car parked in open parking lots for extended periods. If long-term parking is necessary, remove and take the battery to prevent freezing damage. Car batteries require regular charging as they gradually self-discharge when unused, leading to eventual failure. Therefore, start the car periodically to recharge the battery.
As an experienced auto repair veteran, there's really no fixed value for battery current. When the engine is off, the voltage is around 12.6V, but the current is almost zero. During startup, the current can surge to 300-600 amps, depending on engine displacement – my 1.6L car measured 480 amps. With electrical devices running, like AC and headlights, it draws about 30 amps. The 550CCA marked on batteries refers to cold cranking amps at -18°C, which actually has nothing to do with daily current. The worst scenario is parasitic drain – some owners forget to turn off aftermarket audio systems, which can drain 0.5 amps overnight, leaving the car unable to start in 2-3 days.
