What is the starting current of a car?
2 Answers
The starting current of a car is between 100 to 300 amperes. If the engine has a larger displacement, the starting current will increase accordingly. Starting current refers to the line current input when the motor is connected to the rated voltage and starts from zero speed. The starting current of a motor is generally 5 to 7 times its rated current. For medium and large motors, the starting current should be limited to 2 to 2.5 times the rated current. For large-capacity motors, methods such as autotransformers or compensation switches are often used to limit the starting current. An autotransformer is a transformer whose windings are on the same coil for both primary and secondary circuits, with the primary and secondary windings directly connected in series for self-coupling.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that cranking current is quite crucial, especially in cold weather. Generally speaking, most family cars have a cranking current ranging between 100 to 600 amps, depending on the vehicle model and engine. For small-displacement cars like 1.5-liter engines, around 150 amps might suffice, but for larger engines like SUVs or pickup trucks, you'd need over 300 amps for a smooth start. When I was younger, I drove an old car with a worn-out battery that couldn't provide enough cranking current—it wouldn't start in winter until I called a tow truck. Later, I learned my lesson: regularly check battery health. If the dashboard shows abnormalities or the engine cranks sluggishly, it likely indicates low current, and it's best to get it tested at a repair shop. Keeping battery terminals clean and parking in a garage during winter can reduce starting issues, making driving more worry-free.
