There are a few things to consider when determining whether CCA matters on your car battery. The first is the type of vehicle you drive. If you have a luxury car or performance car, then the answer is likely yes-CCA does matter in this case. Secondly, consider how often you drive and how long your commute is. If you have a long commute or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, then CCA definitely matters as it will help your battery last longer. Finally, think about the climate where you live. If you live in an area with extreme cold weather, then CCA will help your battery start up more easily in the winter months.
In short, CCA (cold cranking amps) measures the amount of current a lead acid battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C) while maintaining a voltage above 7.2V. It is generally accepted that the higher the CCA rating of a lead acid battery, the better it will perform in cold weather conditions.
For example, if two identical vehicles are driven side-by-side; one with a high CCA battery and one with a low CCA battery; the high CCA vehicle will typically outperform the low CCA vehicle when starting up on cold mornings. This is because the high CCA battery has more power available to turn over the engine faster than the low CCA option – resulting in less wear and tear on starter motors and batteries over time.