I had quick question as to what you guys thought about car batteries and what I should look for when purchasing. Specifically, I wanted to know if I should be concerned with the cold cranking amps as much. For example, should I buy one that has 770 over one that has 675 if I could get the lower for cheaper. I live in the Upstate NY. The winters are generally cold (30-below zero weather) and generally warm (70-90's). Any suggestions? I have a chevy venture if that helps. Thanks.

Hi,
I am not a professional mechanic, nor an expert with batteries. My own personal experience with batteries is the same as other products; pay a little more and most of the time, get a better product.
At 30 degrees below zero, I would think one would want a good battery, with as much starting power as one can get. I stopped "skimping" on batteries many years ago, when I was way up in the mountains, cold, cold night, and my pickup truck wouldn't start the next morning! Even left my headlights on for about 3 minutes, to try "warming up" the battery before trying to crank it again; didn't work. Had to walk 4 miles to the nearest station for help.
I would suggest getting the better battery, and have the peace of mind that it will probably crank in the coldest weather.

Fred, thanks for your response. Let me clarify in case any one else misunderstood the degrees I quoted. The temperatures get any from 30 degrees above zero to a little below zero at times.

Hi,
Here is an interesting link; finds a battery for your particular car and year:
http://www.autobatteries.com/basics/selecting.asp
I punched in the name of a battery, then my own vehicle information, and it gave me the CCA (cold cranking amps) needed. It gave me the type that is already in my vehicle. Guess I made a good choice when I bought the last battery!

Thanks for the link. I will look at it.

Yes Cold Cranking Amps is a key factor when living in areas that can get very cold and sustain temps under freezing for prolonged periods. This is especially true if your car is not garaged, or the garage is unheated.

Safety is an issue over savings. You do not want battery failure on a cold night. I've had good experience with Sears Diehards over the years. They have consistently gotten Consumer Reports high ratings over the years.

I'm not a mechanic either. But I am answering this question because I did research on this issue a few years back when I needed to replace a battery.

Absolutely buy a battery with highest cold cranking amps it will save you
Money in the long run and won't let you down in the coldest weather.
A quality battery with proper maintenance could last you up to 7 years even
In that cold weather. I had one that lasted 7 1/2 yrs in a daily driver.

Yes, as many cold starting amp as you can get. Also if you can keep your engine warm on the very cold nights. When I lived in upstate NY some years ago (lake george) I used to have a warmer on my battery and on my engine to keep it warm over night

I have over 800 cold cranking amps in a car that specifies 400 or so... its great to have that extra power... You will pay more for a better battery, those titanium ones at advance auto are OK... as long as you keep the ticket in case you need to use that warranty.