I was in for an oil change at the dealer and they did a battery test on my 04 TL, The machine printed out a small sheet that said I need to replace my battery, it shows 12.69v and 365 CCA (at he bottom it says the rating is 550 CCA) ...can someone help me interpret these numbers?

Also, I havent had any battery issues (while starting or otherwise), what am I risking by not listening to this report and not replacing my battery? Would my electronics be damaged to am I just looking at being stranded?

TIA.

 

CCA is cold cranking amps. If the battery in your car is still the original, then you are due for a new battery. I just replaced my battery on my 05. Went dead without notice and I had no issues prior. Luckily I wasn't left stranded. My advice...replace it.

 

Thanks! I didnt even ask the dealer how much will it run, can you share if you dont mind the price of you replacement?

 

dealer is expensive and not the best battery made
Kirkland-costco are good, parts store brands are good- Optimum is for great !
low cranking amps turns the starter slower, and low volts run the system low- so you are also hurting the running of the car
Replace it now.
I am surprised they didnt give a price on the spot- thats the service writers job- to sell you extra parts and service

 

I went with an interstate battery. A direct replacement will cost around $70 or so. I bought a higher CCA rated Mega-Tron battery, not that its necessary in CA, so I paid a little more.

 

Interstate is an excellent brand- I used them for years in the race car and street car.
They take a beating and keep on cranking.
SoCal has easy access to mountains where it is below freezing- thats the temp Cold cranking amps are measured- the regular number is at 70 or something near that.
cold= harder on starting system, oil cold etc