Buying new battery, Ah rating important?

No.

I'm not so sure that make is all that important. I usually go for the cheapest HD battery I can find, that will fit in the tray Preferably with a

3 year guarantee. The last one I baught was a Lucas from Halfords, because I needed one quickly, and was in no state to fit it myself. Before that I had a couple of 'Fleetmaster' batteries. The first lasted over 5 years, the second is still going strong, but it's only about 18 months old so it should be. Similar capacity to the Lucas, but only about half the price. Try ringing local motor factors, rather than garages. Mike.

G Wilson wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

The cold cramking capacity is a measure of the amount of power the battery is capable of supplying. Cranking is by far the biggest consumer of power, that's why is referred to as CCC. The higher this is the better.

Ah represents the amount of energy stored by the battery i.e. how long it will last before running flat. A diffence of 5 between old and new won't matter, as long as you have a healthy alternator keeping it charged.

Doesn't matter about make, but I'd go for one with a 3 year warranty for peace of mind.

It won't make any difference, unless your car is a very reluctant starter.

Only if you want to crank it longer.

Or regularly park for long periods with side lights on, or want to park with a car fridge on.... etc. etc. etc.

Chris

For mine, Halfords wanted something like 55 quid for a regular battery. I got one from my local factors for less than 25 quid with a 2 year warranty. For me, I'm willing to take a chance.

I'm amazed there was that difference in price if they were both two year warranty batteries.