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Starting/Charging Systems and Interstate Batteries

Your car's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. There are the three key components to the electrical system:

  • Battery
    When your car's engine is off, the battery provides the required power for radio presets, the clock, and computer memory. It also provides power for the starter to crank your engine when starting. Depending on the ampere rating of your alternator, it may also supplement the power from the charging system during periods of high demand.

 

  • Charging System
    This is the heart of the electrical system. The charging system is a belt-driven alternator. The alternator is designed to supply enough current power to all the electrical accessories in your car and simultaneously produce enough extra current to keep the battery fully charged.

 

  • Starting System
    This system consumes more electrical power than any other in your car. The starting system consists of three components which work in tandem: the ignition switch, the starter relay or solenoid, and the starter motor. The ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine until your car starts.

Interstate Batteries Warranty

Carrsmith is an Interstate Batteries Platinum Dealer.

Carrsmith has been using Interstate Batteries for 21 years because they have consistently provided a high quality product, a top rated battery and great service! Carrsmith has been designated a Platinum Dealer and comes highly recommended because we provide:

  • Certified technicians.

  • Knowledgeable service writers.

  • A customer-friendly atmosphere.

  • A wide assortment of Interstate Batteries.

  • Convenient hours (evenings and weekends).

The ED-18 Electrical System AnalyzerPlatinum Dealers use the Early Detection Battery and Electrical System Analyzer (ED-18), that's exclusive to Interstate. That means we can test your vehicle's battery, starting and charging system with a greater degree of accuracy. It is the only analyzer that can actually predict at what temperature your battery may fail to start your vehicle, so you can avoid being stranded!

Interstate Batteries Warranty

Interstate products are regarded as some of the best batteries you can buy. There is no proration charge for usage for 1 1/2 years after purchase!  Interstate's warranty is one of the best in the business.

 

Buyer Beware:
Know Your Battery Ratings Before You Buy

Definitions:

 CCA:
 (Cold Cranking Amps)
 testing at 0º F
 CA:
 (Cranking Amps)
 testing at 32º F
 RC:
 (Reserve Capacity)
 The amou
nt of time
 a battery can last
 without charge.
 HCA:
 (Hot Cranking Amps)
 testing done at xxº F
 MCA:
 (Marine Cranking Amps)
 testing done at xxº F
CA (Cranking Amps) and HCA (Hot Cranking Amps) are some examples of ratings that can be misleading. Batteries displaying these ratings have probably been tested at higher temperatures so the resulting numbers look higher. Because these batteries are not as powerful as you might think, what looks like a "bargain" may end up costing you money. Remember that CCA and RC are the only valid automotive battery specifications that recognize true battery power - and they're the ratings you'll find in your vehicle manual. Don't be fooled by product ratings!

Interstate has always had the policy to rate our batteries with industry standard CCA & RC ratings. The chart below shows how our product rates among our competitors in these areas. Interstate commits to provide a quality product without compromising it's integrity.



Percent of Batteries that Met Ratings

CCA 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%  
 DELCO 70%
 DOUGLAS 47%
 EXIDE 37%
 GNB 53%
 INTERSTATE BATTERIES (JCI) 93%
 OTHER 13%