[carbon02]

Spacedout-

I think you're exactly right. The reason why the 2011-2012 Cruzes have the 525 CCA battery vs the 600+ in the 2013 all comes down to weight. Sure the larger batteries may weigh an additional 10-15 lbs, but I really don't think that weight will change fuel economy signficantly. I added a rear hitch to mine, and that's nearly 40 lbs, and didn't see a significant difference in mpg. More accurate weight can be found searching individual batterys. Sears I believe lists weights.

Yes, all the weight everywhere adds up, and must be considered. I've never read the actual amp draw of the starter when starting this vehicle, but I assume its fairly low, compared to a V8 normally asperated vehicle running dino oil.

One theory may be a larger battery gives a longer life simply due to the fact that a Cruze will probably operate longer at 50% battery capacity if the battery started out as a 700+ CCA, vs. the 550 or 600.

I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, but traditional lead acid batteries have a Northern Design and a Southern Design based on were you live. It has to do with the Lead to Acid Ratio. CCA vs. cooling capacity (Boil Over Protection) for warmer climates.

The factory battery is a one size fits all, and unfortuantely I think even a standard off the shelf appropriate climate battery sized with the standard H5 series may be better than the factory battery.

I wouldn't doubt the factory battery was rated at 525 CCA because there was a weight spec on it.

 

[spacedout]

I wouldn't doubt the factory battery was rated at 525 CCA because there was a weight spec on it.

I replaced my stock battery last fall with a sears agm(group 47, direct replacement 600CCA). Seemed the AGM battery was lighter than the stock battery, if I would have been thinking I should have weighed them.

My car sits outside 100% of the time, on previous cars anything more than 8-10hours on below zero nights my car would start a bit hard in the AM(even with new batteries). The stock cruze battery was fine at 18hrs, the AGM was at 24hrs in the same conditions. Imagine I could go a couple days in the winter with even the stock setup if I really wanted to push it. Don't think it takes much to turn over this tiny engine.

 

[Robby]

Kinda weird.....I was looking at a 2015 Cruze yesterday and it had the 525ah......so does the 4cyl Equanox.

Are you sure that you are seeing the SAE rating? (Two ratings are shown....SAE and I don't recall the other because here in the US and I think all of North America we only are concerned with the SAE.)

Rob

 

[carbon02]

Kinda weird.....I was looking at a 2015 Cruze yesterday and it had the 525ah......so does the 4cyl Equanox.

Are you sure that you are seeing the SAE rating? (Two ratings are shown....SAE and I don't recall the other because here in the US and I think all of North America we only are concerned with the SAE.)

Rob

Robb- I'm not infront of my 2012, but I know what you mean with two numbers on the original label. I looked at it yesterday and I believe 525 CCA was the Society of Automotive Engineers rating. I think that's what SAE stands for, but I may be having a brain freeze!

 

[Robby]

What I was getting at (I have a 2012) is the second rating shown, which on my battery is CCA 485 EN, followed by 525 CCA SAE.

And yes, you are correct about the Society of Automotive Enginners.

Rob

 

[jblackburn]

Mine came with a 438 CCA. GM had a bunch of problems with them, so started using the 525 later in the production run. My 438 was replaced with a 525 when that went dead.

Don't think it takes much to turn over this tiny engine.

It really does not! I doubt much else would have started on this...

 

[XtremeRevolution]

I notice allot of you are going with the larger battery, what's the weight difference vs stock? If GM thought every pound counted with the ECO enough to shave off 3 gallons of gas(a gallon of gas is 6 pounds), would think adding any additional weight could start bringing down your MPG.

I posted the weight differences between the OEM replacement and the larger AGM batteries in post 1.

The H7 is less than 7 pounds heavier than the lead acid OEM size battery.

 

[spacedout]

I posted the weight differences between the OEM replacement and the larger AGM batteries in post 1.

The H7 is less than 7 pounds heavier than the lead acid OEM size battery.

Sorry I missed that. Not even enough weight to worry about.

 

[vwgtiglx]

Decided on a Duralast Platinum AGM battery (rebranded Deka Intimidator). H6, 735 CCA.

My car starts in like a crank and a half, and MUCH stronger now. Not used to this at all.

I use the Deka Intimidator in all my VW's after switching from Optima (got too expensive). Very dependable and has the highest CCA rating for its size.

 

[CHEVYCRUZE RS]

Awesome write up, thanks .

 

[Vetterin]

If anyone is interested Advance Auto $50 off $125 with code WD48 good till 11/29.

 

[El duderino]

Does anyone have an opinion about replacing a standard lead acid battery for super capacitors in parallel. For instance several 12v capacitors in parallel to match the CCA of a normal car battery granted you might spend as much an optima battery but the 40lb.+ weight savings would be a big deal.

 

[ChevyGuy]

Does anyone have an opinion about replacing a standard lead acid battery for super capacitors in parallel.

Only if they are sold for that application. Capacitors and batteries are two very different animals. Do a Google for "capacitor discharge curve" and "lead acid battery discharge curve" and you'll see what I mean. A battery holds it's voltage as it's capacity is used up, but a capacitor drops like a rock.

 

[edcast22]

can i fit a group 31 in this battery enclosure?

 

[snowvette]

Thanks so much for this sticky. I had to replace my battery today and it helped a lot. H7 AGM fits like a glove.

 

[carbon02]

Snowvette-

I think you're one of the first that installed the biggest batteries. Did you have to remove the Circuit block that's attached to the positive cable?

I would assume the H7 would be pretty long, and you might not be able to "angle it under" the circuit block.

My 2012 is 4 years old this month, and still has the factory battery. So far so good, but if remove the battery again it will be for replacement. I removed it and had it tested last year thinking I had problems.

 

[snowvette]

Definitely a tight fit, but had a friend hold up circuit block up and a little finesse and it fell in. Watch your fingers.

 

[neginfluence04]

Definitely a tight fit, but had a friend hold up circuit block up and a little finesse and it fell in. Watch your fingers. View attachment 165970

what advantages have you noticed with the bigger battery?

 

[Jonnyukon]

 

[snowvette]

what advantages have you noticed with the bigger battery?

Well,,, it starts now without being jumped. It definitely starts faster and that's all I've noticed so far.