What does a 'CCA' rating indicate in regard to batteries?

The CCA rating, or Cold Cranking Amps rating, specifically measures a battery's ability to provide enough current to start an engine in cold temperatures. This rating is crucial because colder temperatures can significantly affect a battery's performance, leading to decreased efficiency. A higher CCA rating indicates that the battery can deliver more power when the engine is cold, which is essential for starting a vehicle in winter conditions. This feature makes CCA a key factor for consumers living in areas where temperatures drop significantly.

The other aspects mentioned in the choices focus on different battery characteristics. The lifespan of the battery relates more to its overall longevity and the number of charge cycles it can endure, while the effectiveness of a battery in hot temperatures pertains to its performance under heat stress. The charge retention capacity indicates how well a battery can hold a charge over time, which is separate from its ability to crank an engine in the cold. Thus, all these characteristics, while important, do not address the specific function that the CCA rating highlights.