Battery failure – the single biggest cause of vehicle breakdowns during winter

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, battery performance can reduce by as much as 50%. That is why drivers need to make sure their car batteries are in top condition, to power through the cold.

 

“We may think about checking the car’s oil, brakes, washer fluid and heater, but the humble car battery is often overlooked in our winter preparations,” said Bobbie DuMelle, President of CTEK North America. “A few simple checks and a regular maintenance regime are all that’s needed to give you peace of mind that your battery is fit and ready to keep you safely out on the road this season.”

The increased power demand during colder weather, driven by heated screens, seats, headlights and short journeys, together with the reduced battery performance, results in battery failure being the single biggest cause of breakdowns during the colder winter months. Contrary to popular belief, the alternator might only charge the battery to 60% of its capacity, and so to get the most out of the battery, so that it can keep all the vehicle’s electric systems working and always start when you need it to, charging the battery with a smart battery charger is essential – especially in winter.

The MXS 5.0, a cutting-edge smart charger with maintenance and reconditioning features, stands out as the optimal choice to combat the challenges posed by freezing temperatures.

”Winter driving can be fun, and it can be beautiful,” said DuMelle. ”If you take that little bit of time to get yourself and your battery well prepared in advance, then you’re all set to make the most of it.”

For added peace of mind while on the go, CTEK also offers the CS FREE® – a battery charger and adaptive booster – that can safely and quickly power up a dead vehicle battery if you do get stuck on the road.

DuMelle asserted, “With the CS FREE® in your car, you can say goodbye to jump starters and regular boosters, as its adaptive boost function is the safest way to revive your dead battery without risk of damaging either the battery or the vehicle electronics. Keeping one in your car really is a smart idea to avoid getting stranded with a dead battery.”