#USA #Chicago #CTEK #battery care #winter tips

Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly in Winter

As winter approaches, vehicle owners need to be particularly mindful of battery performance. Cold weather can severely impact battery capacity, causing challenges for drivers trying to start their vehicles. With temperatures often dropping below freezing, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure your battery is up to the task. CTEK, a leading name in vehicle charging solutions, presents actionable tips that every vehicle owner should follow this winter.

The Effects of Cold Weather on Car Batteries

Cold temperatures can reduce battery capacity by up to 60%, significantly increasing the likelihood of breakdowns. This drop in performance means your engine requires more power, often burning additional fuel—up to 10 extra horsepower in extreme conditions. Thus, understanding how to maintain your car battery in winter is critical.

Key Recommendations from CTEK

Here are the essential battery care tips from CTEK to ensure safe and reliable winter driving:

1. Conduct Pre-Winter Checks

Don’t wait for the cold to hit before you inspect your battery. Cold weather can make it difficult to start your vehicle, and a little forethought can prevent stranding. Monitor your vehicle’s starting process and the functionality of electrical systems, as these can indicate battery weakness. With a battery's performance dipping by as much as 50% in sub-zero temperatures, early checks play a pivotal role in winter preparedness.

2. Keep Your Battery Well Charged

A healthy battery should show a voltage of 12.72 volts when fully charged. Allowing it to drop below 12.4 volts can result in sulphation, degrading both its capacity and lifespan. On the other hand, voltages below 10.4 volts might mean the battery won’t start your car at all. It’s essential to invest in a smart battery charger like CTEK’s MXS 5.0, which features:

• - Built-in Temperature Sensor: Adjusts charging according to the cold environment.
• - Reconditioning Mode: Revives deeply discharged batteries.
• - Maintenance Charging: Supports different battery types, including AGM, ensuring longevity in performance.

3. Implement Regular Charging Routines

Consider charging your battery at least once a month, as winter strains batteries due to increased reliance on heated features, screens, headlights, and short trips. CTEK’s smart charger simplifies battery frequency checks and adjusts power to suit the health of your battery.

4. Portable Power Solutions

In case of a dead battery away from home or a source of power, consider CTEK’s CS FREE charger. Compact and versatile, it offers adaptive boost technology—sufficient for restarting your vehicle battery in approximately 15 minutes without damaging electronic components. Additionally, it's portable and can function as a power bank to charge personal devices like phones and tablets.

Concluding Thoughts

As noted by Steve Hayes, President of CTEK North America, proper preparation is key for winter driving confidence. By following these straightforward battery maintenance practices, vehicle owners can navigate the winter months without undue stress. Staying ahead of potential battery issues will ensure your vehicle remains dependable even as temperatures drop. For further information on maintaining your vehicle's battery this winter, visit www.ctek.com.

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About CTEK
Founded in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is synonymous with top-tier vehicle charging solutions, providing everything from chargers for 12V and 24V batteries to comprehensive electrical vehicle offerings. The company is committed to supporting eco-friendly mobility, emphasized by its adherence to high ESG standards, and serves a wide network of global distributors and manufacturers.