CTEK Issues Winter Battery Warning: Half of U.S. Vehicles at Risk of Breakdown Due to Extreme Cold
As severe cold weather sets in across many U.S. states, battery expert CTEK is warning that up to 50% of vehicles could experience start failures. Meteorologists are forecasting a polar vortex with temperatures plunging as low as -23°F, which could cause significant strain on vehicle batteries.
According to Steve Hayes, Head of North American Operations for CTEK, cold temperatures can reduce battery performance by as much as 50%. He explains that modern vehicles, which rely heavily on electronics for everything from locks to heated seats, place extra demands on batteries, particularly during winter months. “I’d recommend using a battery charger before the cold snap hits to prevent being left stranded,” he advises.
With the average age of vehicles in the U.S. now at a record 12.5 years, and most car batteries having a lifespan of 3-5 years, many drivers are at risk. Additionally, short trips and lack of regular maintenance can exacerbate battery issues. Even when parked, car batteries lose 0.1V of energy each month, and systems like alarms and onboard computers further drain the battery.
Cold weather amplifies these challenges by affecting overall battery capacity, engine cranking power, and the efficiency of electronic systems and charging.
To address these concerns, CTEK recommends the CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar, a battery charger designed specifically for extreme cold weather. Featuring advanced charging technology, this charger offers:
*Cold-weather optimized performance
*Fully automatic 8-step charging process
*Temperature-compensated charging algorithms
*Spark-free operation and reverse polarity protection
*Water and dust-resistant design for all climates
*Safe for long-term connections
*A specialized reconditioning mode for deeply discharged batteries
*Compatibility with all 12V lead-acid batteries
With its robust design, the CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar ensures reliable performance and a safe start, even in the harshest conditions, making it an essential tool for winter battery maintenance.
For more details, visit www.ctek.com.
