How To Avoid Battery Drain In Any Weather
CHICAGO, July 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
United States has seen record heat and it doesn't look like
it will end anytime soon. As the heat intensifies, it's not
just our bodies that need extra care and
attention; CTEK says our vehicle batteries also require
special consideration to ensure optimal performance and
reliability. With scorching temperatures and extended road trips on
the horizon, it's important to understand the unique charging needs
of your vehicle battery in the extreme heat.
Temperature always plays a significant role in the life
expectancy and performance of 12V batteries. Exposing a 12V battery
to high temperatures, such as those experienced this summer, can
lead to accelerated aging. Heat increases the rate of chemical
reactions inside the battery, causing the electrolyte to evaporate
more quickly and accelerating internal corrosion.
"It's a common misconception that 12V batteries last longer in
warm weather than they do in the cold, believe it or not it's
actually the opposite," says Bobbie
DuMelle, President, CTEK North America. "Batteries rely on
chemical reactions to produce and store electrical energy. The rate
of discharge is higher with heat, that means we need to charge more
often."
Temperature compensation will reduce charge going into the
battery to protect against over-heating the battery that can cause
something called desiccation: If a battery becomes overcharged, due
to too high voltage being used during the charging cycle, the
battery loses water due to evaporation. As a result of this, the
batteries charging plates become exposed and begin to dry out,
causing permanent and irreparable damage.
In the summer, a vehicle will probably be able to start even if
the battery is discharged. Drivers will falsely believe the battery
is doing okay when in reality, it's dying. When a vehicle battery
falls below 12.4V the sulphation process begins, and drivers won't
notice it until it's too late.
CTEK has some top tips to help maintain your 12V vehicle's
performance, reliability, and safety during the hot weather
conditions.
- Check the battery. Hot weather puts a strain on
your battery, so it's essential to check its condition. Prolonged
exposure to high temperatures can significantly shorten the overall
lifespan of a 12V battery. It can lead to internal damage,
increased self-discharge, and a decline in the battery's ability to
hold a charge over time. Regularly checking the battery's condition
and addressing any issues instantly can help ensure reliable
starting power and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Understand how heat affects your battery: As
temperatures outside heat up, so does the temperature under the
hood of your car, truck, or SUV. This creates an atmosphere that
can be harmful to your battery. This built-up heat can increase the
chances of battery failure, as corrosion can speed up and
intensify. In addition, water inside the battery in the form of
electrolytes can evaporate. Battery related service calls tend to
increase over the summer months for these very reasons.
- Be sensitive to changes. Be aware of any changes in
the way your car starts, or the operation of the electrical system
in general. Do the lights dim considerably when you try to start
the car? Does the starter seem to be turning slower than normal?
Any changes can indicate a weak battery or problems in the
electrical system.
- Charge before you go. Make sure your battery is
fully charged and in tip-top condition before you leave home.
Driving around in your vehicle will only ever charge your battery
to around 80 percent capacity so, to top it up to 100 percent,
you'll always need an efficient battery charger. When plugged into
the outlet or another power source, a smart battery charger like
CTEK's MXS 5.0 will check how much charge you have in
your battery and get you fully charged for your trip.
- Carry emergency supplies: Traveling off-grid during
the summer can be wonderful, until breakdowns happen! Prepare for
any unforeseen situations by keeping emergency supplies in your
vehicle. These may include a spare tire, a portable battery charger
and adaptive booster like the CTEK CS FREE®, flashlight,
extra water, and a first aid kit. CTEK's CS
FREE® is a portable adaptive booster that can start
a dead battery in only 15 minutes, without damaging your vehicle's
sensitive electronics. It's actually a 4-in-1 unit that is a
portable battery charger, smart maintainer, adaptive booster and a
hi-tech power bank!
- Time to Replace Your Battery — Depending on where
you live, how you drive and how you look after your battery, the
lifespan of your vehicle battery could be greatly impacted one way
or another. Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips and general
everyday use could shorten the life of your battery to as little as
two-three years, or the lifespan could be tripled by proper battery
care. Pay attention to all the proactive ways you can prolong your
battery life, and you could save time, money and the hassle of a
dead battery at the most inopportune time.
- Invest in a Battery Charger/Maintainer — Charging
your battery at least once a month prolongs its life up to three
times, turning regular battery maintenance with a reliable battery
charger into a smart routine for savvy motorists. When you consider
that battery failure can damage or compromise a vehicle's
electronics, a charger makes a worthwhile investment for the long
haul. The MXS 5.0 Charger/Maintainer from CTEK has an automatic
temperature sensor to ensure the duration and rate of charge is
exactly the amount needed. The MXS 5.0 with built-in functionality
for both maintenance and troubleshooting offers a patented
technology that can recondition your battery and remove sulphation
to restore battery health for greater longevity and
efficiency.
To find out more,
visit www.CTEK.com. CSFREE® is registered in
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
About CTEK
- Established in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in
vehicle charging solutions.
- CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers
to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility
solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and
commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that
require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and
payment equipment.
- CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of
global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied
to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and
through charge point operators, property owners and other
organizations/individuals providing EV charging
infrastructure.
- CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for
innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a
greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG
standards.
Press Contact:
Michelle Suzuki
310-930-6655
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SOURCE CTEK