CTEK Reminds Motorists That Summer Heat Is a Battery Killer

CHICAGO, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunny days are here, and along with the summer also comes vacation time. But as families get ready to hit the road, CTEK - the Swedish manufacturer of high-tech battery chargers/maintainers – wants to share some advice to help make sure the heat doesn't stop their cars in their tracks.

Most drivers probably know that high temperatures put a tremendous strain on a car's cooling system. But it's probably not as well known that heat is also the number one killer of car batteries.

While freezing weather brings out the weaknesses in a battery, it's actually hot weather that causes a significant reduction in battery life. In fact, a battery in Florida can expect to have about one half of the service life of a comparable battery in a really cold climate like Illinois.

Add to that the fact that modern electrical systems demand much more from the car's battery than just starting the engine. Electronics make up almost half of the content of today's automobile and that puts a terrific strain on the battery.

So how can motorists extend the life of their battery and help avoid being stranded on the side of the road? One way, according to experts, is to have a program of regular battery maintenance.

That's right. Despite being labeled "maintenance free," most modern batteries really aren't.

"Today's maintenance-free battery may not have filler caps on the top like the batteries in your grandfather's car," says Bobbie DuMelle of CTEK. "But that doesn't mean that they don't need regular care."

DuMelle explains that the car's alternator can't always keep up with the heavy demands of navigation systems, premium sound and on-board computers. The battery, whose primary job is to start the car and balance the electrical demands of the system, suffers as a result and rarely gets recharged above 80 percent of capacity. That can significantly shorten battery life.

In fact, DuMelle says that the regular use of a smart charger, like the ones from CTEK, can actually double or triple battery life. The process is very simple with the CTEK charger; it's totally automatic and fool proof. Its eight-step process actually reconditions the battery and tests it for any potential problems.

The newest CTEK charger, the MXS 5.0 smart charger, automatically adjusts the charging rate depending on ambient temperature to ensure ideal charging in extreme cold or hot weather conditions. It also continually monitors the battery throughout the charging process, adjusting the charging rate to the battery condition. It offers 4.3 amp charging current as well as the company's proprietary, eight-step battery care program.

Included in the eight steps are desulphation and reconditioning phases that can restore discharged batteries to peak condition. Each stage ensures that any lead-acid battery is optimally conditioned, charged and maintained. If desired, the MXS 5.0 can maintain a battery indefinitely without the risk of damage to the battery or delicate vehicle electronics.

CTEK wants consumers to understand that a regular program of battery maintenance can significantly extend the useful life of an automotive battery. And with modern AGM batteries costing several hundred dollars, that could help pay for a few extra days of summer vacation.  

Contact:
Harry Hurst
Harris, Baio & McCullough
(610) 725-9600
[email protected]

Katharine Parker
CTEK PR External/Internal Communication Manager
[email protected]

SOURCE CTEK Inc.