Back to Blog Back to top

Prepare your car for winter with a simple yet crucial step —charge your battery!

9 October 2023

In Sweden, all car owners must transition to winter tires by December 1st. What many overlook is the impact of cold weather on the car battery. The colder it gets, the more crucial maintenance charging becomes, especially for vehicles covering shorter distances. While the switch to winter tires is routine for most, it's time to include another seasonal activity — basic battery maintenance. Car owners can ensure trouble-free journeys and a longer-lasting vehicle by taking a few simple steps. 

A recent survey by Norstat, commissioned by CTEK, reveals significant gaps in knowledge about proper vehicle maintenance, particularly during winter. Shockingly, one in four respondents is unaware of the cold weather's effect on battery life, and a staggering 6 in 10 believe that extremely cold weather shortens a car battery's lifespan.

Implementing regular maintenance charging for your car battery can substantially extend its life, proving to be a wise financial decision. According to Tony Zeal, battery expert and training manager at CTEK, external factors like temperature and the frequency of maintenance charging play a vital role in a car battery's longevity. To ensure years of optimal performance, it's essential to prioritize the best care for your battery.

Starting a car requires a significant amount of power, ranging from 150 to 350 amps. If your driving habits involve frequent short journeys, particularly in urban areas, the battery can drain as the alternator struggles to replenish the charge. This is especially true for cars equipped with a stop/start function.

If you've noticed a lapse in your stop/start function, it could be due to an insufficiently charged battery. As Tony explains, the car prioritizes essential functions by gradually shutting down non-essential ones to conserve the remaining battery charge for the engine, leading to potential issues.

With CTEK’s battery charger CS ONE, the maintenance just got a lot of simpler and smarter. Thanks to its groundbreaking APTO™ (Adaptive Charging) technology, you can say goodbye to the hassle of figuring out which clamp goes where — the CS ONE does all the thinking for you. APTO™ Technology takes the guesswork out of charging by automatically identifying your battery type and delivering a personalised charging program. It's the easiest charger you'll ever encounter. Enhance your charging experience even further with dedicated app control, unlocking additional features that make it the most advanced charger on the market today.

More from CTEK Magazine

CTEK appoints Sven Fierenkothen as Regional Sales Director, Europe – Consumer division

Experienced international sales leader joins CTEK to drive growth across the European Consumer business

CTEK appoints Sven Fierenkothen as Regional Sales Director, Europe – Consumer division

Battery Charging vs Battery Support: Why Understanding the Difference Matters More Than Ever

As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, so too do the demands placed on their batteries. Yet one of the biggest misconceptions in the automotive industry remains the belief that battery charging and battery support are one and the same.

Battery Charging vs Battery Support: Why Understanding the Difference Matters More Than Ever

Many plug-in hybrid drivers rarely or never plug in

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle drivers are missing out on saving money on fuel by not plugging in their cars often enough, a new UK survey has discovered.

Many plug-in hybrid drivers rarely or never plug in

The Silent Sales Tool: Why Battery Support Belongs in Every Vehicle Showroom

A perfectly presented vehicle is about far more than spotless paintwork, gleaming alloy wheels and immaculate interiors. Behind every successful showroom display is something customers rarely see – but almost certainly notice when it goes wrong: the battery.

The Silent Sales Tool: Why Battery Support Belongs in Every Vehicle Showroom

Mobility Insurance: Compact Boosters Can Save Your Vacation

Suitcases packed, route programmed into the satnav. However, the best plans can be ruined when the car battery fails at the most inconvenient moment: during a vacation. Here is why summer heat is a battery's worst enemy and how compact jump-start boosters can keep you mobile without the need to wait for roadside assistance.

Mobility Insurance: Compact Boosters Can Save Your Vacation

Putting CTEK power in a thrilling Super Race season

We're beyond excited that CTEK has officially joined the off-road Super Race series as a partner. This super popular calendar of races in central Europe features quad bikes and side-by-side utility vehicles.

Putting CTEK power in a thrilling Super Race season