Canada and the United States have been affected by severe cold weather, particularly in areas in the U.S. that do not typically experience this kind of climate. As a result Sweden’s CTEK has warned that up to 50 per cent of drivers in the U.S. could face vehicle start failures.
They said the combination of freezing conditions, short trips, and increased technology puts a lot of stress on vehicles and their batteries. And while Canada is used to cold weather conditions, this may be a good opportunity for dealers to remind consumers about important winter maintenance and battery chargers — for both electric and non-electric vehicles. Dealers who opened stores in the U.S. may wish to extend that message south of the border.
“Cold weather can reduce battery performance by up to 50 per cent, leaving drivers vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns,” said Steve Hayes, Head of North America Operations at CTEK, in a statement. “Modern vehicles are increasingly sophisticated, with everything from door locks to heated seats and steering wheels relying on electronics. This puts tremendous demand on batteries, especially during winter.”
Hayes suggested reaching for a battery charger ahead of predicted cold weather and storms to protect against a dead battery. CTEK also said the impact of cold weather on car batteries is particularly severe, as it affects the overall battery capacity, engine cranking power, electronic system performance, and battery charging efficiency — something consumers may not be fully aware of.
“Regular driving only charges the battery to 80 per cent capacity, making a battery charger essential for optimal performance,” said CTEK.
