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.

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

Source: prnewswire.com