With meteorologists forecasting a polar vortex with severe cold temperatures dropping to as low as -23°F across many states, battery charging company CTEK warns that up to 50% of drivers could face vehicle start failures. The combination of freezing conditions, short trips, and increased technology, puts significant stress on vehicles, particularly their batteries.
Owners are increasingly keeping their vehicles longer, with the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads reaching record highs. The average age of cars and light trucks was about 12.5 years, while most car batteries last 3-5 years. Lack of battery maintenance, combined with short trips for errands can lead to battery issues. Even when parked, car batteries lose 0.1V of energy monthly, with additional drain from alarm systems, onboard computers, and remote locking. Regular driving only charges the battery to 80% capacity, making a battery charger essential for optimal performance.
The impact of cold weather on car batteries is particularly severe, affecting:
- Overall battery capacity.
- Engine cranking power.
- Electronic system performance.
- Battery charging efficiency.