Cold weather could leave half of drivers stranded on New Year’s Day

| |

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Battery experts CTEK predict that as many as 50% of UK drivers could face car breakdowns this New Year’s due to a combination of cold weather and changes in driving routines.

The Met Office forecasts suggest a cold snap with temperatures dropping to -5°C, putting significant strain on vehicle batteries. Short trips and periods of inactivity over the festive holidays can prevent batteries from fully recharging, leading to potential electrical faults or complete battery failures.

Cold weather reduces battery performance by up to 50%, making them more vulnerable to breakdowns. Modern vehicles with features like heated seats and advanced electrics further increase the demand on batteries. Short trips don’t allow the alternator to fully recharge the battery, and inactivity can lead to sulfation, ultimately causing problems.

CTEK recommends proactive measures to overcome these challenges. Regularly checking and maintaining batteries, along with using a smart charger like the CTEK CT5 TIME TO GO, are crucial for ensuring reliable starts and a smoother driving experience during winter.

The CT5 TIME TO GO is a user-friendly automatic charger that can be connected directly to the battery for extended periods. It features temperature compensation and offers three charging programs. It also provides a unique feature: an estimated time remaining for the battery to fully charge, allowing drivers to plan their day accordingly.

By taking preventative measures and using a quality battery charger, drivers can avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure a smooth start to the new year.

Avatar

James Dempsey is originally from mother Russia. He works as a freelance journalist for various publishing companies and devours anything tech and car related. He has been a long standing contributor to Team Carwitter and helps keep the site viable.

Previous

Highlights of 2024: The best things we’ve done with cars this year

My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep.121)

Next