Battery neglect and poor maintenance not only cause breakdowns for 70,000 motorists each year but also result in a staggering £28 million in costs
Today, on the 5th of October 2023, marks Charge Your Car Day, and CTEK, the global leader in battery charging solutions, has unveiled research revealing that nearly half of the vehicle batteries currently in use are underperforming. These underperforming batteries are contributing to the rising trend of battery-related breakdowns, which are in turn imposing financial burdens of over £400 per year on motorists who are driving less due to the escalating cost of living.
According to research conducted by the RAC, up to 40% of all breakdowns in the UK are attributable to battery failures, with a significant portion of these breakdowns resulting from drained or flat batteries. This issue extends even to electric vehicles, where a discharged 12V battery remains a leading cause of breakdowns, as reported by the breakdown rescue provider Start Rescue. On this Charge Your Car Day, CTEK is urging motorists to evaluate the condition of their batteries to avert costly and inconvenient breakdowns.
While high energy prices are a growing concern for many, it's worth noting that recharging your battery consumes minimal power and is a far more cost-effective alternative to replacing a battery, which can cost up to £130. The energy required to recharge your car battery is equivalent to watching television for five hours, which is less than the cost of running an electric oven for an hour, playing a game console for three hours, or completing two loads of laundry.
Robert Wilkinson, an avid car enthusiast and CTEK customer, shared his experience: "In early 2019, I purchased 2 MXS 5.0s for their desulphation capabilities, to use on my aging AGM Optima Redtop and Yellow Top batteries. Our cars have low mileage and are frequently stored in a garage that isn't climate-controlled, experiencing extreme temperatures. Modern car ECUs and aftermarket alarms can significantly drain 12v batteries, especially on low-mileage vehicles. It's incredibly satisfying to return from extended overseas travel and start the car with the engine firing up without hesitation. The components I've used have endured years of use."
He continued, "The oldest AGM battery maintained by my CTEK was an 11-year-old Optima Redtop. I retired the Redtop with a battery life of 68% at 11 years. The Red Top was $200 USD. The CTEK saved me $200, as most batteries need replacement at 5 years old. I also have an Optima Yellow Top at 8 years old and CTEK maintained. My CTEK chargers have more than paid for themselves since I'm replacing fewer AGM batteries, thanks to their extended service life."
For over 25 years, CTEK has been dedicated to the global mission of charging, maintaining, and safeguarding car batteries. All CTEK chargers are designed for effortless use, requiring no specialized automotive expertise. Each charger intelligently evaluates your battery's condition and then precisely applies the correct voltage to recharge and recondition it, ensuring it operates at its peak performance.
Tony Zeal, the Training Manager at CTEK, emphasized, "CTEK battery chargers are renowned worldwide for their exceptional performance and unwavering reliability. In fact, we manufacture branded chargers for more than 40 of the world's leading and most prestigious car manufacturers. Charge Your Car Day was established to celebrate and honour the tireless efforts of the humble car battery while raising awareness about the significant savings achieved through regular battery maintenance. Charging your car battery reduces breakdowns, extends battery life by up to three times, minimizes costly repairs, and safeguards complex electrical systems. In these challenging economic times, a car battery charger is a money-saving asset, especially given the growing trend of reduced car usage. This year, we want to emphasize the mantra: 'Keep moving, stay on the move, and keep charging!'"
What type of charger are you?
Auto Enthusiast: You are meticulous about your vehicle's inner workings. You select the ideal oil, maintain premium tires, and never let the tread depth fall below the recommended level. Your charger is a permanent fixture in your garage, and you charge your battery daily. You understand that the battery is the heart of your car.
Conscientious Commuter: You're aware of the essential checks. When refuelling or recharging, you inspect tire pressures and top up wiper fluid. In your trunk, you keep a jump starter, even though you know it can harm your battery and pose risks. Nonetheless, you like to stay prepared.
A to B: You value your car for its reliability in getting you where you need to go. You rely on navigation apps, and while you understand the importance of car maintenance, you haven't yet popped the hood. Battery charging isn't a frequent thought, and you have your breakdown provider on speed dial in case of a flat battery.
Magical Motorist: Your car seems like magic to you. You might not even be aware that there's a battery hidden inside. The possibility of a breakdown briefly crosses your mind when you drive only when necessary. Your primary interactions are with the steering wheel and the radio volume button, and you're thankful for Apple CarPlay.