Cold Weather Charging Myths: What Really Happens to Your 12V Battery in Winter

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to plummet, car owners often find themselves facing battery problems. A lot of misinformation circulates about how cold weather affects 12V batteries, particularly when it comes to charging. To help you navigate through the confusion, we’re debunking some of the most common myths about charging 12V batteries in freezing temperatures and offering science-backed facts that can help you take proper care of your vehicle’s battery.

16 January 2025

How Swedes neglect car maintenance

7 out of 10 Swedes hardly ever check the battery, while half forget to check the radiator fluid and 38 per cent rarely or never check whether the car's lights are working. ‘As we move towards darker and colder times, it is very important from a safety point of view to keep track of all the key functions of the car to reduce the risk of accidents or immobilisation,’ says Henrik Fagrenius, CEO of CTEK.

09 December 2024

Storing a Car for the Winter

As the colder months approach, many car owners face the challenge of storing their vehicles for extended periods. Whether it's a classic car, a summer convertible, or simply a second vehicle, proper storage ensures your car will be in good condition when spring arrives. A critical component to focus on during storage is the 12V battery, which can suffer if neglected. This guide will walk you through preparing and maintaining your battery for winter storage, along with the importance of using CTEK chargers to keep it in peak condition.

21 October 2024

Don’t buy a new car battery – Charge with CTEK Instead

When your car battery starts showing signs of weakness—like dim headlights, slow engine starts, or even a complete failure—it’s easy to assume the battery needs replacing. However, before rushing to buy a new one, consider an often-overlooked solution: charging your battery. Investing in a quality charger can not only save you money but also extend the life of your current battery, avoiding unnecessary replacements.

16 October 2024

12V Battery Chargers: How to Use and What to Choose

A car battery is crucial for starting your vehicle and powering its electrical systems. However, like all batteries, it can drain over time. To keep your battery in top condition, investing in a high-quality 12V battery charger is essential. In this article, we'll explore how to use 12V battery chargers effectively and recommend the best options from CTEK.

03 October 2024

Stop Killing Your Car Battery! 10 Things That Drain Your 12V Battery

Your car's battery is a critical component, providing the necessary power to start your vehicle and run its electrical systems. However, many drivers inadvertently shorten their battery's lifespan through common actions and oversights. Understanding what drains your 12V battery can help you maintain its health and ensure your car starts when you need it most. Here are ten things that can drain your car battery and how to avoid them.

30 September 2024

Decoding the time equation: How long does it take to charge a 12V car battery?

Charging a 12V car battery might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it becomes a breeze. At CTEK, we're committed to making battery charging as straightforward and efficient as possible. Let’s dive into the factors that affect charging time and introduce you to a revolutionary charger that simplifies the entire process.

24 September 2024

Cheaper, cosier and just as beautiful: Five destination dupes for an unforgettable holiday

From Amsterdam to Paris and Venice - many popular destinations are often overcrowded, overpriced and therefore not very inviting for a relaxing city break. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that are just as beautiful and authentic as their famous doppelgangers - but without the crowds. According to Expedia, these so-called destination dupes are particularly popular this year. Discover five charming destinations that are on a par with their great role models.

10 September 2024

Optimising Workshop Efficiency with Battery Support Units

In the dynamic landscape of modern automotive workshops, Battery Support Units (BSUs) have emerged as indispensable tools, especially during software updates and Electronic Control Unit (ECU) reprogramming. These critical operations necessitate stability in battery voltage to ensure seamless data transfer, making the role of BSUs crucial in maintaining optimal performance and safeguarding against potential pitfalls.

30 July 2024

CTEK's Long-Standing Partnership with Karlfeldtsgymnasiet: Insights from Jacob Göthberg

In an insightful interview, Jacob Göthberg, Industrial Design Engineer and Team Leader at CTEK, shares the journey and impact of CTEK’s decade-long collaboration with Karlfeldtsgymnasiet’s technical branch. Here, Göthberg provides a detailed look into the program’s beginnings, its evolution, and the benefits it brings to students and the industry alike.

13 June 2024

How long do motorcycle batteries last?

A lot of people wonder, how long do motorcycle batteries last? The average lifespan of a motorcycle battery ranges from 2 to 5 years for lead-acid models and 5 to 10 years for lithium-ion types. These values depend on the battery’s quality, chemistry, construction, and other characteristics. However, it’s important to note these values are determined by manufacturers or independent research in a controlled environment. In real life, factors like driving habits, environmental conditions, and maintenance determine the actual battery’s performance and durability.

20 May 2024

What should you do when you leave your motorcycle parked?

Whether you are parking your bike for a moment or planning to leave it in your garage during the winter, it’s important to remember some essential considerations. These practices are crucial for an enjoyable riding experience and to preserve your bike’s mechanical integrity and battery health. So, what should you do when you leave your motorcycle parked? Let’s dive into this article to see some suggestions.

07 May 2024

How to jumpstart a car – the safe way

Facing a dead car battery can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're in a hurry or far from help. Jumpstarting a car is a common solution, but traditional methods involving jump cables and jump starter packs can pose risks to your vehicle's electronics and battery. Enter the CTEK CS FREE Adaptive Booster and Battery Charger, a revolutionary device that not only powers up your flat battery swiftly and safely but also acts as a portable battery charger, ensuring your vehicle batteries remain in peak condition wherever you go. In this article we’ll learn how to jumpstart a car the safe way.

21 March 2024

How To Charge A Car Battery

The 12V battery in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car plays a crucial role in powering various electrical components, such as lights, radio, and the vehicle's computer system. Charging a 12V battery in an ICE car is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with a compatible battery charger. Regularly maintaining your vehicle's battery can extend its lifespan and help prevent unexpected starting issues. So, how do you charge a car battery? In this guide, we will discuss the steps to charge a 12V battery in an ICE car effectively.

04 March 2024

The Cold Reality: How Frigid Temperatures Impact Car Batteries

As we are in the middle of the winter, car owners brace themselves for the challenges posed by cold weather conditions. Among the critical components affected, the car battery takes centre stage. In this technical article, we will delve into the science behind how cold weather affects car batteries. Understanding these effects can help car owners take proactive measures to preserve battery health and ensure reliable vehicle performance during harsh winter months.

23 January 2024

Winter Storage Wisdom: Keeping Your Ride Ready for Spring's Return

Embarking on summer drives with your seasonal car or motorcycle is a unique joy. Yet, if the thought of stowing away your cherished vehicle for the winter has crossed your mind, CTEK offers valuable advice for intelligent winter storage. This ensures your vehicle's battery remains in optimal condition, poised for a seamless start when spring arrives.

16 November 2023

Prepare your car for winter with a simple yet crucial step —charge your battery!

In Sweden, all car owners must transition to winter tires by December 1st. What many overlook is the impact of cold weather on the car battery. The colder it gets, the more crucial maintenance charging becomes, especially for vehicles covering shorter distances. While the switch to winter tires is routine for most, it's time to include another seasonal activity — basic battery maintenance. Car owners can ensure trouble-free journeys and a longer-lasting vehicle by taking a few simple steps.

09 November 2023

CTEK’s Training Manager answer frequently asked body shop questions

Did you know that around 75% of vehicles stored in a workshop have a battery that needs attention? By that we mean it needs charging, conditioning and in certain cases replacing. With modern vehicles relying on sophisticated and costly electronics, lead-acid batteries are being used under more challenging conditions than ever before. As a result, battery care has become a pressing issue, particularly as inadequate maintenance leads to a rapid decrease in battery life.

21 September 2023

Don’t let the summer fool you - Charge your 12V battery!

As the summer heat intensifies, it's not just our bodies that need extra care and attention; our 12V vehicles also require special consideration to ensure optimal performance and reliability. With scorching temperatures and extended road trips on the horizon, it's essential to understand the unique charging needs of your vehicle during the summer season.

04 July 2023

How to charge a mild hybrid

Mild hybrids are vehicles equipped with both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a small electric generator / motor, which assists the engine during starting, cruising or hard acceleration. The 48V battery which powers the hybrid system is recharged using the vehicles kinetic energy through regenerative braking. The generator captures the energy during coasting and braking to be stored and used for restarting the engine and acceleration. Even though the electrical system is recharged by generative breaking, you still need to charge the 12V battery. You need the 12V system for almost all of the functions in your car such as air conditioning, lights, opening of the doors, the radio, windows etc.

18 April 2023

How much does it cost to charge your battery?

With the rising cost of electricity and the increasing cost of living, one of the most shared questions we’re being inquired these days is “how much does it cost to charge my car battery?”

13 February 2023

Don’t get stuck out in the cold this winter

With the first flakes of snow appearing in the sky and temperatures set to plummet, urgent action is needed to make sure your car battery is fully charged, so you don’t get stranded out in the cold and dark with a flat battery this winter.

12 December 2022

Battery support – a necessity for the workshop

Battery support is an essential part of modern workshop practices, and this applies to all workshop services, even in minor cases. As our vehicles are technically advancing, the need for battery support increases.

4 tips for extending vehicles battery life

With a global shortage of new cars and ongoing concerns over the increased cost of living, we are seeing motorists hanging onto their vehicles for longer. For these older vehicles, additional care needs to be taken to keep the vehicle’s battery in peak condition. CTEK has the following tips for drivers of older cars, to keep their vehicle batteries in the best of health, extend battery life by up to three times and avoid the cost and inconvenience of vehicle breakdown.

24 October 2022

Wise winter storage for smooth spring start ups

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in your classic or sports car, motorbike or boat during the summer months. But with autumn just around the corner, if you’re thinking about putting your treasured vehicle away for the winter, CTEK, the leading global brand in battery charging solutions, has some useful advice for wise winter storage that will keep your vehicle battery in tip top condition, ready for a smooth spring start.

20 October 2022

How regular battery maintenance can save you money

With fuel prices and the general cost of living increasing rapidly, many drivers are looking at ways to save money and make their budgets stretch further.

23 September 2022

Drivers are Keeping their Cars for 12+ Years

With rising new and used car prices and a shortage of cars at dealerships, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has recently reported that EU cars are now on average 11.8 years old, whilst research firm S&P Global Mobility recently reported that the average age of vehicles on U.S. roadways hit a record high of 12.2 years in 2021, increasing for the fifth straight year in a row.

22 July 2022