Ask the Expert: What is the proper way to care for a battery in cold climates or freezing conditions?

Feb. 17, 2014

Batteries need special care in the cold because they will drastically lose cranking power when the mercury drops.

Q: What is the proper way to care for a battery in cold climates or freezing conditions?

A: Regardless of the temperatures, batteries are always happiest when they are fully charged. A slightly discharged battery might start a vehicle on a warm day but that same battery would probably not have a chance on a freezing day. Batteries need special care in the cold because they will drastically lose cranking power when the mercury drops.

A discharged battery not only means the user could be stranded with a vehicle that is not starting, but also a danger that the battery could freeze and be destroyed. In extreme cold a battery should also be charged slightly differently than in normal temperatures.

The CTEK MUS 4.3 POLAR has been specially developed to offer excellent all-round charging with special cold weather performance and adapted AC and DC cables to handle severe cold down to -22 degrees F (-30 degrees C). The MUS 4.3 POLAR is an advanced microprocessor controlled battery charger for providing service on batteries from 1.2Ah up to 110Ah.

Features include weather-proof design approved for outdoor use, diagnosis of battery condition to establish if it can receive and retain charge, patented automatic desulphation program and a special reconditioning function that will revive and restore deeply discharged and stratified batteries. ‘Snowflake’ mode ensures ideal charging performance even in the most extreme cold conditions. Patented "Float/Pulse" maintenance makes the MUS 4.3 POLAR ideal for long-term maintenance. The entire process of battery testing, charging and maintenance is easily followed on the clear LED display

For more information about CTEK charging systems, phone 330-963-0981, email [email protected], or visit www.smartercharger.com.

Information provided by: CTEK

About the Author

Matt Ingram | Regional Sales Manager, CTEK

Matt Ingram, Regional Sales Manager for CTEK, is the company's expert in battery charging and maintenance.

CTEK Power, Inc. is based in Twinsburg, Ohio. CTEK manufactures a complete range of new generation high-quality, reliable battery chargers and accessories for private and professional use that are effective, user friendly and above all safe to use. CTEK has become the most trusted name in battery charging, manufacturing and distributing both CTEK and OEM branded chargers. A leader in Switch Mode Technology, CTEK’s cutting edge innovations have made it a global industry leader selling more than 4 million chargers in over 60 countries worldwide.