Summer means longer days, sunshine and road trips. Whether you're heading to the coast, the countryside or just enjoying the Great British heatwave, your car battery should be the last thing you’re worrying about. But every year, thousands of summer days are disrupted by one common issue: a dead car battery.

According to a recent report, soaring temperatures are causing a significant increase in vehicle breakdowns, with the RAC reporting up to 20% more failures than usual for this time of year. The Met Office are forecasting that temperatures in the UK are expected to be above normal for the whole summer, meaning that the combination of extreme heat and drivers making the most of the summer weather over the holidays will put further strain on car batteries, making breakdowns more likely.

High temperatures, combined with infrequent use, short journeys and added load from air conditioning and in-car tech, put serious strain on your vehicle’s battery. Many drivers mistakenly believe that cold weather is a battery's worst enemy. While winter can be tough on an already weak battery, heat is just as dangerous – if not more so. Elevated temperatures accelerate chemical activity inside the battery, increasing the risk of fluid evaporation and internal damage. This can significantly shorten battery life or even lead to sudden failure.

I have been using CTEK products for many years and they ensure my fleet of old cars are always ready for action. They have a new product, the CTEK MXS 5.0 POWERKIT, ideal for keeping your battery in peak condition.

They say: "Just as you check your tyres and fluids before a long journey, your battery deserves the same attention. A healthy battery is a charged battery – and the best way to ensure it stays that way is by using CTEK MXS 5.0 POWERKIT, which includes the MXS 5.0 smart charger, indicator eyelet and connect clamp for optimal battery care. Also in the kit is a handy CTEK powerbank, the ideal way to ensure that your electronic devices stay powered up wherever you go.

”The MXS 5.0 isn’t just any charger. It features temperature compensation, a critical function in summer. This intelligent feature automatically adjusts the charging voltage based on ambient temperature, preventing overcharging in the heat and ensuring your battery is optimally maintained. It’s also fully automatic – just connect it, select the mode and let it do the rest. The MXS 5.0 goes through a patented eight-step charging process that includes de-sulphation (and, if selected, reconditioning for certain types of batteries) , helping to restore lost battery performance and extend its life.”

CTEK’s top tips for summer battery health:
✔️ Charge before you go – don’t leave battery maintenance until you’re packing the car. Charge your battery the night before to start your journey with full power.
✔️ Avoid short trips – these don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. If you're not driving far, top up the charge manually.
✔️ Keep it cool – park in the shade or garage when possible. Excessive heat under the bonnet can quickly degrade battery health.
✔️ Maintain if storing – leaving your vehicle unused for weeks? Connect a maintenance charger such the MXS 5.0 to prevent discharge.

Enjoy the journey, not the tow truck. Oh and the price, just £89.95.