Odyssey issues winter battery advice
Odyssey Battery has provided guidance for operators on the adoption of seasonal battery checks to help keep fleets running efficiently through the winter.
Battery performance plays a particularly vital role in fleet uptime and productivity during the winter months when cold weather drives up the risk of vehicle breakdowns, the brand points out.
A preventative maintenance programme can help improve fleet efficiency, says Odyssey, whilst also keeping drivers safe on the road.
“It’s always best practice to schedule maintenance checks at regular intervals, whether it’s every six months, or after reaching a set number of miles,” it advised.
The experts at Odyssey Battery also recommend carrying out some important seasonal battery checks, which can help keep no starts and unexpected downtime to a minimum.
Odyssey Battery highlights the importance of remembering to use protective gloves and eyewear, as well as insulated tools, when making the following battery checks:
- Examine the battery’s State of Charge (SOC) – if the battery is a conventional flooded lead acid battery, check the electrolyte and replenish as needed
- Inspect the case, terminals, cables and clamps for damage, wear and dirt
- Check the battery for corrosion
- To clean the battery, disconnect it and wash dirt from the cables and connectors with ammonia or a paste of one part baking soda and three parts water
- Use an emery cloth for the battery terminals and use water to clean the case and clamps
- Rinse, dry and reconnect the battery, then coat the terminals with dielectric grease, anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly
- Should the battery need replacing, be sure to disconnect all cables from the battery before removing it from the vehicle.
“If a new battery is required, consider upgrading to a high performance brand such as Odyssey Battery from EnerSys,” it advised.
“Engineered using Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) TPPL technology, Odyssey batteries provide exceptional power, even in temperatures as low as -40oC.
“Fleet operators looking for extra peace of mind can also benefit from the Odyssey DINC battery with Connect battery monitoring system, which offers easy access to data on state of health – including voltage, temperature, history and usage – via a handy app.”
The Connect battery monitoring system is designed to alert operators to any areas of concern with safeguard notifications and real time insights into battery performance, allowing any potential issues to be identified and dealt with before they become problematic.
Tom Spinks, transportation product manager at EnerSys, commented: “Maximising fleet productivity can be particularly challenging during the winter months when cold weather is more likely to cause weaker batteries to fail.
“No starts on frosty mornings can cause a real headache for fleet operators but this common scenario can often be avoided by checking vehicle batteries are working properly and choosing the right upgrade if a replacement is necessary.
“Switching to an Odyssey Battery can be a wise move for operators looking to keep downtime to a minimum and enhance fleet productivity.”
Odyssey highlights some key points to consider when choosing a new battery.
“There are a variety of chemistries to choose from and it’s important to select the right kind for heavy-duty applications. When it’s time to invest in a new battery, it’s important to consider Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, reserve capacity and rated voltage.
“It might also be beneficial to purchase more than one battery to help power hotel loads and any added onboard accessories while not overwhelming the starting batteries with additional energy demand…
“Battery performance and life are impacted by temperature, so if a vehicle is operating in extreme cold, a battery with the highest CCA available is needed to help deliver reliable starts…
“It’s crucial to understand the amperage load needed for your vehicle, so that a sufficient alternator can be selected. Not only will this keep accessories running at an optimal level, but it will also minimise strain on the vehicle battery.
“Odyssey batteries are designed to support the heavy electrical loads of the modern commercial fleet. Upgrading to an Odyssey Battery can be a smart investment for fleet managers looking to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and drive efficiency.”
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