Rotronics turns the spotlight on effective battery management
Battery maintenance solutions provider Rotronics has issued advice for fleet and workshop operators on how to get the most from battery management programmes, to help control unnecessary spend in the context of rising costs.
The starting point is to ensure the best performance and value from existing equipment, the company contends.
“In most cases, battery testers and chargers simply need a bit of TLC to get into peak condition,” it advised.
“If you are grappling with dirty clamps and tatty cables, your technology will be far from providing peak performance.”
Rotronics is the UK’s Midtronics and Ctek partner and a leading provider of battery maintenance and service solutions. Its service and repair specialists care for all Midtronics and Professional Ctek technology, which includes 
the Midtronics CXPRO 50/2 charger and the EXP1000 FHD conductance tester.
Ken Clark, managing director of Rotronics, said: “I would challenge readers to have a good look around their workshop… and see what unused essential equipment is lying around getting dusty.
“Our team of experts can bring it all back to life, providing a full service and repair, with warranty, if it lies within the warranty period.”
The company advises workshop operators to identify any equipment that needs to be repaired; rather than throwing it away, if readings are thought to be no longer reliable, it could be a good time for a service and calibration. Some testers and chargers need to be serviced annually, says Rotronics, to ensure the ability to care for and manage AGM, EFB, and lithium batteries.
“To always get correct readings, your technology needs a regular service and calibration,” said Ken Clark.
“This also helps verify warranty claims and audit conformance. Check the cables for any obvious wear and tear. Are the clamps clean?
“All the components may need to be broken down and for a full repair; obviously you don’t want to be without your kit for long periods of time, so our 24-hour turnaround suits customers very well.
“It’s important to have the most up-to-date software on your workshop testers, to be able to care for your customer batteries, start/stop applications and EFBs and support all battery technologies for vehicles arriving at your workshop.”
Without the correct equipment or equipment that is in poor condition, users risk misdiagnosis, lost revenue streams, and dissatisfied customers, says Rotronics.
According to the company’s data, 53 per cent of vehicles (an increase of three per cent on the same period last year) entering a workshop will have a battery that requires charging, and a plan is needed to ensure that every vehicle leaves the workshop in optimal condition.
What is required is an excellent battery management programme, says Rotronics. It offers the following checklist of simple actions that it says will make the world of difference to workshop efficiencies and budgets:
• One charger per service bay. All Rotronics customers who have this achieve the best battery performance improvements.
• Test and charge every vehicle that arrives at your workshop for routine servicing.
• Charge all your battery stock as batteries on the shelves will discharge over time. Check the voltage every month.
“Workshop managers need to have eyes and ears open 24/7/365 when looking after a busy fleet,” Ken Clark added.
“The Rotronics ROBIS data portal will certainly give advanced warning of any issues or charging required and help closely manage your processes and budgets.”
Explaining what ROBIS can achieve for fleet and workshop businesses, Rotronics likens the system to an on-call technician who never sleeps.
“ROBIS provides full visibility regarding what condition your fleet batteries are actually in, what remedial action is required, and shows clearly how your technicians are caring for your batteries.
“ROBIS really provides under-the-microscope data regarding battery performance, and this will help you reduce lost miles and any delivery penalties for late deliveries. You can also get impartial warranty proof and evidence for claims.”
