Testing and charging tips from Ctek
A proactive approach to battery management can prevent breakdowns, save money, and protect a fleet’s reputation, according to Ctek, the battery management solutions provider.
“For transport operators, uptime is everything,” said the company.
“Vehicles must start first time, every time, because every missed delivery, cancelled route or roadside breakdown can directly impact the bottom line.
One of the leading causes of unscheduled downtime remains something simple and entirely preventable, says Ctek: battery failure. The company has identified that over 50 per cent of vehicles entering the workshop will have a battery that needs attention.
“Modern commercial vehicles are more reliant on battery power than ever before,” it said.
“Advanced telematics, driver comfort systems, auxiliary power units and safety electronics all draw current, even when the engine is off. This constant parasitic drain means batteries are rarely at full charge. Over time, this state of partial charge leads to sulphation, capacity loss and early failure, often without any visible warning signs.
“The result? Starting problems, unplanned breakdowns, expensive roadside assistance and, in some cases, fines for missed delivery slots or delayed routes. Add in the knock-on effects on customer confidence and the operator’s reputation, and the true cost quickly escalates.
“The good news is that battery-related issues are among the easiest to prevent. By introducing a simple, consistent battery management routine every time a vehicle enters the workshop, operators can dramatically reduce the risk of failure. That’s why keeping a battery fully charged in winter is so important – not just for starting power, but also for protection against freezing.
“Even if a battery is only partially discharged it becomes much easier to freeze, and therefore fail. A 40 per cent charged battery has a freezing point of –16 °F (–27 °C), whereas a fully charged battery has a freezing point –92 °F (–69 °C) meaning it is much more difficult to freeze.”
Ctek recommends a straightforward three-step approach.
“Test every battery on arrival – regardless of whether the driver has reported a fault,” the firm advised.
“This quick check immediately identifies weak or deteriorating units.
“Charge to full capacity during routine service or inspection. A full charge helps reverse sulphation and restores performance.
“Record and track results across the fleet to identify patterns and predict when batteries may need replacement.
“This process adds minimal time to a standard workshop visit, but it can make a major difference in reliability, safety and overall fleet performance.”
To further reduce downtime, operators should also make charging part of the daily routine, says Ctek, not just the workshop visit.
“Every hour a vehicle spends parked is an opportunity to maintain its battery health. Connecting vehicles to charge whenever they’re not in use, overnight, at weekends, or during shift changes, ensures batteries remain at full capacity, ready for the next job.
“Regular top-up charging helps combat the effects of parasitic drain and cold weather starts, both of which are leading causes of flat batteries in commercial fleets. Over time, this proactive approach can extend battery life significantly, reduce unplanned failures, and keep vehicles road-ready at all times.
“With safe, fully automatic smart chargers such as those in Ctek’s Pro range, this can be achieved quickly and safely without the risk of overcharging, providing a simple, low-effort way to keep fleets operational and dependable.”
A structured battery testing and charging routine brings measurable advantages across multiple areas, says Ctek, including lower costs, reduced downtime, reliable starts and fewer on-road failures.
“Regular charging can substantially increase battery life, cutting replacement spend and reducing waste,” said the company.
Improved workshop efficiency is another result.
“Technicians can identify problems early, avoiding time-consuming reactive repairs…
“Healthy batteries support dependable delivery performance, helping operators avoid fines and service failures.”
In addition, says Ctek, consistent reliability strengthens customer trust and supports compliance under the operator’s licence.
“In short, proactive battery care is an easy win, a small investment of time that delivers big returns in reliability and cost control.
“Ctek’s Pro range of professional chargers and battery management tools has been developed specifically for commercial vehicle workshops. These advanced systems enable safe, fast and fully automatic charging across a wide range of battery types and voltages.
“Whether maintaining batteries during service, restoring deeply discharged units, or performing diagnostics, Ctek tools give technicians the capability and confidence to deliver consistent, measurable results, helping operators keep their fleets moving efficiently and profitably.
“By making battery testing, charging, and ongoing maintenance part of your everyday routine, transport operators can stay one step ahead – saving money, maintaining schedules, and ensuring every vehicle is ready for the road.”
