Battery charging and testing advice from Ctek
As winter approaches, when many vehicle batteries will be on the edge of failing, charging equipment specialist Ctek has emphasised the importance for workshops of being on top of testing and charging procedure.
The battery management solutions provider explained how the latest battery testing and charging equipment can help serve customers and generate increased profit.
“Vehicles today have essentially become very expensive computers on wheels,” said Ctek.
“When a vehicle enters a workshop for service or repair, the diagnostic processes being undertaken as part of these procedures are placing the battery under greater strain than ever before, risking battery failure.
“Battery support is therefore an essential part of all workshop practices.
“Using battery support in conjunction with any routine service, fault finding or repair, should be carried out not only from a technical safety point of view, but also to maximise workshop efficiency and provide a complementary added value service to the customer.”
The company cites a recent UK survey it undertook, which identified that as many as 80 per cent more vehicles entering the workshop now, compared to 2020, have a battery that needs attention.
These batteries either need recharging, reconditioning, or replacing. The survey also found that only 45 per cent of workshops offer battery charging as part of regular maintenance.
Mark Poole, sales manager for Ctek, explained that knowledge about battery support is increasing, but at the same time many workshops are still not maximising the opportunity.
”If the battery isn’t in a great state when it enters the workshop, any drains or strains during the diagnostic process could result in battery failure, disrupting the diagnostic procedure,” he said.
“Battery support is a vital activity often not fully appreciated for its importance in saving a technician’s time, insuring against costly diagnostic failures and preventing possible costly damage to the ECU.”
Ctek’s survey also showed that, although 75 per cent of workshops charge batteries during maintenance, 70 per cent of technicians feel that they don’t have enough knowledge when it comes to battery support.
Mark continued: “It is a safety net for the workshop. If the battery is faulty then there is an opportunity to talk to the customer and recharge the battery, or replace it with a new one.
“It is added value to the customer if the workshop can give the tips and advice that will extend the life of the battery.
“The function of the battery support is to give as high current as needed at a preferable voltage, and it is recommended to have the battery support plugged in during the whole service session.”
Mark added: “It is also interesting to note that a lot of manufacturers have a demand for at least 120 Ampere when a vehicle is undergoing service, and a lot of the new models have a demand for at least 100 Ampere.
“As a result we are seeing a big demand for our Pro120 product – a fully automatic 120A battery support unit, with incremental voltage power supply, for precise control over the most demanding fault finding, service and repair procedures. It can protect against battery failure during even the most demanding procedures.”
More information on the Ctek range of battery charging and support units can be found at the website.
