As a fleet manager, you’re well aware of the importance of a vehicle’s battery. It becomes exceptionally crucial for you to perform regular battery maintenance in the summer as heat can corrode the battery, often causing battery failure in the winter due to increased electrical resistance in cold weather. Having a battery die puts you in the frustrating position of having a breakdown which causes a significant disruption in productivity. With regular battery maintenance, including battery checks, you can ensure that your vehicles never become stranded unexpectedly.

Today, Triad Diagnostic Solutions will be highlighting the importance of preventative battery maintenance. We’ll also be presenting the features of some of our most popular battery and electrical testing kits to get a better idea of the standard of quality you should be looking for as a fleet manager.

Why is Preventative Battery Maintenance So Important?

Often, the smallest components and the ones you take for granted are the most important to vehicle functionality. Good preventative maintenance makes it possible for fleet managers to identify issues early. In this way, you can avoid battery-related breakdowns, low system voltage issues, and no-start situations that plague fleet operations. In addition, by implementing an effective preventative battery maintenance program, you can increase profit margins, enhance battery life in your vehicles, and reduce the number of battery changes needed.

What is a Battery Tester?

Battery testers are devices specifically designed to test the remaining capacity of a battery’s charge. Each vehicle’s battery has a direct current, and testers work by applying a load before monitoring the battery’s voltage response. Battery testers like Autel’s MaxiBAS BT608 are commonly used across various industries and applications for troubleshooting and monitoring to ensure optimum performance. A few examples include facility maintenance, industrial maintenance, electrical, and automotive.

Tips For Proper Battery Maintenance

Whether you’re a mechanic, operator, or fleet manager, properly performing preventative battery maintenance is essential. This way, you can stay up to date on which warning signs you should be aware of to prevent costly downtime. So what are some best practices you should use to make proper battery maintenance a priority within your fleet? Here are some essential things to remember:

  • We highly recommend having battery voltage checked once per month, minimum.
  • Use your charger in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
  • You should always keep the top of a battery clean and free of dirt and grime. Debris on the top of a battery acts as a conduit for the energy within the battery. In some cases, this causes a short, which can quickly drain the battery.
  • As stated earlier, heat isn’t good for batteries because it can cause them to corrode. On the other hand, cold weather can also weaken the charge of a battery. In addition, cold weather can make starting a cold engine with thick oil more difficult. But with the MaxisBAS BT508, you can quickly and easily gauge a battery’s cold cranking amps and capacity, even while away from the shop.

How to Choose the Best Battery Tester

Now that you know why battery maintenance is so important, you’re likely wondering how to find the best battery tester for your fleet. When choosing the right kit or tool for your shop, there are various factors to consider. These can include:

  • Your budget and the price of the battery tester
  • Battery testers compatible with your battery type
  • Additional features of the device
  • Customer reviews and testimonials

Here at Triad Diagnostic Solutions, we offer a variety of battery testers designed to make the process more straightforward while delivering more accurate readings. One of our most popular models, the MaxiBAS BT609, offers Adaptive Conductance, an advanced battery analysis method used to explain the battery’s reserve capacity and cold-cranking ability. This particular battery tester is highly praised for its compatibility across various battery ratings, including CCA, CA, SAE, EN, IEC, DIN, JIS, and MCA.

Trust Triad to Help You Keep Your Fleet Running At Its Best!

You know the costs associated with a vehicle breaking down. This frustrating situation results in a loss of productivity, but it also means a loss of time and money. When you make preventative battery maintenance a part of your overall strategy to keep your fleet running efficiently, you can avoid these problems. But performing regular battery maintenance is dependent on the tools at your disposal.

At Triad Diagnostic Solutions, we offer all of the tools and equipment you need to keep your fleet running at its best. Check out our inventory to see what we can do for you! We offer financing options for your convenience, and we also offer a 30-day guarantee on all of our Autel tools. There’s no better time to equip yourself with reliable devices that you can depend on to keep you up and running day after day.

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