Tag Archives: battery charging

Test & Charge to ensure you don’t ruin your summer vacation

Posted on by
Reply

Have you booked your summer vacation yet? Here at CTEK we wanted to remind you about the importance of undertaking a battery check and charge prior to going away on holiday – did you know that one in ten of all flat batteries are experienced by people returning to their cars after a period of time on holiday?

After the stress of travelling, the last thing you want is to arrive at the airport car park to find that you have a flat battery or for the return to work to be seriously inconvenienced by a car that won’t start. Scenarios such as these can not only cause disruption, but can also cost a lot of money, whether that is through breakdown call outs or a replacement battery.

Furthermore, most people in these situations choose to jump-start the vehicle in an attempt to get moving as soon as possible, but even such a simple action can cause lasting damage. When a vehicle is jump-started, a vast surge of voltage and current is produced and passed through the battery, energising the starter motor. The current passing through the vehicle can potentially go through the Electronic Control Unit and can cause severe damage to a vehicle’s health, meaning more harm than good.

All this can be avoided if a battery charging routine is put in place, which comprises the connection of a smart battery charger. A model such as the CTEK MXS 5.0 TEST AND CHARGE not only revives discharged batteries and breaks down sulphur build-up that prevents optimum levels of charge being held, it also tests their voltage, alternator performance and start power to avoid unexpected failures.

It’s a good idea to check and charge a week or so before departure to have peace of mind. Not only does a regular charging routine prolong a battery’s life but it also prevents the need to jump-start a car, which can cause lasting damage and a costly trip to the garage.

 

German report highlights the need for regular battery maintenance

Posted on by

We read with great interest a report from German breakdown company ADAC that revealed that a severe lack motorists undertaking basic car maintenance is still heavily affecting the number of battery related call-outs. The report revealed that in 2012 1 in 3 call-outs, even in newer vehicles were due to a faulty or discharged battery.

With modern vehicles full of complex and sensitive electrical equipment that constantly draw current from the battery, an ever increasing number of mechanical faults from new and older vehicles alike are battery related. Indeed ADAC reported that battery related faults were bucking the trend – in almost all other areas where there is a technical component there was a slight decrease in breakdowns.

It’s clear to see that the problems associated with batteries are growing rapidly in line with the increasing demands on batteries, as vehicles become ever more reliant upon them for all manner of tasks. It is a common misconception that these problems only affect older vehicles. In fact newer vehicles are also particularly at risk and that includes brand new models.

Unfortunately, many new vehicles experience battery discharge prior to delivery to the customer, resulting in a short term problem immediately thereafter and the customer feeling that there is a more significant problem with the vehicle. Similarly, if a vehicle is not used for a few days or only used on short journeys, the battery can become discharged leading to the expense of a replacement battery or callout charge. Given these problems can be simply and cost effectively resolved with regular battery maintainance, many consumers are choosing to add a battery charger to their essential garage maintenance kit.

Our unique range of smart chargers optimise the performance of lead-acid batteries by determining accurate readings of a battery’s charge and ensuring the appropriate action is taken to optimise the battery for use, thereby prolonging a battery’s life to the benefit of both the vehicle owner and the environment.

For further details on the full range of CTEK chargers and accessories visit www.ctek.com

We had AAAA really good show!

Posted on by

CTEK National Sales Manager (Australia & New Zealand), Mr Robert Briggs at the CTEK stand

We recently attended the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Expo, that attracted almost 8,000 trade and industry visitors to the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. The show was extremely well attended by many of our Australian and New Zealand distributors as well as many important industry contacts.

People visiting our stand were able to hear about the new products that we will be launching over the next 12 months, meet with key CTEK staff and learn about how by using the CTEK unique charging platform, consumers and professionals alike can ensure that batteries are charged to maximum capacity to deliver peak power performance every time the vehicle is started. We were delighted to welcome CTEK Category Manager Peter White to the stand – visitors really enjoyed hearing from him about the many different charging solutions, such as storage, battery maintenance and DC-DC onboard charging, that can be delivered through our extensive product range.

Our presence at the show was further boosted by three of our distributors Ashdown-Ingram, Bainbridge Technologies & Low Voltage who all reported that they had a good show and handed out many of our new product brochures.

All in all a good show was had by all – the automotive aftermarket sector is looking forward to the future with lots of positivity and optimism. We would like to say thank you to everybody who supported the show or visited our stand, we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

Giving you power when on the move!

Posted on by

We have got a great little product perfect for motorcycles called the Comfort Connect Cig Plug, a device that can be attached to the battery, a CTEK Comfort Connector or CTEK Comfort Indicator and allows any 12V auxiliary equipment, such as Sat-Navs, heated motorcycle gloves, mobile phones etc to be charged or supplied with power whilst on the move through a cigarette socket.

The Comfort Connect Cig Plug offers a safe and secure way to draw up to 10A of power from the battery when on the move or in an emergency charging situation when parked – to charge a mobile phone for example. When not required it can be disconnected from the Comfort Connector or Comfort Indicator and stored, allowing a CTEK battery charger to be fitted in its place to restore any charge and maintain the battery in a healthy state.

It might be a simple device but it’s one that offers a host of benefits. It is a quick safe and simple way to add connectivity to your 12V system and provide more ways to utilise your 12V power pack either on the move or when parked.

For more information on the Comfort Connect Cig Plug or any of CTEK’s range of products please visit www.ctek.com

 

CTEK Attends Commercial Vehicle Show

Posted on by

Last week we attended the Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK. The show provided us with a great opportunity to meet with high profile contacts within the UK road freight transport and logistics sector. We were also delighted to see so many of our customers at the CTEK stand – the atmosphere at the show was definitely one of optimism!

At the show we were able to showcase our complete range of smart battery chargers that will ensure any 12V or 24V battery is optimally conditioned, charged and maintained.

In addition we delivered product demonstrations and providing practical advice on how to use our products to achieve complete battery management and care for the commercial workshop, using our unique system.

It was really encouraging to see that battery maintenance, and the implementation of battery management programmes is becoming a real priority. Manufacturers, transport operators and service contract providers are all looking to meet the demands that complex vehicle technology and battery chemistries are placing on the sector. We were able to hear about how some of our customers are using our products to guarantee vehicle performance and achieve optimum performance from their batteries.

It wasn’t just about big trucks either! We were able to share our on-board DC-DC charging solutions with key boat manufacturers and specialist fitters and even suggested a solution to a school on how they can keep the service battery on their window cleaning truck charged and conditioned.

For further information on all of our products and accessories visit www.ctek.com

 

CTEK Smart Charging App Launched

Posted on by

We are proud to announce the launch of a free CTEK Smart Charging App created for both the iPhone & iPad. The App enables you to browse through our comprehensive smart battery charger range, providing quick and easy access to information on the go. The CTEK Smart Charging App features an easy-to-use interface available in 23 different languages, quick navigation, in-depth product details, and allows the user to distribute and print product sheets directly from the App.

Simply search for ‘CTEK’ to download the free application directly to an iPhone or iPad or get it from the App Store by clicking here

Key features to note are:

Products section
See the full exciting range of products and accessories on one page that also contains a brief description of each product.

Individual product view
Tap on an image of the product to get more detailed product information to help you find the best charger for your needs. Learn about how CTEK chargers use smart technology to ensure that batteries are charged to maximum capacity to deliver peak power performance every time the vehicle is started. The individual product view provides really useful product specification, information on charge times and possible applications for the product.

Documents & Resources
With this feature, users will have the ability to distribute and print detailed product details directly from their iPhone or iPad.

Over the past couple of months we have been busy working to create an exciting App platform for CTEK to reflect the ever growing demand for information on the go. We are really pleased with the ease of navigation and simplicity of our App however, this is only version one and we will be adding even more new and interesting features over the next few months!

All of our products are available to look at right now on the App, which is accessible for any iPhone or iPad from the App Store – check it out!

Here are seven good reasons…..

Posted on by

So exactly why should you buy an award winning CTEK smart battery charger? Well here are seven good reasons for a start!

Performance: CTEK chargers use smart technology to ensure that batteries are charged to maximum capacity to deliver peak power performance every time the vehicle is started.

Intelligence: Using advanced, patented technology to measure the battery’s power and health, the CTEK charging system will ensure that the appropriate action is taken to maximise the power and lifetime of the battery,

Versatility: CTEK battery chargers repair, revive, charge, condition and maintain all types of vehicle battery including wet/flooded, calcium, gel, and the latest Start-Stop AGM and EFB technology

Reassurance: Battery related problems are the number one reason for breakdown assistance call-outs. Regular use of a CTEK charger will ensure that the battery is kept in optimum condition, protecting against the cost, inconvenience and frustration of unexpected breakdown

Simplicity: All CTEK chargers are fully automatic, easy to use and require no specialist knowledge or monitoring simply connect and forget. An easy to read LED display makes the charging process simple to follow.

Safety: The advanced electronics of CTEK mean it is completely safe for the user and the vehicle. No need to disconnect the battery to charge it

Endorsed: CTEK supplies chargers to the world’s most recognised manufacturers including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce.

To view our full range of CTEK chargers and accessories please visit www.ctek.com

Think Pink!

Posted on by

Recent research undertaken by CTEK has identified that a whopping 87% of women undertake some form of DIY, with activities ranging from decorating to car maintenance. The survey also identified that whilst only 27% of females had charged their car battery, 61% said that yes they would attempt a charge if required.

And so CTEK brings you the PINK Bumper – an ideal product to make your CTEK charger just a little more lady like!

The CTEK PINK Bumper is a cost effective solution that will provide maximum protection for CTEK chargers from 3.6A to 5.0A. The easy to fit, hardwearing, silicon rubber bumper will ensure a strong defence against accidental drops, scrapes and scratches and help the charger grip on angled or slippery surfaces.

How to look after a battery in storage…

Posted on by

Whilst regular battery maintenance is becoming more commonplace as part of a regular vehicle service, batteries in storage are more often than not left unmaintained, reducing performance and lifespan. By making sure that batteries in storage are charged and maintained, you considerably reduce the risk of battery failure.

It’s a startling fact that around 70% of batteries returned during warranty are returned due to battery discharge rather than fault. Here’s some battery storage best practice:

Temperature: The recommended storage temperature for most batteries is 15°C; the extreme allowable temperature is –40°C to 50°C for most chemistries. Lead acid must always be kept at full charge during storage.

Voltage: Since all batteries gradually self-discharge over time, it is important to regularly check the voltage, and then apply a charge when the battery falls below 100% charge. Failure to do this will lead to sulphation. This occurs when the battery is left undercharged and the electrolyte solution begins to break down, converting into lead sulphate crystals that coat the battery plates, reducing the batteries ability to accept and hold a charge.

Storage: Stock should be used on a first in first out (FIFO) basis. Best practice is on wooden pallets– this is to allow circulation of air at ambient temp (if stored on a cold concrete floor this can create a heat sink). No stacking of batteries – stacking can cause damage to casings/ handles and in extreme cases shorting of the battery below.

Keep Clean: A dirty battery can discharge more quickly than a clean battery (small amounts of voltage can track across the moist dirt to earth speeding the discharge process). Always clean off dirt and moisture

CTEK chargers revive, charge, condition and maintain all types of 12V lead-acid batteries including maintenance free types and all chemistries including Wet, Calcium, GEL and AGM. Chargers are fully automatic, foolproof to connect, spark proof and reverse-polarity protected, for user safety – making them the smart choice in battery care.

Don’t make it a jump start!

Posted on by

With modern vehicles using ever more sophisticated and expensive electronics, there is an increased risk of damage to vehicles from jump starts – our advice is just don’t do it!

Here at CTEK we have always been aware of the dangers of jump starting. When a vehicle is jump-started a huge surge of voltage and current is generated that passes through the battery to energise the starter motor. This can potentially get through to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and cause irreparable damage. And we aren’t the only people aware of the dangers, many airports for example who have traditionally offered a complimentary jump start service, are insisting that vehicle owners sign a form to disclaim against any damage caused through jump starting a vehicle.

It’s very easy for a battery to go flat, especially if it stands idle for a few days and other factors such as cold weather conditions make this even more of a risk. The high power demands of modern vehicles and the drain from parasitic loads such tracking devices and alarms means that a battery can potentially become flat in a matter of days. To protect against a flat battery we recommend a regular charge to bring the battery up to maximum capacity. This will extend your battery life by as much as 300% and prevent the need to jump start your vehicle.

The CTEK Multi XS 5.0 offers a unique eight step-approach to battery care, that is simple to use and will ensure that any lead-acid battery is optimally conditioned and charged. Furthermore, there is no need to disconnect the battery before use as it regulates mains voltage to protect any sensitive electrical equipment

If you do find that you have a flat battery however, there is another way to bring it back to life without jump starting. It’s much better to use a charger to bring the battery back to life – the CTEK MXS 5.0 for example, can bring a flat battery to sufficient charge levels to start a vehicle in under ten minutes in a safe way. This is only a temporary fix however and the vehicle will need a good charge and condition to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.

Including a battery charge in routine maintenance on cars and can prevent unnecessary and dangerous jump starts whilst also improving efficiency of vehicles.