In this article, CTEK provides tips on how best to approach this topic

Research by CTEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has reportedly revealed that 49 percent of larger vehicles entering the workshop have a battery requiring attention.
By this, CTEK means that the battery is undercharged and therefore not providing maximum power, or it is faulty and needs replacing.
Battery replacements are proving costly and battery related failures waste time, resources and more importantly, can affect a company’s profit and reputation.

It is all about 12.4V
CTEK says workshops need to ensure that batteries are kept above 12.4V at all times to protect against the risk of sulphation – the biggest battery killer.
This occurs when the battery is left undercharged (and drops below 12.4V) and the electrolyte solution begins to break down, converting into lead sulphate crystals that coat the battery plates, reducing the battery’s ability to accept and hold a charge.

It is also all about balance
Large vehicles often have multiple batteries, because of the increased power requirement needed for operating a vehicle of that capacity.
It is generally acknowledged within the industry that the best way to maintain batteries in a 24V series is to charge each 12V battery individually, says CTEK.
It explains that the reason for this is that over time the two batteries become “out of balance,” with one battery at the front of the circuit absorbing all the loads placed on it (starter motor, accessories etc), and the second battery having a slightly easier life. This leads to an imbalance between the two batteries.
The individual testing of each battery to establish a clear picture of battery health and the use
of two 12V chargers will restore battery balance and bring each battery back to its full capacity, without the need to disconnect any vehicle wiring, says CTEK.

The process
CTEK recommends you test the battery using its CTEK Battery Analyser when the vehicle arrives.
It states if you are working on a 24V system there is no need to take the batteries out of the 24V ‘set,’ noting that each battery can be tested individually.
CTEK explains that a simple to use unit like the CTEK Battery Analyser will test, with high accuracy, the condition of all types of 12V lead-acid batteries and provide an immediate indication of any action that is required – such as battery replacement.
If batteries require charging, CTEK says you can simply connect its battery support units while other work is completed without interruption.
The CTEK PRO60 and PRO120 for example are designed to meet the most extreme power demands in any workshop, capable of supporting 60A and 120A charging at 12V, and compatible with gel, lead-acid and lithium-based batteries.
It restores charge and reconditions batteries using a patented multi-step charging process.
Using ‘adaptive charging’ mode, the unit automatically detects the appropriate settings for the battery and applies optimum settings for the fastest charge, allowing you to restore or rescue any battery.

For more information, visit www.ctek.com