Tools for maintaining commercial vehicle batteries

Feb. 5, 2019
The types of tools technicians will need to complete battery maintenance vary slightly depending on which type of battery is in the vehicle.

The types of tools technicians will need to complete battery maintenance vary slightly depending on which type of battery the fleet is using, but here is a general list of tools to consider:

  • Battery tester. If possible, choose a conductance tester. Conductance readings can be read instantly and can be related directly to the condition of the battery being tested.
  • Battery charger. Choose one that offers an appropriate charging rate for the battery type.
  • Specialty charging posts. Some commercial batteries have threaded stud terminals that require special charging points to clamp to. Connecting directly to the threaded stud will not provide the lowest resistance path and lead-to-lead contact needed to get a good charge and correct readings. A specialty post can reduce the likelihood of false tester results.
  • Stiff brush. For cleaning battery terminal corrosion.
  • Battery maintainer. Batteries lose their charge when they sit, so if they will be stored outside of the vehicle for a long period of time, connecting them to a battery maintainer can prevent them from becoming too deeply discharged and causing damage to the battery.
About the Author

Stefanie Von Rueden | Assistant Editor - Vehicle Repair Group

Stefanie Von Rueden is assistant editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.

Von Rueden’s background includes professional writing and publishing. Previously, she worked in the Continuing Education department at UW-Whitewater. She has covered the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket since 2016.

Sponsored Recommendations

In this on-demand webinar from the AMCS Group, discover how mobile access to maintenance data empowers fleets to make faster decisions, optimize scheduling, and generate real ...
Experts from 3M, John Ascheman and Todd Mathes, emphasize the importance of using digital inventory and billing tools like 3M™ RepairStack™ to document materials usage in detail...
Are you aware of the hidden costs lurking behind ignored maintenance? This eBook reveals how neglecting upkeep can inate repair bills, induce downtime, and harm reliability. ...
Are your KPIs driving real fleet improvement? Learn how to set smarter, data-driven benchmarks, track success like top-performing fleets, and apply proven strategies to optimize...