As the hot weather can damage a battery the same, if not more, as the cold weather does, according to Ring Automotive, the company believes motor factors and technicians should work together to ensure the battery care solutions in the workshop are efficient and ready to tackle servicing.
Ring says heat generated from the sun evaporates the vital fluids in a battery, so it will send out a weaker charge to other areas of the vehicle. It is also suggested that the warm temperatures also speed up the corrosion process in a battery. The damage this causes to the battery can remain for months at a time, meaning that when the weather turns colder, it’s likely the battery will fail due to the effects the sun had on it.
With batteries being a common issue for drivers, Ring believes technicians should have reliable equipment at hand to test and assist with any battery problems that enter the workshop.
Battery charger
Ring says there should always be a powerful battery charger on hand at a workshop. Its Professional range of smart chargers, for example, will not only charge the battery, but due to the nine-stage charge cycle for lead acid/gel/AGM/calcium/EFB batteries and seven-stage charging for lithium batteries, they can be left connected on a permanent basis – compared to traditional trickle chargers.
Ring’s RSCP5024 is a battery support unit, suitable for 12V and 24V vehicles with mixed battery types, including lithium and start/stop. Slim and light, the company says it is suitable for intensive use in garages, as it also has test functions that provide battery and alternator diagnosis, which is crucial to find out the health of the battery.
Using the power supply function, technicians can maintain a constant battery voltage level at both 12V and 24V for when appliances, programming, and vehicle diagnostic equipment are connected and drawing power. The multi-chemistry and charging level selection allows the user to set the specific charge required for different battery types.
Battery starter
There are occasions when a battery just needs a jump start – and Ring’s JUMPSTART PRO 3000 (RJST3000) can help. It is a powerful, portable lithium jump starter designed for workshops, mobile mechanics, and fleet operators who need reliable performance for a wide variety of vehicles.
Ring says the RJST3000 is 12V and 24V compatible and will jump-start all petrol engines and up to 13L diesel engines, which makes it suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and tractors.
The unit has been designed to not only be tough but simple to use, so jobs can be done quickly. The interface uses easy-to-navigate lights to signify the different modes and battery status. There is also a warning light that alerts the user if there is an issue with the connection. A solid light indicates reverse polarity protection and a flashing light for temperature protection. Auto voltage detection ensures safe use across different vehicle types.
The RJST3000 also has a ‘boost’ function which revives flat batteries, reducing downtime for customers or fleets.
With a compact design, RJST3000 only weighs 3kg, while the built-in clamp holders are helpful for storage and keep the wires tidy.
Another option is Ring’s ULTRABOOST 2000A (RJS040) jump starter (top image), which is capable of jump-starting 8L petrol and 4L diesel engines. The company says it is suitable for the vast majority of the car parc and a handy addition to a workshop. It also has a ‘boost’ button.
The ULTRABOOST 2000A is easy to use, Ring claims, taking just 60 seconds to connect and start the engine. It also has a large colour screen that has a battery indicator and colour status, so the health of the battery is easy to determine.
