In Trinidad & Tobago, periods of downtime—whether from public holidays, off-season lulls, or unexpected disruptions—can pose a serious challenge for businesses. Fleet managers often return to find their vehicles won't start, leading to costly delays and frustrating jump-starts. It's easy to point a finger at the last piece of technology installed: the GPS Fleet Tracking devices.
But the good news is, your Gps Tracker is almost certainly not the problem. When vehicles sit idle for a prolonged period, several onboard systems continue to draw power. This slow, steady drain, known as parasitic draw, is the real issue. Let's explore the true causes of battery drain and how a smart vehicle monitoring system can actually be the solution.
Unmasking the Real Causes of Fleet Battery Drain
When a vehicle is off, it's not truly powered down. Modern vehicles, especially those used for company vehicle tracking, are packed with electronics that require a constant small amount of energy to maintain settings and readiness.
Key culprits include:
* Onboard Computers (ECUs)
* Digital Clocks and Radio Presets
* Anti-Theft and Alarm Systems
* Keyless Entry Modules
Your vehicle's battery is only recharged by the alternator when the engine is running. When vehicles are dormant, this constant small draw slowly depletes the battery with no way to replenish its charge.
Here in Trinidad & Tobago, we also have to contend with intense heat. Parking fleet vehicles in the sun all day significantly shortens a battery's lifespan and accelerates its discharge rate. Heat combined with parasitic draw creates a perfect recipe for dead batteries.
Proactive Solutions for Fleet Battery Health
So, if the vehicle tracking unit isn't the main problem, what's the best way to prevent dead batteries in your fleet? A proactive maintenance strategy is key.
**1. Start and Run Engines Weekly**
It's in your business's best interest to have staff start and run fleet vehicles regularly, even during downtime. Simply idling the engine helps, but driving the vehicle for at least 15-20 minutes does a far better job of restoring the battery's state of charge and keeping mechanical components lubricated.
**2. Implement a Smart Charging Routine**
For fleets with sufficient manpower, charging batteries monthly is a good practice. A more efficient option is using a trickle charger, which provides a slow, steady stream of power. Be sure to use modern, "smart" trickle chargers that automatically shut off to prevent overcharging. For vehicles parked outdoors, solar trickle chargers are an excellent, cost-effective alternative.
**3. Consider Battery Disconnect Switches**
This is a surefire way to prevent the electrical system from draining the battery. The only minor downside is that employees will need to reset clocks and radio presets. A battery disconnect switch can be easily installed by a mechanic during the vehicle's next scheduled maintenance.
The Ultimate Solution: Low Battery Voltage Alerts
Ironically, the very technology often blamed for battery drain is your best defence against it. A modern Fleet Management vehicle tracking system does more than just show you a vehicle's location—it monitors its health.
As the best vehicle tracking company for Trinidad & Tobago, we offer systems with Low Battery Voltage Alerts. Here’s how it works:
1. The vehicle tracking unit constantly monitors the vehicle's battery voltage.
2. If the voltage drops below a pre-set critical threshold, the system automatically sends an instant alert to the fleet manager via email or SMS.
3. You are notified *before* the battery is completely dead, giving you ample time to send a driver to start the vehicle and let it recharge.
This feature is invaluable for managing diverse fleets, from delivery vans to heavy-duty truck trackers. It transforms your GPS system from a simple tracking tool into a proactive fleet maintenance asset, saving you from the costs and operational chaos of dead batteries.
