automotive

April 1, 2026

You, or at least your vehicle’s battery, will get a charge out of these!  CTEK’s latest battery chargers.

by Jeff Daum, Ph.D., PPA Technology & Product Analyst

Why do vehicles today need battery maintainers?

Modern vehicles have gotten a lot more sophisticated and their increasing electronics dependency often creates a parasitic draw on the battery when the engine is off.  This is true whether the battery is a classic wet-acid, AGM or lithium type.  This draw gets increased with aftermarket items such as dash cameras that record when parked and controllers that operate through the OBD2 port.

Normally this impact on the battery goes unnoticed unless the vehicle is driven infrequently or is only driven repeatedly over short distances.  As the battery ages this becomes more apparent ranging from slower or harder startups, to eventually insufficient power to start.

Aftermarket solutions began appearing as trickle chargers in 1960s to 1970s that usually did the job, but often required vigilance to ensure the battery did not get ‘fried’ in the process.  This technology was improved by the development of battery maintainers which incorporated circuitry to both charge and then reduce the charge once the battery was near full capacity.  During this time batteries also evolved to include ‘maintenance free’ (meaning you no longer had to monitor water/acid levels in the individual battery cells), AGM (absorbent fiberglass mats) sealed and lithium-ion batteries.

To meet both the mix of older and newer types of batteries, chargers evolved further to be smart chargers.  These incorporate software and circuitry that allow them to be used on all types of batteries, either by setting them manually for the specific type or by the charger itself recognizing the type of battery along with the battery’s current level of charge and tailoring the type, timing and charge cycle needed.

This brings me to CTEK.

For those of you not familiar with CTEK, they are a major manufacturer of OEM branded car battery chargers for Alfa Romero, Arctic Cat, Audi, BMW, Camaro, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Husqvana, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Yamaha and many others. They also enjoy a healthy portion of the after-market car battery chargers sold under the CTEK label.

I have been using CTEKs for more than twenty years[1] for maintaining my automotive batteries.  I never had one stop working properly (even after a couple of them were dropped), but I added newer versions as their technology improved, or I simply needed an additional charger for another of my cars.

All CTEK units for the most part perform similar tasks: charging regular wet lead batteries, AGM (gel batteries), and the newer units/models do lithium (12V LiFePO4) batteries, intelligently maintaining the proper float charge regardless of how long the unit is attached to the battery, automatic desulphation program and reconditioning of batteries.

They also have built in back-up if power is interrupted. One power is restored the unit will resume at the step it was at and for the type of battery.

CTEKs newest units, the NXT5 and CS ONE (GEN 2)

At this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show I saw early versions of CTEKs new units, the NXT5 and CS ONE (GEN 2). I was impressed with the enhanced technology and Steve Hayes, Regional Sales Manager for North America, was kind enough to arrange for me to receive both units for this review.

NXT5

This unit is ideal for many automotive, motorcycle, boat, RV and similar applications.  It lists at US$129.99  Here are the highlights per CTEK’s website:[2]

  • Revives flat batteries and extends battery life.
  • Supports 12V lead acid & lithium (12V LiFePO4) batteries (1.2-160Ah).
  • Connect U-terminal included for permanent connection to the battery.
  • Automatic temperature compensation for extreme weather.
  • Fully automatic, spark-free and reverse polarity protected.
  • Patented desulphation & reconditioning modes restore battery life.
  • AGM optimisation mode for Start/Stop vehicle batteries.
  • Quick and easy ‘connect-and-forget’ usability.
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty for total peace of mind.
  • Award-winning Swedish technology for unmatched performance.

You simply connect the NXT5 directly to the battery poles or battery charging points elsewhere in the vehicle with the included clamps or permanently attach it to the battery with the included U-terminal connections.  Alternatively, you can also use their optional CONNECT CIG PLUG (list US$29.99) which goes into your vehicle’s accessory outlet and connects to the NXT5 by its Comfort Connect.  Note: To use the CONNECT CIG PLUG requires that your vehicle has a dedicated accessory outlet that remains ‘live’ when the engine is shut off.

Once you connect and plug in the NXT5 you press the Mode button to select the correct cycle- there are eight: regular battery charge, AGM battery charge, regular battery recondition, lithium battery charge, motorcycle regular battery charge, AGM motorcycle battery charge, motorcycle regular battery recondition, motorcycle lithium battery recondition.  As you step through the modes, the corresponding LEDs on the charger light up.

That’s all there is to correctly use the NXT5.  You can leave the NXT5 attached until the next time you drive, even if it is over an extended period of weeks or months.

CS ONE (GEN 2)

The CTEK CS ONE (GEN 2) takes charging and battery maintenance to a whole other level.  It is fully automatic- it recognizes battery type and size, determines what is needed and does it all without your having to press any mode button (actually there aren’t any mode buttons to press).  It connects with CTEK’s free App and provides you information through the app as to current charge status, battery voltage and charging history.  The app will also notify you of firmware updates, charge cycles, stability, etc.

This unit is ideal for the enthusiast who wants the state-of-the-art smart charger/maintainer and the ability to check on the battery state of charge remotely via the app.  It retails at US$314.99  Here are the highlights per CTEK’s website:

  • Adaptive charging: APTO™ technology automatically adapts charging to any 12V battery, including lithium
  • Polarity free: The clamps can be safely connected to either charging point when charging
  • Connect & forget: Can be left safely connected for long periods during maintenance charging
  • Seamless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled app for additional features and insights
  • Improve battery life: Extend battery lifetime by up to 3 times through regular charging
  • WAKE UP lithium batteries with under voltage protection or deeply discharged lead-acid batteries
  • RECOND program to restore and recondition lead-acid batteries
  • SUPPLY program to support the battery during service work and retain contact power to the vehicle during battery replacement/removal
  • Charge session monitoring, detailed charging history and activity log
  • Custom charging reminders and automatic notifications on errors and updates
  • Automatic temperature compensation for extreme weather
  • 5-year warranty

To use the CS ONE (GEN 2) you simply connect the supplied battery clamps directly to your battery posts or to the alternative positive and ground charge posts in your vehicle.  Then plug the CS ONE (GEN 2) into a wall outlet.  It does everything from that point on.  It is worthwhile downloading the free CTEK App and link it with the CS ONE (GEN 2) since it provides you significant information on what is going on as well as additional options.  It also explains how to use the options and what displays mean.

Field Test

NXT5

I connected the NXT5 to a Corvette Stingray which has a six-year-old ACDelco Gold nonAGM maintenance free battery.  The Stingray has a dedicated accessory outlet on the side of the trunk specifically for charging the battery.  The Corvette battery and its terminals are less accessible since it is housed beneath the trunk floor.  So, I used the CONNECT CIG PLUG optional attachment to the NXT5.

After plugging in the NXT5 I used the Mode button to set it for a regular car battery.  The LEDs showed it was in the Charge phase.  After a few hours it then showed it was in the Care phase.

One thing I noticed is that the NXT5 unit remained relatively cool while charging and maintaining the battery.  Earlier CTEK units tended to get warm during charging phases.

This NXT5 unit is really easy to use as a ‘set-and-forget-about-it’ battery maintainer. I have every expectation that it will do a great job not only keeping the battery in peak condition, but also in significantly extending the battery’s useful life.

CS ONE (GEN 2)

I tested out the CS ONE (GEN 2) by connecting it to BMW X3 which has a seven-year-old OEM AGM battery.  The battery is located under the trunk floor, but the X3 has a dedicated positive and negative terminal in the engine bay.  I connected the CS ONE (GEN 2) battery clamps to these terminals.

Once plugged in, the CS ONE (GEN2) went through its automated start up process going from Start to how many hours remain before the battery was at full charge.  Unlike other CTEK units I have used including the new NXT5, the CS ONE (GEN2) has no mode button to use and does everything automatically.

Connecting the free downloaded CTEK App on my Android phone was easy and quick. Following its guidance it quickly found the CS ONE (GEN2).  The app is clear and a snap to use, displaying an animated status of the unit’s connection to the battery.  It also shows other information including voltage, charging current, SOC (state of charge) %, a slider to adjust the unit’s LED brightness, charger history (by specific date or for the month), and option to share the device with others, option to select the charger’s output power (either Adaptive or Maximum), option to change Wi-Fi connection and factory reset.

It also contains a series of screens that explain charging states, pairing states, error messages, and how to connect and use the charger.

I really like that I can remotely check on the CS ONE (GEN2) status and ensure my battery is ready to go.

Preliminary conclusions

These two new CTEK battery charger/maintainers are extremely well designed, professionally built and do an outstanding job. As to which model to buy, it really depends on your intended application.

If you are looking for a highly reliable charger/maintainer, one that you can set and forget, my experience over the years supports that a CTEK unit will serve you well.  It also demonstrates how CTEK extends the life of your battery.  Each of these batteries live in a stressful environment where temperatures range in the 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit during several months of the year.  Talking with my car clubs’ friends their typical battery life is closer to four years.  I attribute the longevity of these batteries- the Corvette’s battery is six years old and the BMW’s is seven years old, to my continued use of CTEK units when they are not being driven.

If you have a question, please feel free to ask or comment below! Happy charging.

[1] See https://insight.daumphotography.com/2018/11/11/youll-get-a-charge-out-of-this/

[2] https://www.ctek.com/charging-solutions/battery-chargers?srsltid=AfmBOorcyZl4YAHYP116S7C4WzIzccIMTKCSlUENCJdURhZvG6d1poGv

April 16, 2024

GTECHNIQ Complete Wheel Coating Kit: Does it work?

by Jeff Daum, Ph.D., PPA Technology & Product Analyst

WhiteHot gets treated to GTECHNIQ Complete Wheel Coating Kit

As some of you may recall a while back WhiteHot placed second in the first ever Corvette In An Interesting Setting photo contest held by CorvetteBlogger and GTECHNIQ.  Part of the prize was the GTECHNIQ Complete Wheel Coating Kit. Last week I had Costco mount new Michelin Pilot AS run flats on her front and rear.  The change in handling and driving over the OEM Michelin’s which were six years old is very noticeable.   Specifically, the Ackerman effect had gotten so bad that turning out of my garage felt like I was driving on either flat tires or had a broken steering component.  Now there is no Ackerman effect whatsoever.  The tires are inflated to the same psi as were the ones I took off.

At any rate, since I had new tires, I decided it was time to do an in-depth wheel cleaning and take advantage of the GTECHNIQ Complete Wheel Coating Kit.  The kit contains buffing microfiber towels, a bottle of Panel Wipe, a bottle of Wheel Amour and several small applicator pads.  What follows is first the PROCESS which I thought I’d include for any new members or members who have not removed their wheels but are considering it, next the APPLICATION and then the RESULTS (which you can jump to if not interested in the process 😊 ).

Here are some images of the wheels before cleaning:

PROCESS:

Removing wheels from our Corvettes is relatively straight forward but does require having the right tools/equipment including:

  • Low profile jack (I used a Mychanic Low Profile 3 ton jack)
  • Jack pads or pucks to prevent damage to the area around the specific jacking points (I used Korop jack pads from Amazon)
  • 19 mm socket, breaker bar, short extension and wrench (I used a ½ inch Craftsman)
  • Torque wrench (Danaher GearWrench micrometer adjustable Torque Wrench)
  • GM Anti seize lube
  • Wheel chock
  1. The first step is to have your Corvette on a level surface with working space around it.  If you have the OEM alarm, be sure to turn the Tilt Alarm off before starting to jack it up. 
  2. Put the wheel chock behind the rear wheel on the opposite side from where you are going to use the jack. 
  3. Hook your jack pad/puck into the jacking slot behind the front wheel or put your puck on your jack pad. Carefully place the jack pad directly under the jacking point and slowly raise the jack to ensure you are correctly positioned.
  4. Pre loosen the wheel lugs on both the front and back wheels before you start jacking-  you aren’t taking them off, just getting them started.  You will probably want to use a short extension bar with the 19 mm socket to keep your wrench away from your wheel surface.  You will also probably need to use the breaker bar to initially slightly loosen the lugs since they should be on at 100-foot pounds.
  5. With the lugs slightly loosened, start jacking until both the front and rear tires just clear the floor.  NOTE:  you don’t have to do both tires at once, but if you are cleaning them, it saves time.  You can just jack high enough to remove the front tire and once you put it back on you can then move the jack to the rear jacking point (in front of the rear tire) and repeat the process.  Be sure once you have the car lifted that the jack handle is vertical so that you don’t trip over it or bump it while cleaning the wheel.
  6. With the tire(s) off the floor, proceed to remove all the lug nuts and lift the tire off.
  7. This is a good time to check your brake pads, condition of your brake rotor, suspension, etc.  You also might want to clean your caliper cover at this time.
  8. Now you can wash off your wheel inside and out using something like Dawn and possibly an iron remover. Thoroughly dry your wheels and you are ready to apply your wheel treatment.
  9. Once cleaned/treated, remount your wheels.  Before mounting them, GM recommends using anti seize lube or grease lightly only on the center of the wheel hub to help prevent rust.  After lifting the wheels onto the lugs, lightly tighten the lugs following GM’s recommended pattern.
  10. Gently lower your jack and get your torque wrench.  It should be set to 100 ft pounds.  Following the recommended sequence, tighten each lug nut to 100 ft pounds.  NOTE:  It is highly recommended that you recheck each lug nut using the torque wrench after you drive about 25 to 100 miles.
  11. Finally, reset your torque wrench back to zero to maintain its integrity.

APPLICATION of GTECHNIQ Complete Wheel Coating

This is basically a two-step process:  You first use GTECHNIQ Panel Wipe by spraying it on one of their microfiber towels and cleaning the inside and outside of each wheel.  Next, out of the sunshine and in a well-ventilated area, you moisten one of the applicator pads (cotton like flat round pad) with the shaken Wheel Armour.  They recommend you do one half of the wheel at a time, and then buff it with their microfiber towel within 30 to 60 seconds.  The entire application process was very easy to do and took under 15 minutes per wheel.  They recommend waiting 12 hours before exposing the wheels to the elements.

Wheel Armour applied. Note the great reflection in the wheel barrel:

RESULTS

The shine was very apparent as can be seen in these images.  They look great.  Now whether it will hold up for the claimed 1 to 3 years is yet to be seen.  Let me know if you have any questions.