Above: PRO120 from CTEK in use stability and recharges much faster than a conventional lead-acid battery. These characteristics are essential, especially when it comes to advanced systems which employ regenerative braking and other fuel-saving technologies. “The entire range of HELLA batteries benefits from Grid Protection Technology. Ultra micro-fibres and specialist tissues increase plate durability inside the battery by slowing-down the aging process of active materials. Meanwhile, enveloped separators ensure low electric resistance and each battery features an integrated computer design and reinforced container.” Further information, visit: www.hella.com/partnerworld/uk/Product-range/CarBattery-11587/ Opportunity Banner Batteries Country Manager Lee Quinney said: “Garages should test the battery on every single car that enters their premises and is something that manufacturers such as Banner GB continues to reaffirm at all times. Not only is it a duty of care to the customer, it can often result in an opportunity to deliver an improved revenue stream.” Commenting on Banner’s latest battery tester, Lee said: “The BBT HD1+ is the ideal tool to test the charging/starting system of car, truck and motorcycle batteries. The BBT HD1+ serves to test the voltage and charging-starting status of 6V and 12V batteries, including temperature compensation, without overburdening the battery. AGM or GEL batteries can also be tested.” On the charging front, Lee continued: “To complement Banner Batteries existing range of start boosters, test and battery service items, the Power Company’s range of Accuchargers has been redesigned. Taking in four models – 6/12V 2A and 12V 3, 6 and 10A – each Accucharger features multi-stage programs to deliver optimum battery care, maximum safety and operational simplicity. Lee added: “In support of battery charging, testing and winter hibernating etc, Banner has published a number of How To videos on its dedicated Banner GB You Tube Channel. Such information and other technical support information is disseminated to its own database of garages and workshops via a monthly e-bulletin.” For more information, visit: https://bannerbatteryfinder.co.uk Unique challenges Banner also is a founding member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA). Commenting on why batteries fail and why replacing with a premium battery is vital when temperatures fall, Banner Business Development Manager, Russell Shea said: “Understanding the causes of car battery failures is essential. The winter season poses unique challenges to battery health. “The causes of battery failure include wear and tear and weather conditions. These play a significant role in battery performance. Cold weather affects battery plate aging and deterioration, reduces chemical reaction speeds, and increases starter motor power requirements. Charging system efficiency is also reduced. In contrast, hot ambient and under-bonnet temperatures accelerate battery aging, plate corrosion, self-discharge rates, and electrolyte use. Other causes of failure include plate sulphation, acid stratification and deep cycling, and overcharging and undercharging. Short circuits, dead cells and internal breaks are typical within the first year of battery service too.” Russell added: “Product quality is paramount when it comes to car batteries. Premium OE brand batteries, like that from Banner, are known for their quality and durability. When compared to private label products of the same size and specifications, premium batteries often stand out in terms of weight, indicating a higher lead content.” For more information, visit: oe-suppliers.org Jump Meanwhile, Ring, has introduced a new heavy duty Lithium Jump Starter. Ring Marketing Director Henry Bisson said: “The RPPL1000 jump starter is able to withstand the tough conditions of a workshop, but is also lightweight and compact, so it can be moved quickly and easily to where it’s needed. “The RPPL1000 jump starter is for 12V systems with 1000A starting capacity and 1500A peak current. It is capable of performing multiple starts from just one charge and can be used for all petrol vehicles and diesel engines up to 10-litre capacity, so includes motorcycles, cars, 4x4s, vans, commercial vehicles and boats. It will jumpstart Lead, AGM, Gel and Calcium batteries all in under 30 seconds. “It also takes just two hours to recharge the jump starter with the PD60W charger, which is sold separately, or four hours via the USB-C charging cable, and there’s a handy indicator on the front to show how charged it is, which allows users to know how many jump starts they’re able to do with this piece of equipment. There is reverse polarity protection if connected the wrong way to the battery terminals and it will sound an audible warning if the battery voltage is too low, less than 1V, indicating the battery is too depleted to be recovered.” For more information, visit: www.ringautomotive.com Best practice On why testing the battery on every car that comes in the workshop is so important, Ecobat Battery Commercial Director Paul Payne observed: “Testing the battery of every vehicle that enters the premises, using a good quality tester able to check both its state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH), and can print off the results, is not only good practice in terms of establishing a baseline for technicians prior to undertaking the service or repair that the vehicle was booked in for. Understanding the condition 40 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2024 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS www.aftermarketonline.net
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