February 2018

but it is worth restating that when replacing batteries, technicians must use a battery of the correct specification, whether AGM/EFB or indeed, SLI. Failure to do so will cause avoidable problems, particularly for stop/start enabled vehicles, which require an AGM/EFB replacement. “As battery related issues are still the cause of most vehicle breakdowns, EBT recommends that whenever a vehicle enters the workshop, technicians use the opportunity to test the battery and establish its condition. A battery testing tool is therefore essential, as it can provide the accurate readings technicians need to determine the battery’s state of charge, starting capacity, electrical consumption and charging voltage, in order to assess the overall health of the battery and, if necessary, apply the precise charging regime to keep it in the best possible condition.” Battery health check For independent garages, building a trusting relationship with customers is key to maintaining repeat business. With this in mind, business-savvy garages and technicians should always be looking for ways to add value for their customers. Battery health checks provide a way to achieve this. Simon Harvey, head of product management at Ring says: “Whether it’s as part of an annual service or an added extra while new tyres are being fitted, offering a battery health check is a quick, simple and low cost procedure that gives the vehicle owner reassurance that their battery is in good condition. Even if a battery is not in tip top shape, there’s no doubting that a vehicle owner would welcome the opportunity to do something about it whilst already at a garage, rather than being left stranded by the side of the road. With battery failure being the number one reason for motorists to call out breakdown services, there is a clear need for motorists to have a battery check. “Battery analysers or testers provide an accurate way to check the cranking ability of vehicle batteries, indicating if there is a need to replace or recharge the battery. If a replacement is needed, the garage benefits from an additional sale. Meanwhile the customer gets reassurance that they have a fully healthy battery, which is even more important in the winter season.” Simon adds: “Heading up Ring’s range of battery analysers is the award winning RBAG700, a 12V graphical battery analyser with printer. It will not only test the battery cranking performance, but also the alternator, including a diode ripple test, starter and earth system, providing a complete health check of the battery system to help mechanics diagnose potential faults.“ Hot tip While we have been looking at the battery opportunity through the prism of winter, it’s worth remembering that it’s not actually always cold weather that causes problems.Rick Stanfield, chief technology officer at NOCO explains: “Contrary to common belief, it’s not the effects of cold temperatures on that cause battery failure, rather it’s the damaged sustained during elevated temperatures. 38 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2018 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS Above: Battery analysis with Ring www.aftermarketonline.net