February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 AFTERMARKET 39 Below: NOCO Genius GB40 www.aftermarketonline.net ECOBAT BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES ECOBAT Battery Technologies (EBT), previously known as Manbat, offers a four-fold service from product conception, design and construction, to its regional and local circulation and end of life collection. EBT backs up its offering with its brands. Lucas is widely recognised across the continent. While the company’s other brands such as Numax and VARTA play an important role in providing depth of range. EBT also provides a closed-loop recycling service that takes care of all the waste management requirements for the workshop. www.ecobat.tech HELLA BATTERY RANGE HELLA’s extensive range of OE quality batteries includes both automotive and commercial vehicle applications and provides a comprehensive offering able to satisfy the needs of workshops. The traditional core flooded lead-acid range begins with HELLA Classic, designed primarily for the older vehicle with very low auxiliary power demands, then moves up to Premium, which is suitable for all sizes of vehicle with medium to high energy demands and finally to Supreme, for high demand applications with multiple electrical devices. HELLA also has Stop/Start covered with AGM, which provides, direct replacement for vehicles featuring Stop/Start technology and equipped with regenerative braking. www.hella.com RAMP MOUNTED BATTERY SUPPORT UNITS Euro Car Parts is now stocking the newly launched GYSFlash 102.12HF Battery Support Unit, which can be magnetically- attached to vehicle lifts without the need for drilling. Capable of supporting charging for lead acid, GEL, AGM and EFB batteries, along with 100amp support for diagnostics and programming, the provides an instantaneous current of up to 100A, supporting the vehicle during key on/off diagnostic work. The adjustable voltage range is 12-14.8V, while a nine-step charging curve ensures maximum battery performance and longevity. omnipart.eurocarparts.com/ RBAG700 – RING Ring‘s RBAG700 graphical battery analyser with printer uses an intuitive graphical interface, making it easier for technicians to diagnose faults. The microprocessor control can analyse and test the battery capacity without applying a load, providing accurate results on batteries up to 1700CCA. Batteries can be tested in or out of the vehicle and reverse polarity protection is built in. RBAG700 will test battery cranking performance, as well as the alternator including a diode ripple test, and the starter and earth system, providing a complete health check of the battery system to help mechanics diagnose potential faults. www.ringautomotive.com Although the elevated temperatures can initially accelerate chemical activity of a lead-acid battery, it can also increase cell corrosion, the self-discharge rate and reduce battery life. Then when the battery is exposed to cold climates, the loss of battery capacity is magnified because lead-acid batteries have reduced performance in cold temperatures, and engines require more power to start. “As the chemical reaction slows, the battery has a near- linear reduction in performance even though the battery's state-of-charge remains relatively unchanged. As an example, a fully charged lead-acid battery loses roughly 60% of its performance at -17ºC (0ºF). When performance loss is combined with the capacity loss caused by heat and the increased engine starting demands in cold temperatures, the cranking requirements simply exceed the batteries discharge ability. To illustrate this point further, we can look at the effects of cold temperature to cold cranking amps (CCA) performance. At 26°C (80°F), both the battery and the vehicle's engine are at optimal levels. However, at -28ºC (-20ºF), the battery is at roughly 25% of rated performance, and the engine requires 350% of its rated power.” Immediate attention Rick continues: “The number one priority should be keeping the battery at full charge at all times. Lead-acid batteries slowly lose charge over time, and lose battery capacity as a result of battery sulfation or acid stratification. “The effects can be reversed but require immediate attention and a specific recovery charge, such as the 'Repair Mode' on NOCO Genius Smart Battery Chargers. This unique recovery charge is a controlled overcharge, combining high charge voltages with low-current, to restore the battery's active material. However, if you wait too long to perform this charge function, recovery is near impossible. He adds: “Leaving a battery connected to a smart battery charger year round poses no ill effects to the battery and preserves battery life. Battery chargers, like the NOCO Genius Smart Battery charger product line, actively monitor battery activity and automatically charge as needed.”