October 2019

“VARTA AGM and EFB batteries are designed for the modern vehicle with modern technology. When installing a replacement battery, it is vital that the correct type of battery technology is fitted to the vehicle.” AGM & EFB “The type of vehicle and the amount of electrical power needed to supply the starting functions and electrical consumers determines whether an AGM, EFB or conventional battery will be required” said John. “When replacing an old battery, it is important to replace like-for-like or like-for-better technologies, and not to fit a conventional battery to a vehicle with a Stop/Start system. Fitting the correct battery technology type first time, will keep your customers happy and on the road and help you avoid costly repeat repair work. If in doubt, consult the vehicle handbook or you can check the VARTA Partner Portal to ensure you’re fitting the correct battery technology. Testing To ensure a complete and thorough service VARTA recommend performing a battery test on all vehicles coming into a workshop. “With most vehicles entering the workshop just once a year on average,” said John, “it is important for a technician to perform a battery test on the vehicle, as they likely won’t see it for at least another 12 months – even when not in for a battery related job. With 40% of national breakdowns resulting from a direct result of battery failure, there are many car batteries not being checked until it is too late and the vehicle won’t start. Accurate testing can identify batteries in a poor condition and could result in a new battery being fitted, keeping your customers happy and on the road. “Be confident informing your customers that it is only 0.8 Volts between test results being green and red. That’s less than a AAA battery at 1.5V. Despite only a small difference in voltage, there is a huge difference in battery performance. John concluded: “Workshops can directly benefit from the expertise of the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive batteries by accessing the free-to-use VARTA Partner Portal.” www.varta-automotive.com/en- gb/business-portal Speaking of support, HELLA has introduced a new battery finder tool so garages can more easily source the best replacement battery for a vehicle. Techs can use the tool to search for a battery using the registration number, vehicle model details or VIN number. Senior Head of Marketing & Communications at HELLA, Helen Goldingay, said: “This new tool is accessible to everyone in the aftermarket and gives them an easy- to-use means of finding the correct replacement battery. “Users can log in and can access fitting instructions and how long it will take to fit, something that will assist technicians, especially when quoting how long the job should take to complete on a Stop/Start equipped vehicle, for example. This also gives factors extra knowledge, as they can also inform the technicians or workshops of this invaluable information when they purchase the replacement battery.” The free tool can be accessed via hellabatteryfinder.com . Common cause Helen believes battery health should be a priority for workshops: ”Bearing in mind that battery related issues remain the most common cause of breakdown, whatever the season, battery health should be a priority for workshops. Therefore, as a matter of course, technicians should carry out a battery check on every vehicle that enters their premises, which allows preventative maintenance to be undertaken. “However, when the battery does need replacing, HELLA has ensured that technicians and factors can easily find a premium quality replacement. HELLA’s battery finder also provides fitting instructions, estimated fitment time and gives all of the technical information on the battery.” Research While Stop/Start batteries are well- established at this point, research conducted by ECOBAT Battery Technologies (EBT), formerly Manbat, suggests there is still confusion in the market. Garages are still unsure regarding the process and tools that might be required to change the battery in a Stop/Start equipped vehicle, as well as a failure to recognise that it requires a specific battery. “This general lack of awareness,” says EBT Marketing Manager Laura Jones, “also extends to the meaning of the acronyms given to the various battery designs used throughout the vehicle parc.” First to the Stop/Start specific research: “EBT discovered that nationally, 43% of workshops turn away Stop/Start battery replacement. They either consider fitting them to be complicated and the necessary equipment costly or it is a reaction to the potential negative publicity when something goes wrong. Either way, many have decided it is a job it’s best to steer clear of.” As a result of the findings, EBT launched its ONE BOX solution at Automechanika Birmingham in June. Laura explained: “The package includes all the necessary equipment to enable technicians to correctly fit the AGM and EFB replacements that vehicles equipped with Stop/Start technology require. The contents also allow workshop to liberate previously untapped revenue with an average estimated value of £185 per installation.” Components in the ONE BOX bundle include a battery analyser, a NOCO charger and OBD lead to support the vehicle’s ECU/data storage during the replacement process and a battery validation tool to ensure the new AGM/EFB battery is correctly assimilated into the vehicle’s BMS. “This vital element is an important step that is often overlooked” said Laura, “and means even if the battery is of the appropriate technology and correct specification, incorrect validation will result in the wrong charge algorithms being applied to the new battery via the BMS, which will significantly reduce its service life.” Returning to its findings, the subject of awareness of the different battery 48 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2019 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS Below: VARTA battery www.aftermarketonline.net