Aftermarket October 2022

44 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2022 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery is fitted. Trying to get away with a SLI will result in short battery lifespan and could even lead to features on the car not working properly. When I talk to customers I always say replace with the same technology and if you can, fit the same brand. If you see VARTA as the original equipment, why not ensure it’s the exact same. Then you know the vehicle will work like new. I understand that everyone is being cautious of spending at the moment, I really do think it’s wise to invest in your car maintenance, to fit the best available replacement parts. This helps avoid any potential breakdowns or lowering the resale value of your car.” VARTA also recommend technicians test every the battery on every car coming into the garage. Andy observed: “It shouldn’t take long to complete a battery test, not much longer than five minutes, but by explaining the results to the customer, you are giving them peace of mind that the battery is operating properly, or advising that it might be time for a replacement. By doing this you’re ensuring they have a functioning battery and will be ready for upcoming journeys.” The VARTA Partner Portal uses OE information to help identify the correct battery for every vehicle, and also includes step-by-step fitting instructions. To find out more, visit: www.varta-automotive.com/en- gb/varta-partner-portal/log-in Battery management systems With an increased number of modern cars featuring a battery management system (BMS), it is imperative that this is reset at the time of replacement. Russell Shea, Business Development Manager at Banner Batteries commented: “A BMS is designed to adapt the vehicles charging strategy based on battery status. The aim is to increase the availability of the Stop/Start system with the detailed data evaluation of the battery and accurate control of the alternator output. The BMS uses information from a battery monitoring control module to measure and evaluate the physical battery variables of temperature, voltage, charging current and discharge current. The BMS control module calculates numerous battery parameters based on the data transmitted from the battery monitoring sensor and adapts the charging system accordingly. The data obtained by the sensor and processed by the control module allows the charge current, as well as the charge voltage, to be adapted to the charge and operating state of the battery. If a vehicle has a suspected battery or charging system fault, and to ensure alternators are not replaced unnecessarily, it is essential that accurate charging system testing is carried out.” Russell added: “Due to the variations in the alternator output, based on the charge and operating state of the battery, it is not possible to accurately test the output from the alternator using traditional methods. The only way to accurately test the performance of the alternator is to interrogate the circuits connecting the control module and the alternator using an appropriate oscilloscope. Given that different cars require exacting battery technologies, most OE manufacturers have developed their own online system designed to make finding the optimum replacement battery for a specific vehicle quick and easy. At Banner’s portal, site visitors simply need to enter the relevant e. ywher An .yertt y B a An .or ribut dist y erttb a est g lar s ’ ope Eur 43 218500 7 Call us on 01 om.cery tt tba oba t ec Visit us a Our advice is to test batteries as standard whenever any vehicle is brought in for servicing and repair ”