October 2021

38 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2021 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS www.aftermarketonline.net procedure, which among other things, takes into account the CCA, the residual capacity (Ah) and the charge acceptance (CA). “Just as vehicle technology has continued to develop over the years, batteries such as AGM and EFB (enhanced flooded battery) have also developed. Therefore, to obtain reliable test results, especially in regard to the SOH, it is essential to use modern test devices that are adapted for these new battery technologies.” Results Christopher continued: “As well are detailing the finer points, a good quality tool, such as the EBT 780, supplied by ECOBAT Battery Technologies, will provide the user with a headline result to allow them to decide the correct way to proceed. When fitting a replacement battery in a Stop/Start-equipped vehicle, another important factor is the need for technicians to use a battery validation tool, such as EBOBAT’s EBT 420, to ensure the new AGM/EFB battery is correctly assimilated into the vehicle’s battery management system (BMS). Incorrect validation will result in the wrong charge algorithms being applied to the new battery via the BMS, which will considerably reduce its service life.” He added: “There is also a significant additional benefit to fitting Stop/Start replacements, which helps both the workshop and their supplying wholesaler, and that is the fact that with each installation they are selling a more expensive battery, with a greater profit margin.” For more information, visit: www.ecobat.tech Peak demand Then there is the worsening weather: “Winter is just around the corner,” observed Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, “meaning that garages should start preparing now for the severe impact that the changing weather can have on their customers’ vehicles. The cold can cause many components to fail, with batteries renowned for their sensitivity to the cold. We’re already heading into peak battery season, but this year it’s more critical than ever for garages to make sure they’re on top of demand. We’re facing a double-whammy of seasonal and non-seasonal demand in the coming weeks and months. “The key thing for garages to be aware of is that a flat battery warning could be a consequence of an electrical fault, and vice-versa, get it wrong, and garages risk sending customers away with a battery that’s still susceptible to running flat or likely to experience repeat faults within just a few weeks. Not only is this potentially dangerous – not to mention frustrating, it can damage customer trust in the garage they used, causing them to look elsewhere for support in the future. This is why Left: BBT HD1+ from Banner diagnostics is so important. A vehicle that has its battery replaced due to a non-start after a long period of non-use may be wrongly diagnosed as the battery having reached the end of its lifespan. In fact, the true cause may be undiagnosed internal faults preventing the vehicle from fully shutting down. These can cause new batteries to run flat again within just a few days. “Conversely, as a battery’s primary response to running flat is to protect a vehicle’s essential functions, it can begin to cut out non-essential power draining components such as radio, air con and electric windows to preserve energy. This has a significant impact on driver safety and experience at the wheel. But it’s easy to mistake these as symptoms of an electrical fault or a blown fuse, overlooking the root cause of a struggling battery. Our advice is to test batteries as standard whenever any vehicle is brought in for servicing and repair. Doing so typically takes less than ten minutes, and can help technicians ensure they are providing the most accurate diagnosis, as well as driving additional revenue. Familiarity with solutions such as the Bosch KTS560 software can help technicians to quickly and accurately identify the root cause of battery faults, allowing them to take the most appropriate course of action and provide the best service to their customers. Visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com for more information.” Troubleshooting Commenting on training available, Colin added: “The Technical Helpline and Online Vehicle Troubleshooting services from LKQ Euro Car Parts’ AutoEducation Academy are also now available to garages on a free, two-month trial basis. Easy to access online or by phone, both services are IMI-accredited and provide repair and diagnostic assistance on all vehicle makes and models.” Constant consumption Batteries continue to see demands on them increase year- on-year, as Henry Bisson, Marketing Manager at Ring Automotive observed: “While vehicles have evolved and become more comfortable, constant consumption from the likes of heated seats, central locking, Stop/Start systems, and navigation systems has increased energy demands, placing additional strain on batteries. Add to this period of inactivity due to lockdown and more working from home, plus changing of temperatures, could prevent the vehicle from starting when its needed most. Over a period of time, if a battery is not correctly recharged and maintained, then its life can be shortened, and a replacement is needed. An unwelcome expense, particularly with the cost of modern batteries.” He added: “There are five common battery types – lead acid, gel, EFB, calcium and AGM – and not all react well to standard charge cycles, which is why Ring has developed a range of battery chargers that will meet the needs of customers and their vehicle. Ring has developed the RSC804, RSC806 and RSC808 smart battery chargers and maintainers to keep drivers safer on the roads and able to easily restore power to vehicles. Ring has developed its charger and maintainers with a selection of features, making them robust and fit for purpose.” Relationship Keeping the battery in good health is key, as we have seen, and the relationship between the vehicle battery,