October 2021

OCTOBER 2021 AFTERMARKET 39 starter motor and alternator is a long-standing one that is generally understood, but increasing electrical demands are putting pressure on here too. Autoelectro UK Sales Manager Nick Hood observed: “As the winter season approaches, a time when the demands placed on the components increases, this season could see more vehicles back out on the road after a period of infrequent use, which, in many instances, could lead to poor or low battery condition. “A deteriorating battery has implications for the starter motor and alternator, which can be worsened by the arrival of cold weather. A frosty morning, coupled with low battery condition, can cause prolonged cranking to start the vehicle, something that a modern geared starter motor is not built for and can easily result in the starter motor burning out. “Switching to the alternator, it is wise to remember its proper function; maintain battery condition, while running the vehicle’s electronic systems. It is not designed to charge a flat battery, and it can struggle to recover a part- charged battery. Both of these scenarios can result in the alternator being in constant use and demand, something it will struggle to cope with. If an alternator is working beyond its capacity, it will, inevitably, get hot and the heat generated can blow the regulator and/or rectifier.” Nick added: “As the winter season looms, therefore, technicians should ensure they’re passing on best practice tips to their customers, which will not only protect the vehicle’s battery, but will avoid starter motor and alternator issues as well.” For more information, visit www.autoelectro.co.uk Heavy duty What to do when you need to test a battery? On this front, the latest accessory from Banner is the BBT HD1+. Lee Quinney, Banner Batteries’ UK Country Manager, commented: “The BBT HD1+ is a very versatile, easy-to-operate and extremely lightweight tester that can be used when testing all types of batteries – SAE, EN, IEC, DIN and JIS. Featuring a robust rubber case design, the heavy- duty tester is the ideal tool to test the charging/starting system of car, truck and motorcycle batteries. Designed to be ultra user friendly, the BBT HD1+ is ideally suited to the intensive demands of a busy garage or vehicle service environment. The BBT HD1+ serves to test the voltage, including internal resistance in mΩ, and charging-starting status of 6V and 12V batteries, including temperature compensation, without overburdening the battery.” He continued: “Lightweight and easy to operate, both new and used standard, AGM or GEL batteries can be tested, with full report information being displayed on the BBT HD1+’s internal, large illuminated LCD display. This serves to detail measured values that can be used by the technician to discuss with the customer. All of the test information, such as the battery’s state of health and state of charge can also be printed out using the HD1+’s integrated graphics printer.” He added: “Capable of being programmed in eight different languages, the user-friendliness of the BBT HD1+ is also enhanced by the incorporation of a robust and heavy-duty clamp set, together with an over-extended cable; a feature that makes the BBT HD1+ particularly useful when batteries are in inaccessible locations. Last but not least, software is also included for the logging of the measurement results on PCs.” Top priority Then there are EVs. Commenting on BorgWarner’s contribution to EV charging, Arnaldo Iezzi, Vice President & General Manager of BorgWarner Morse Systems Europe / Battery and Charging Product Line, observed: “The rapidly growing field of electric mobility in particular poses enormous challenges for vehicle manufacturers as well as suppliers - from battery production to charging infrastructure. BorgWarner offers an answer to these electric mobility challenges, for example with its highly efficient battery modules and packs, but also with innovative fast charging stations. "We are also actively engaged in the development of fast charging stations for electric passenger cars as well as for electrically powered commercial vehicles. The company's emerging series of charging stations offers total cost of ownership benefits, configuration flexibility, and outstanding performance and long product life. The latest 120 kW fast charging station offers customers the choice of fast charging at full power for one vehicle or the ability to charge two vehicles simultaneously at up to 60 kW each.” tt y Ba An yer of e.r . . eries ttBa Exide s supplier Official ywhe An 43 218500 7 Call us on 01 ech tt. o ba t uk.ec Visit us a