TECHOLOGY NEWSLETTER

No. 8_February 2013

THE CORRECT CHOICE OF REPLACEMENT BATTERY

In view of the growing demands upon starter batteries and the extensive differences between battery types, particularly with regard to start-stop batteries the challenges facing specialist battery retailers are also increasing. Consequently, this Newsletter focuses on the choice of the correct replacement battery with a view to achieving greater customer satisfaction and the avoidance of complaints and claims. The start-stop vehicle question. Especially in the case of start-stop vehicles, the correct choice of a replacement battery is a key factor with regard to customer satisfaction. This relates to the fact that should a workshop install a conventional battery instead of an original start-stop model, the risk of battery failure within only six to twelve months is extremely high. In turn, such failures frequently result in unpleasant claims and irritations on the part of clients. Start-stop battery recommendations Where an AGM battery has been first fitted, it is essential that this type also be used as a replacement and under no circumstances may a standard liquid electrolyte battery or EFB be installed. Conversely, if an EFB was used originally, then an EFB must be employed as a replacement. An AGM battery can also be selected, in order to further extend battery life. A punishing environment for conventional batteries. The performance demanded from starter batteries increases with every vehicle generation. The steady enlargement of electrical systems and brief trips that frequently only last a few kilometres and involve an irregular driving pattern are all intensifying the pressure on liquid electrolyte batteries. As a result, the charging balance in vehicles is often designed to the disadvantage of the starter battery. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly difficult to fully charge the battery during standard, daily operation. Moreover, the batteries in diesel vehicles are subject to special loads during extremely short drives. Refit with powerful batteries. Wherever feasible, battery types with the largest capacity (not the maximum cold start), or the biggest dimensions possible should be installed. Replacement batteries with lower capacity values than the originals should never be used for cost reasons. Furthermore, in vehicles manufactured after 2004, where possible Power Bull batteries ought to be utilised as a replacement for standard liquid electrolyte batteries. This product line is ideal for a combination of start capacity and vehicle electrical system supply. Refit with original dimensions. European car manufacturers now largely employ original batteries with a height of 190mm. Opel and Ford are the only firms that still use large numbers of batteries with a 175mm-height. Accordingly, where there is space for a 190mm replacement battery, this should be installed, as this additional 15cm tends to provide a greater acid volume than is available with lower batteries. Tall batteries also demonstrate slightly superior charge acceptance and in particular, the Power Bull PROfessional series has been designed in accordance with BMW and VW specifications and is thus the first choice for modern vehicles without a start-stop function. Retrofitted power consumers. It is increasingly the case that energy consumers such as navigation devices, stationary heating systems, multi-media equipment and cold boxes are retrofitted into vehicles. As a consequence, the original battery capacity is no longer sufficient and battery life is reduced. Under these circumstances, it is therefore advisable to also refit a more powerful battery and in vehicles manufactured after 2000 refits with AGM batteries are also generally straightforward. As opposed to standard starter batteries, AGMs demonstrate a threefold cyclical life and are thus able to best deal with numerous on-board energy consumers. Extensive Banner documentation. Banner currently offers three differing services for the identification of the correct replacement battery. The battery classifications in the Book of Power complete catalogue are updated annually. Moreover, the product finder under www.bannerbatterien.com is even more precise, as new vehicles coming onto the market can be added on a daily basis. Lastly, in 2012 Banner became a partner of the DVSE services organisation, which offers retailers electronic component catalogues in TecDoc format.

Individual consulting. Banner has a roughly 300-strong sales team that is active in 15 countries. Thanks to this organisation, which is unique in the branch, specialist retailers and workshops both profit from on-the-spot individual consulting and training that enables them to offer the best possible sales advice regarding the correct choice of replacement battery.

Banner GmbH, A-4021 Linz-Austria, Postfach 777, Banner Strae 1, Tel. +43/(0)732/38 88-0, Telefax Sales+43/(0)732/38 88-21599, e-mail: office@bannerbatterien.com Author: Gnther Lemmerer, Marketing and PR