PROMOTION ARTICLE ON BEHALF OF HELLA
With the UK currently enduring some fairly hostile weather conditions, for the country’s motorists, it’s the battery that takes the brunt. This fact was underlined by the RAC as it issued a stark warning this week stating that they expected to receive more than 3,000 battery related callouts on the first day back after Christmas alone.
The weather is however an opportunity for HELLA customers as its supply agreement with ECOBAT Battery Technologies ensures that the HELLA battery offering meets the challenge, because alongside excellent availability, it is both comprehensive and incorporates the latest products to reflect current technology. In addition, with the market-leading Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) mega macs range of diagnostic tools, which possess the software required to correctly install the batteries used for start/stop enabled vehicles, HELLA has all the necessary elements to provide a full battery replacement programme.
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. Alongside this practical action, technicians should be recommending that customers who use their vehicles infrequently or make only short journeys, charge the battery on a regular basis, which will substantially reduce the risk of electrical related breakdown.
Due to the competitive nature of the sector, proactivity is the watchword for batteries, so it is vital for factors to make sure they are supplying the correct replacement for the vehicle, which is why an accurate application guide is a must. However, it is good practice for counter staff to check whether any extra high demand electrical equipment has been added to the vehicle, as this could affect the specification.
As the number of vehicles incorporating a start/stop function will only increase, the demand for AGM/EFB batteries is projected to grow rapidly and these must be installed correctly to prevent their premature failure. Unlike the traditional SLI battery, AGM/EFB batteries require a specific fitting procedure and the use of a specialised tool to integrate them into the vehicle’s complicated electronic system. Moreover, as vehicles become evermore reliant on electronics and the demands on the battery subsequently increase, the correct diagnosis of the cause of electrical related issues is vital.
This is where HGS users benefit, as all mega macs diagnostic tools have the capability to introduce an AGM/EFB battery into the battery management system (BMS) of a start/stop enabled vehicle, to correctly initialise the replacement. Without this process, the battery will fail prematurely.
Further advantages come with their ability to diagnose other battery related problems, such as issues with the IBS (intelligent battery sensor), which is a vital component in the BMS and, will sometimes also need replacing. Usefully, in addition to its aftermarket range, HELLA is an original equipment (OE) IBS supplier, so has particular expertise with this increasingly used product.
In short, as a respected supplier of premium quality components and diagnostic equipment, HELLA’s battery programme naturally reflects the requirements of the market and provides the solution technicians need to undertake every battery related challenge.
For more information about the OE quality products available from HELLA, please call customer services on: 01295 662400 or email hella.sales@hella.com
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