Unlocking profit opportunities in winter: Why car battery failures matter for automotive aftermarket professionals

Banner is a founding member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA). One of the key factors behind joining was the organisation’s determination and strategy to educate today’s and tomorrow’s industry professionals – and it achieved exactly that with regular participation at AutoInform and OESAA Academy Live. 

 

In this final collaboration in the three-article series, Banner Business Development Manager, Russell Shea, explores the rational reasons behind battery failure and replacing it with a premium battery is vital, particular as temperatures plummet. This also represents opportunities for independent workshops and motor factors:

 

As automotive professionals serving the automotive aftermarket, we know this time of year marks the start of more and more panicky customers telling you that their car won’t start! While we know more batteries fail this time of year, do you know why? Do you also know how these failures can create profit opportunities and bolster your customer service?

 

The causes of battery failure:

 

Wear and tear: Battery wear and tear is a natural occurrence over time. Each cycle reduces a battery’s ability to supply current (CCA). Even in a discharged state, a battery in good condition can supply the specified levels of CCA when fully charged; however, a battery in poor condition will struggle to do so while still indicating a fully charged state.

 

Blowing hot and cold: Weather conditions play a significant role in battery performance. Cold weather affects battery plate aging and deterioration, reduces chemical reaction speeds, and increases starter motor power requirements. Charging system efficiency is also reduced. In contrast, hot ambient and under-bonnet temperatures accelerate battery aging, plate corrosion, self-discharge rates, and electrolyte use.

 

Plate sulphation: A natural element of battery discharge, this process coats the battery’s plates in lead sulphate when it reaches 12.4V or below. Battery discharge leads to the accumulation of lead sulphate on the plates. If a battery is not quickly recharged, these deposits can crystallise and harden, reducing battery performance. Poor stock control, recharge procedures, and undercharging conditions contribute to plate sulphation.

 

Acid stratification and deep cycling: Acid stratification occurs when acid in the electrolyte solution concentrates at the bottom of battery cells. This is more common in cold months and results from undercharging and short driving periods. Deep discharging and rapid recharging, as seen in taxis and delivery vans, can lead to rapid performance loss and premature failure.

 

Overcharging and undercharging: Overcharging is caused by a malfunctioning charging system, leading to battery overheating and electrolyte evaporation. Undercharging, common in vehicles used for short journeys, results in slow plate sulphation, particularly when alternator voltage is low, the drive belt is loose, or cables exhibit high resistance.

 

Short circuits, dead cells and internal breaks: Short circuits and dead cells are typical within the first year of battery service. Short circuits can be identified through lower specific gravity (SG) and boiling during discharge tests. Internal breaks are detected by good SG readings but no open circuit voltage reading.

 

Does product quality matter?

 

Product quality is paramount when it comes to car batteries! If the battery is the heart of a vehicle, would you settle for anything less than the best? Premium OE brand batteries, like that from Banner, are known for their quality and durability. 

 

When compared to private label products of the same size and specifications, premium batteries often stand out in terms of weight, indicating a higher lead content. Manufacturers can cut costs by reducing materials used in battery construction, resulting in smaller, thinner, and fewer plates, but this cost-cutting approach compromises the battery's reliability, specification, performance, and overall lifespan.

 

In such batteries, power delivery is often achieved by increasing the acid concentration in the electrolyte. Unfortunately, this has a direct and detrimental impact on performance and longevity. A battery’s life cycle, divided into three phases – formatting, peak and decline – is compromised when plate numbers and lead content are reduced, and acid strength is increased.

 

Conclusion

 

Understanding the causes of car battery failures is essential for automotive aftermarket professionals. The winter season poses unique challenges to battery health. 

 

By being proactive and addressing these issues, reiterating the importance of using a premium battery, we can help motorists keep their wheels turning and enjoy a reliable and problem-free driving experience. This proactive approach not only benefits the customers but also creates profit opportunities for both technicians and motor factors.

Gloucestershire College ready to welcome OESAA Academy Live

By Gillian March • 15 Aug, 2024
Gloucestershire College is eagerly preparing to host OESAA Academy Live. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on Wednesday 16 th October, will offer a unique chance for students and staff to engage directly with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in automotive technology. Following the successes at Trafford College, Suffolk New College, and HEAT at Blackburn College, OESAA Academy Live continues to provide invaluable insights and hands-on experience to automotive students and apprentices. OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break, with Gloucestershire College set to host the first of three events: Exeter College and Fareham College will also welcome OESAA on Thursday 17 th October and Thursday 14 th November respectively. OESAA Academy Live will help students “familiarise” themselves with industry standards Gloucestershire College is proud to be part of this initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. Gloucestershire College Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, Robert Papps, is thrilled at the prospect of students receiving information first-hand from OEMs for the first time. He said: “Gloucestershire College is excited to be involved in OESAA Academy Live, as it gives both our students and staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest, industry-standard products the group has to offer. “For many of our students, this will be the first time they hear key information directly from a manufacturer, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand from those already in the trade.” Robert also focused on the real-world experience and guidance students and apprentices will observe and absorb. He added: “By attending this event, our students will gain vital experience. It will prepare them for the working world and equip them with crucial skills for when they start their time in the industry.” The event will feature a series of informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars. These are all designed to showcase the latest products and technologies, best practice techniques, and potential career pathways within the automotive sector. This direct interaction with OESAA members, OEM representatives, provides students with a unique perspective on the industry and its future. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, emphasised the continued importance of these events. He said: “OESAA Academy Live has garnered positive feedback from both students and tutors. Our curriculum, organisation, and passion have resonated well. We are confident that our members will once again deliver valuable content to learners at all levels. “These events are crucial; giving back to the grassroots of the industry is essential and demonstrates to everyone involved that the sector is dynamic, inclusive, and profitable.

Gloucestershire, Exeter and Fareham colleges to host OESAA Academy Live shows

By Gillian March • 04 Jul, 2024
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association is pleased to announce three new locations and dates for its successful OESAA Academy Live college roadshow. Following triumphs at Trafford College, Suffolk New College and HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) at Blackburn College – where hundreds of students and apprentices got a front-row seat as to how OEMs are shaping the sector, what technologies, challenges and innovations are likely to shape the industry, and what successful careers they could forge in the future – OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break with events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College and Fareham College . OESAA’s members will visit Gloucestershire and Exeter on back-to-back dates of Wednesday 16 th and Thursday 17 th October respectively, while Fareham will host the final event of the year on Thursday 14 th November. Informative presentations of the latest products and technologies, dynamic demonstrations of best practice and diagnosis techniques and engaging seminars that illustrate potential career pathways will be on the agenda once more. Participating OESAA members will be revealed in due course; however, all are united in their quest to prepare students and apprentices the best they can, as they embark on a livelihood in the automotive arena. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, said: “OESAA Academy Live has been well-received by both students and tutors. Our approach – curriculum, structure and enthusiasm – have hit the mark, so we’re confident our members will be able to provide valuable content to learners of all levels once again. “These events are extremely important; being able to give something back to the grassroots of the industry is vital and illustrates to all involved that the sector is vibrant, welcoming and profitable.”

OESAA Academy Live events inspire industry professionals of tomorrow

By Gillian March • 25 Jun, 2024
Students taking part in the OESAA Academy Live training roadshow have praised the hands-on approach of Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) members.  OESAA Academy Live shows students and apprentices the different career opportunities available in the automotive sector, as well as illustrate existing and new technologies, products, tools, technical best practices, and diagnostics. Following events at Trafford College , Suffolk New College and Heat (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) Blackburn College , OESAA caught-up with three students to ask about the impact these events could have on their studies and future careers. “Opened our eyes” Jawad, from HEAT Blackburn College, highlighted VARTA’s battery presentation, in particular: “It was very helpful because while we talk about batteries in class, VARTA opened our eyes and widened our knowledge about the different battery types, like AGM or EFB.” On whether he wants to forge a long-term career in the sector, Jawad added: “I believe the motor industry is looked down upon; I think a lot of people think the automotive sector is just about oil changes – manual labour – but we’ve learned that there is so much skill and knowledge required. How to fix a timing belt, for example, requires ability. “I think I could make a lucrative career from the automotive sector too – if I have the knowledge!” Kadeer, also from HEAT Blackburn College, highlighted the broad scope of his learning experience: “As an industry professional, I believe in specialising in one brand – rather than focusing on every brand – because systems work in different ways. The same goes for powertrains.” Broadening horizons At Suffolk New College, Malachi, a T-level engineering student, highlighted how OESAA’s experts helped expand his understanding of the automotive sector: “I really enjoyed hearing about all the different aspects of engineering. It’s more than just the mechanical side; it’s about diagnostics and the future of automotive technology, like hydrogen vehicles and electric cars.” The exposure to various pathways within the automotive industry was particularly interesting to Malachi: “I was never aware of the diverse roles within the automotive sector until OESAA Academy Live. Bosch and Brembo opened my eyes to potential careers I hadn’t considered before.” OESAA hopes to inspire more apprentices and students during its next two events, scheduled to take place in October. Details will be shared in due course.
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