Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Testing more batteries - prevents problems latter

The Importance of Testing Batteries

Handheld Testers

• Accurate – provide reliable, repeatable results.
• Safe and easy to use – very little training required.
• Fast – test batteries within seconds.
• Portable – light and easy to carry, internal battery means no power cord.
• Digital display to guide user and provide instant results.
• Results are printable for review with customers.


Why a Battery Tester Might Fail a Battery Even If It Still Starts the Vehicle


As you can see, the colder the temperature:

• The lower the amount of starting power the battery can provide.
• The more starting power the engine requires.

On a marginal battery, even a small drop in temperature could easily cause a battery to fail, stranding the customer in a potentially dangerous situation.

Therefore, it is important to look at the battery’s tested CCA and compare it to the public rated CCA, even if the tester has passed the battery.


Once the battery’s CCA drops below the public rated CCA, you should council the customer to think about a battery replacement.

Should they decide not to do replace their battery immediately, recommend that they get their battery retested in two or three months, and sooner than that if cold weather is approaching.


WHY TEST?

1. Inventory Maintenance
• Battery manufacturers place a date code stamp on the battery case so you can check when the battery was manufactured.
• A quick check of product 9-12 months old will help you determine which batteries may need recharging to avoid future problems.
• CARQUEST batteries are calcium/calcium construction (calcium is used in both positive and negative plates), which means they have a one year shelf life.

2. Warranty Control
• Most warranty inspections arrive in a discharged state. Carbon pile testers will not give accurate results unless the battery is fully recharged before inspection. Otherwise, an incorrect diagnosis might be made.
• A handheld tester will allow you to quickly determine whether a battery is defective or simply needs to be recharged, regardless of the state of charge of the battery.

3. Sales Tool
• Allows you to sell batteries on a preventative maintenance basis just like you do all other automotive components.
• The average lifespan of a battery in Canada is 4.5 to 5 years. A battery’s condition and performance level deteriorate with age, particularly when used under severe service conditions.
• Installers should recommend to customers that they replace weak batteries before they fail and leave them stranded in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Printout of battery test gives credibility to Installer’s recommendation.

RECENT INSTALLER STUDY
PROVES TESTING SELLS MORE BATTERIES

• Prior to test
o 7 batteries sold per 100 transactions
• During test
o 21 problem batteries identified per 100 transactions
o 14 batteries sold per 100 transactions
• Result
o Battery sales were doubled.


4. Battery Accessory Sales Tool
• Many battery testers also do complete electrical testing of starting and charging systems. Problem starters and alternators will be identified.
• A visual inspection of the battery can identify other battery related sales opportunities, such as hold downs, cables, battery trays, etc.

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