IMPORTANCE OF BATTERY TESTING AND MAINTENANCE IN VEHICLES
Battery management has become critically important in the evolving landscape of vehicle technology. Battery problems are the leading cause of vehicle breakdowns and most of these battery issues result in battery replacement, highlighting the need for effective preventive maintenance in workshops to reduce roadside failures.
The state of charge (SoC) and charge acceptance (CA) are key factors in assessing battery health. A fully charged battery has a voltage above 12.5, while a partially charged battery ranges between 12 to 12.5 volts, and a discharged battery falls below 12 volts. SoC indicates the charge level but not the battery’s capacity, which can degrade over time due to factors like sulfation. Charge acceptance measures how well the battery accepts a charge from either a charger or the vehicle’s alternator. Poor charge acceptance may signal the need for battery replacement or indicate issues within the vehicle’s electrical system. Thus, regular and accurate testing of both SoC and CA is essential for maintaining battery health and ensuring vehicle reliability.
With modern vehicles increasingly reliant on battery reserve capacity for functions like start-stop systems and brake energy regeneration, it is crucial to assess both Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Ampere-hour (Ah) ratings. Tools that include reserve capacity testing, such as Midtronics with Start-Stop support, provide more reliable and comprehensive assessments of a battery’s ability to support vehicle electronics. This ensures accurate diagnostics and better customer service by avoiding unnecessary battery replacements and preventing failures due to overlooked battery health issues. Investing in advanced diagnostic tools helps maintain customer satisfaction and enhances vehicle performance in today’s technologically advanced automotive environment.