GS Yuasa advises regular battery checks to beat the summer heat
GS Yuasa, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, is highlighting the importance of regular battery checks, no matter the season. Given the increased spike in failures typically seen over the colder months, most assume it’s cold weather that kills batteries. However, the Japanese battery manufacturer is encouraging workshops to consider the impact of the typically warmer summer months; high under bonnet temperatures created by the engine, if the battery is located there; the increase in self-discharge these conditions bring; and how this can impact a battery’s service life.
Understanding and managing the effects of high temperatures on all the vehicle batteries that come through your workshop is crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity, and ultimately providing enhanced customer service.
Why focus on batteries during summer?
It might seem counterintuitive to some, but checking a vehicle’s battery is important at all times of year, not just winter. High temperatures accelerate battery degradation, affecting its capacity and lifespan. In fact, a 10°C rise in battery temperature doubles the self-discharge rate. Combined with a heightened average under-bonnet temperature, the rate of negative plate material break-up and electrolyte evaporation increases but doesn't become a problem until winter when vehicles require significantly more starting power as the ambient temperature falls. This is why most consider battery failure synonymous with winter.
If the battery is left in a state of deep discharge for an extended period, this can also lead to internal damage and reduced service life.
Preventative measures for battery care
It is vital to check vehicle batteries, including through the summer months. Some simple preventative measures that can mitigate the effects of heat on a vehicle’s battery include:
Regularly check that the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion, and that the battery is securely mounted to prevent vibrations.
If the vehicle is not going be used for an extended period, the battery should be disconnected from the electrical system, removed, and stored in a cool, dry place.
Using tools like GS Yuasa’s GYT050 or GYT250 battery testers to regularly assess the voltage and state of health of battery.
Always Check The Battery
While batteries are often out of sight, they should never be out of mind. High temperatures can significantly impact vehicle battery performance, but with proactive maintenance and regular checks, you can ensure that your customers enjoy uninterrupted summer driving.
GS Yuasa’s ‘Always Check The Battery’ scheme encourages garages to significantly improve customer service, drive customer loyalty and increase their revenue by testing the battery of every vehicle they service or repair. Research shows one in three vehicle batteries requires attention – whether recharge or replacement. By checking every battery, a workshop seeing 50 vehicles a month could see a potential revenue increase of as much as £10,000!
As part of the scheme, garages can get their hands on a low-cost, complete battery testing kit, including a GS Yuasa GYT050 battery tester, which has been developed to provide an accurate assessment of the voltage and general battery state of health. If you want to get involved, simply speak to your local participating GS or Yuasa distributor. For more information about GS Yuasa’s Always Check The Battery scheme, visit https://www.yuasa.co.uk/always-check-battery-yuasa/.