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1110
Stock storage and
rotation procedure
Proper stock management and rotation procedures are
essential to ensure only first class stock is presented for
sale to customers.
• Batteries are a perishable product with limited shelf life.
• Stock them upright in a cool place.
Do not store in direct sunlight.
Charged batteries displayed in the sun will require
recharge within 6-8 weeks.
• Do not over stock as this will cause a rotational problem,
and require additional battery service to maintain the
battery in saleable condition.
• Rotate stock on a ‘First in - First out’ principle. Place
older batteries at the front of your display.
Battery Servicing
Battery servicing can be carried out during vehicle servicing
or during a normal refuelling stop. Routine servicing of the
battery should include the following:
1. Check for defective cables, loose connections, corrosion,
cracked cases or covers, loose hold downs and deformed
or loose terminal posts.
2. Correct if possible, replace or repair
parts that are damaged.
3. Where there is corrosion on the terminal posts or on hold
down trays, it is recommended that the whole area be
neutralised, cleaned and painted. This can be done using
a wire brush, paint scraper and a solution of water and
bicarbonate of soda (Baking Soda).
4. Check the electrolyte level. If it is below the separator
tops, add clean distilled or good quality water to bring it
back to the correct level. Never over fill cells as this will
cause corrosion.
How to select the right
battery for the vehicle
Modern vehicles require more power than ever before.
Electronic ignitions and management systems in modern
vehicles require the battery voltage to be maintained at a
higher percentage of charge to that of a few years ago. With
all the original manufacturer equipment, plus added
optional equipment, it is very important to fit the correct
replacement battery, with an adequate reserve.
Why did the battery fail?
It is important that the reason
for any battery failure is
identified, as a battery
replacement may only solve the
symptom of the problem.
BATTERY INSPECTION
Check electrolyte level - fluid below the tops of the
separators indicates overcharging or poor maintenance.
Overcharge condition may be due to incorrect voltage
setting, low voltage caused by heat or internal defects, or
old age deterioration. Is there electrolyte on the top of
the battery? This can indicate overcharging or over filling.
Is the battery loose in the carrier? This can cause failure
from vibration. Has the battery signs of damage or
mistreatment? This can also cause failure.
DISCHARGED (FLAT) BATTERIES
A flat battery should be checked with a Hydrometer. A low
Specific Gravity reading of 1.220 or less, in all cells
indicates a discharged battery and it must be charged
before further examination and testing can occur.
The discharged condition may be due to a problem in the
electrical system (slipping alternator belt, poor voltage
regulator, faulty alternator, high resistance due to
corrosion). Internal shorts may also be due to
manufacturing defects, or shorts through the aging
process or vibration damage.
OLD AGE
Batteries have an average age of 2-3 years. Assessment of
the life of the battery can be done by checking the sale
code of the battery terminal. Bosch Batteries have a code
which uses a letter and a number.
Numbers are 0-9
Example: A battery date coded A5 was dispatched by
Century Yuasa in January 1995. A battery date coded M4
was dispatched by Century Yuasa in December 1994 etc.
FACTORS AFFECTING BATTERY LIFE
Automotive batteries have an average ‘life’ of 2-3 years.
Over that age they gradually lose their capacity as their
function is performed. They constantly charge and
discharge which eventually leads to failure.
Components corrode over time, electrical shorts occur in
the battery, vibration causes damage that eventually causes
failure. Overcharging and undercharging of a battery will
also have a bearing on battery life.
Try to follow charging procedures correctly. Battery
servicing as detailed, helps extend battery life. Batteries
fail when least expected.
The usual warning is a slower than normal battery ability
to crank the engine but other less noticeable factors such
as changed driving patterns (holidays), colder or hotter
weather will all have an effect on the life of a battery.
Encourage your customers to ask for a ‘FREE Battery
Test’. It’s good public relations and if the battery is old it
may lead to a sale.
IS BATTERY REPLACEMENT
NECESSARY?
A percentage of batteries, allegedly faulty, are merely “flat”
or discharged so the battery (and sometimes the vehicles
electrical system) needs to be checked - refer battery test
procedures and installation.
GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATION
• Vehicle batteries last for an average of 2-3 years. They
wear out like tyres and need to be replaced.
• Vibration can reduce a battery life. Bosch starting
batteries have Polyethylene Envelopes around each
positive plate which catch active material and help
to prevent short circuits thereby ensuring long
battery life.
• Many alleged ‘dead batteries’ are merely flat batteries.
Drivers simply leave lights on or can have faulty voltage
regulators. Make sure you go through the warranty
procedure check thoroughly before replacing a battery.
• It’s impossible to know exactly when a battery might
fail. A slow starting engine could be a fair indication.
Old batteries can give trouble in colder weather.
Equally, if an engine area becomes overheated in very
hot weather and the battery is under strain from air
conditioners it may fail.
• Regular battery checks are always advised.
A January
B February
C March
D April
E May
F June
G July
H August
J September
K October
L November
M December