The Garage 364

NEWS
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 selfdischarge
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-checkbattery-yuasa/
THE GARAGE 7
28 News YUASA.indd 1 01/07/2024 16:25