At Free Range Camping we have recently partnered with Battery World to bring our members not only great savings on you batteries for Camping & Caravanning, but also some great advice on batteries in general.
In this article, we have a look at what used to be such a simple thing. It is changing the battery in your car. Once upon a time, it was just a matter of ripping out the old and putting in the new. However, with new technology and complex computer systems in modern cars and 4WD’s, this is no longer the case. In fact, installing a new battery incorrectly can cause more damage than you think.
DIY Battery Change made easy with Battery World
Battery World is an expert in this field. In the article, they outline why it is important to change over your batteries in the correct manner.
Hundreds of thousands of Australian motorists could be risking permanent damage to their vehicles, Australia’s leading battery retailer has warned.
With winter being the peak time for batteries to fail, Battery World Australia has urged all motorists. Think twice before they change their car battery themselves. Battery World warned the days of simply putting in a new battery yourself were well over. Modern cars’ computers and circuits were dramatically more complex today.
Modern cars are more complex
“We are increasingly seeing car owners accidentally damaging their cars. They try to fit their own automotive batteries, Ms Rowlingson said. “If the battery is not fitted and configured correctly, then the cost of repairing such damage can be quite significant. Also, may not be covered under warranty”.
“Today’s vehicles have much more complex energy needs. The battery is critical to everything from the engine to onboard electronics. Including power windows and mirrors, USB charging outlets, speakers, GPS, music libraries, suspension, security, sensors, and even seat-belt settings. Failing to correctly fit the battery could also result in a total shut down of the car.
“This sort of complexity has become standard in most base model-cars. We take them for granted until they stop working. Making it all the more important to professionally install the power management system by technical experts.
Prevent damage with the right equipment
“Cars with the newest technology were most at risk. Also, perceived saving of a fitting cost could be outweighed by thousands of dollars in damage.”
The 110-store national franchise has become the first and only in Australia to use state of the art technology. The Yuasa Yu-Fit Battery Configurator. This tool informs the vehicle a new battery has been installed ensuring the correct charging strategy was applied.
Veteran Battery World franchisee Tom Spence said owners with Idle Stop Start (ISS) systems should be extra cautious.
The Ys-Fit Battery Configuration protects computers during the changeover
Mr Spence said while these systems were developed by manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Also, they brought with them expensive headaches when it was time to replace the original ISS battery.
“A number of automotive manufacturers have introduced active energy management systems. Correct configuration of the battery to the vehicle after installation is a requirement,” he said.
“An incorrectly installed battery could mean you are chewing through way more fuel than you should.”
“With emissions control systems, it is particularly critical the vehicle has the correct battery type and specification installed. Undercharging or overcharging of the battery can result in damage that’s not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.”
Car and battery manufacturers estimate nearly 200 million ISS vehicles in use globally by 2020
Full battery report and condition
In Australia figures from Century Yuasa Batteries show by 2016, around 70% of new cars sold will have ISS technology. Manufacturers including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, VW, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo have already introduced ISS models. Around 100,000 vehicles on Australian roads today.
Battery World Mackay’s Gabe Giannangelo said, “All motorists should be wary. Almost every modern car on the road today utilises some sort of computer system”.
“Once the battery is installed we use the Yu-Fit tool. This is to ensure the correct charging strategy is applied.” Mr Giannangelo said.
“One of our customers said he spent $800 fixing up his electrics after changing his battery himself. Battery technology is far more sophisticated today – you need to stick with the experts.”
You can find all Battery World outlets, including discounts & directions in the Free Range Camping Directory. Head on over to the main map and select RV & Auto Accessories from the Categories section to show them all.
Full Article Courtesy of Battery World
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