AutoTest asserts that the main issue is the lack of a reliable method for estimating the state-of-charge, as traditional techniques like voltage measurements and charge counting are “inadequate.”
It warns that methods such as measuring open circuit voltage and checking internal resistance often fail to accurately indicate a battery’s state-of-health.
Importance of timely battery replacement
Timely battery replacement is crucial, says AutoTest, which states battery issues cause over 40 percent of roadside failures, with 30 percent involving discharged or defective batteries.
Many car owners only realise they need a new battery when their car won’t start or breaks down, often due to inadequate maintenance. This indicates a widespread lack of proactive battery care, highlighting the need for regular and accurate testing.
Battery analysers typically recommend replacement at 80 percent capacity, though different applications and cost considerations may influence this decision.
The challenges of accurate battery testing
Detecting a dead battery is simple, but assessing active batteries is more complex as traditional methods, like voltage measurements and specific gravity tests, fall short without load testing, says AutoTest.
Accurate battery health assessment should consider capacity, internal resistance, self-discharge, cell integrity, and overall health.
New batteries ideally deliver 100 percent of their rated capacity, with lead-acid batteries starting around 85 percent and decreasing over time, while lithium-ion batteries gradually decline from peak capacity.
Car battery testers use an adjustable load test to determine usability, measuring the voltage drop when a load equal to half the battery’s CCA rating is applied for 15 seconds. A battery is considered good if the voltage doesn’t fall below 9.6 volts at ambient temperatures above 20°C.
AutoTest says its AutoTest Battery System Tester employs this method, providing a comprehensive, portable, and easy-to-use tool for automotive service, fleet maintenance, and breakdown diagnostics, eliminating guesswork and alerting users to replace batteries before they fail.
Advanced solutions with the AutoTest Battery System Tester
The AutoTest Battery System Tester uses an adjustable load test to accurately assess battery health, measuring voltage drop under load to determine if a battery is optimal or needs replacement.
AutoTest says this portable, user-friendly tool provides comprehensive diagnostics for 12V auto batteries, including hybrids, using advanced conductance testing. It measures capacity, internal resistance, cold cranking amps, overall health, and identifies common faults in vehicle starting and charging systems.
Additionally, AutoTest offers a Battery System Tester and Current Clamp Set, featuring precise current measurement capabilities, ensuring efficient battery diagnosis and timely replacement in garages and workshops.
For more information, visit www.autotest.net.au
