|
Vehicle Battery Supply Delivery &
Mobile fitting
Service
Telford, Newport, Shrewsbury, Shropshire areas
Car won't start
?
Flat Battery ? Car Breakdown call out + replacement battery
supply &
fitting at a competitive price ! Mobile autoelectric service with
professional battery diagnostic test equipment to ensure
batteries are not replaced unnecessarily.
 |
Battery Booster Cables can be
purchased online here
|
| |
Battery isolator switches catalogue here
|
|
Battery No. |
Description |
Nett
price without fitting |
| 005 |
Car battery fitting some
japanese vehicles |
from £52 |
| 012 |
Car battery |
from £49.99 |
| 017 |
Car / van battery |
from £78.99 |
| 027 |
Car battery |
from £52 |
| 063 |
Car battery |
from £33.99 |
| 065 |
Car battery |
from £46 |
| 075 |
Car battery |
from £52.99 |
| 096 |
Diesel car battery |
from £64.99 |
| 100 |
Diesel Car & Van Battery |
from £74.99 |
| 643 , or 644 |
Cargo Battery for
Truck Bus Tractor Plant Diesel |
from £75 |
| 627, 629 |
Cargo Battery for Truck
Bus Coach Marine Plant |
from £104 |
We
supply & fit a range of Top Brand Quality vehicle batteries with
warranty from Budget battery 24 months to Premium
Quality 4 years and have vehicle battery testing equipment
available to check automotive batteries.
Use the correct specification of battery
recommended for your vehicle.
The original equipment vehicle battery may often be identified by a product code, typical examples are:
002 , 005 , 015 , 017, 027, 037 , 038, 048 , 049 , 054 , 063
Car battery, 065 Car Battery , 067 , 069 , 072 , 075 , 077 , 085, 088 , 089 ,093
, 096 , 097 , 110 , 154, 334 ,335 , 421 ,622 , 627
Truck Battery , 629 , 643 Truck / Tractor Battery , 644 , 647 , 648 , 655 , 656 , 663 , 664 , 678 , 895, 896
Batteries can also be identified by :- System voltage eg
12v , Capacity in Ampere hours Ah, and by Cold Cranking
current CCA
Tech info about Vehicle Batteries The vehicle battery is the chemical energy store at
the heart of the vehicle electrical system used as an
energy source for starting the vehicle. A
discharged car battery is one of the most common
causes of vehicle breakdown.
Many types and sizes of battery are available, the correct battery application for your car, van, truck, or tractor is designed
to take account of factors such as :
*Engine capacity and starter current draw (higher
cylinder capacity or greater compression ratio requires more effort to rotate it)
*Reserve power requirement
(additional systems such as lights, air conditioning, (which can use up reserve power) .
*Location
( special batteries for specific mounting
position)
*Climate
(Cold temperatures can naturally
discharge the battery and also increase loads encountered during starting) A battery
with a higher CCA rating (Cold Cranking Amps) will make cold starting easier. CCA is the number of Amps a battery can deliver, over
a specified period of time, to a specified voltage.
*Vibration & chemical attack
(eg: encountered on industrial machines )
*Charge-Discharge cycle. Batteries with various cycle times are avaliable eg Starter batteries or alternatively Deep cycle
(leisure) batteries.
Vehicle Starter batteries
are for high
output short duration cycles,
Leisure batteries
are designed for lower output longer operation
and are usually used on caravans or motor homes for auxilliary electrics.
The Amp hour (Ah) rating of a battery defines for how long it will deliver current (eg 240 Ah will deliver 10amps for 24 hours,
or 24 amps for 10 hours etc...)
Safety procedures
should be undertaken when storing , charging, fitting and removing vehicle batteries. Dangers associated
with vehicle batteries include Sulphuric Acid and Explosive gases. Eye protection and gloves should be worn during battery
handling and fitting. Arcing may occur if terminals
are shorted with metallic objects. Always remove
the chassis ground terminal first when disconnecting a
vehicle battery. Batteries should only be charged in a well ventilated area.
Recharging a Vehicle Battery
during vehicle operation
The vehicle battery requires direct current (dc) to recharge it. The charging voltage must be slightly above the
battery voltage, for example a 12 volt car battery would be recharged at around 13.5 volts
In use, the battery is recharged by the vehicle alternator as the car engine is running.
There are other possible methods of recharging a vehicle battery while a vehicle is moving including regenerative braking
as used in modern hybrid vehicles.
In fact any method of generating electricity and rectification to direct current (dc) could be used to recharge a car battery
providing the voltage is regulated.
Possible sources are solar panel ( Photovoltaic ) battery chargers, wind generators, mains powered battery chargers etc.
Vehicle Battery Construction
Battery Construction: A conventional Lead-Acid car
battery consists of a series of lead plates immersed in
a sulphuric acid electrolyte.
Other
types include Dry cell , Gel filled cell, AGM (advanced
glass mat)
Battery Reserve Capacity
Battery reserve capacity (capacitance) must be sufficient to allow a high flow of current to the starter motor of the vehicle
engine and also supply some of the current for other major components such as heater fans, lights, fuel injection, etc.
Reserve capacity (RC)
is the amount of time a vehicle can run on battery power only without charging system operating.
Reserve
capacity specification assumes the vehicle requires 25 amps to support basic electrical function at operating temperature
of 25 degrees centigrade and is the time in minutes taken for the battery to reach a final voltage of 10.5v
Vehicle Battery Maintenance
Regular vehicle battery maintenance involves:
*A visual check
of condition of the casing for cracks, and security of the battery hold down device.
*Check battery terminals
are clean , secure and in good order .
*check the cables for condition.
*Check fluid level
of electrolyte in the cells, this should just cover the plates, top up with distilled water as necessary.
A hydrometer may be used to check the specific gravity of electrolyte in each cell. (avoid flames & sources of ignition because
batteries can emit hydrogen gas which is highly flammable).
*Battery performance testing
can be carried out if a high rate discharge tester and voltmeter are available, or capacitance
tester such as a "midtronics" battery tester.
Specific gravity of battery electrolyte can be tested
Charged battery (12.7 volts) : 1.28 SG
Discharged battery (10.8 volts) : 1.12 SG
Engine Won't Start?
A failed
battery is the most common cause of vehicle breakdown.
Vehicle Battery failure symptoms
No ignition lights on the dash panel when the key is turned to the
"IGN" position. Try switching the headlights on ,if they
operate brightly, this could be an electrical fault.
Ignition switch on, dash warning lights come on, when you turn the key to the crank position the warning lights go
dim and nothing happens. This could also be a starter motor or wiring fault.
Ignition switched on, dash warning lights come on , turn the key to the crank position, nothing happens, but lights do not
dim: Could be an electrical fault with switch, relay, wiring, or starter.
Ignition switched on, dash warning lights come on, turn to crank position and you just hear a click from the starter motor;
Possible low battery volts, starter solenoid fault, or wiring etc.
Ignition on , turn to start position and starter motor cranks engine over slower than normal; Could be a starter or wiring
fault, but if this happens on a cold winter morning its a fair bet the battery is failing.
Vehicle Electronics : Computer fault codes particularly present in airbag module for low battery volts can be a sign of a failing starter battery
For more information on vehicle starter faults see the table on our starter motor page
|
|
Causes of
Vehicle Battery failure
Battery at end of service life :
During its natural cycle
material is transferred through electrolyte from one plate to another in each cell of the battery, this causes degradation
until the cell fails. The battery can also fail due to internal short circuit. Most batteries are stamped with a date code
and have an expected lifespan.
Self discharge:
Car Battery
not holding its charge? A battery loses a percentage of
surface charge even when disconnected
.A Lead Acid battery will generally become weaker as it ages.
12v vehicle batteries with a voltage of 12.4v
or below should be recharged
Low electrolyte level :
The electrolyte is the medium
through which the electrons pass during the battery cycle. Low electrolyte can cause premature failure. A cracked battery
casing can allow electrolyte to leak causing advanced corrosion to surrounding structures.
Severe cold temperature can
freeze battery electrolyte.
Poor connections:
Loose or corroded battery terminals or defective wiring cause
high resistance resulting in either the battery not being charged properly or not being able to deliver its current when required.
Sulphate around battery terminals leads to poor connection.
Severely corroded battery clamps should be renewed.
Battery Current
drain:
Each time a vehicle electrical consumer is switched on eg, lights, current flows from the vehicle battery
and causes it to discharge. Car battery
draining overnight ? Faulty components can cause the battery to drain unintentionally ,examples are wiring shorts, defective
alternator diodes, etc.
Charging system failure:
Battery light on the dash on ?
If the battery is not being recharged as the vehicle is operated it
will gradually drain until breakdown occurs. Charging system failure can be caused by a faulty battery,
loss of alternator drive due to fan belt
failure , faulty alternator,
incorrect voltage regulator setting, defective wiring, loose connections.
Frequent short journeys can result in a vehicle battery becoming discharged due to insufficient recharge time following heavy
discharge by vehicle starter motor.
For more information on battery charging systems see our Alternator page
OverCycling of the Vehicle Battery
Every time a battery is discharged ,its plates expand and contract resulting in excess material being released and deposited
at the bottom of the battery casing. This will eventually build up and cause a short circuit and premature failure.
The most common causes are :
Incorrect battery for application.
Vehicle electrics fault (eg diesel glow plugs relay stuck on)
Taxi or multi-drop vehicle use.
Starter battery used for leisure application.
Some batteries are
manufactured for this type of operation by fitment of glass wool between plate separators which holds active material in place to be absorbed back on to the plates when the battery is recharged.
Overcharging of the vehicle battery:
When
the vehicle engine is running , it is the alternator which supplies power to recharge the battery. A failure in the
alternator voltage regulation circuit can cause excess voltage to be applied to the battery. This causes decomposition of
active material forming the battery plates , and also loss of electrolyte. It is often first noticed by a smell of 'rotten
eggs' (hydrogen sulphide) , or by
vehicle bulbs continuously failing.
Fault codes may be logged in vehicle computer
modules referring to overvoltage.
Battery fitting guidelines:
Installation
Safety first
Safety procedures should be undertaken when storing , charging, fitting and removing vehicle batteries. Dangers assosciated
with vehicle batteries include Battery Acids and Explosive gases. Eye protection and gloves should be worn during battery
handling and fitting. Batteries should only be charged in a well ventilated area. Refer to http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg139.htm
for further guidance.
Fitting a vehicle battery incorrectly can damage or destroy a vehicles electrical system.
Be Prepared :
Have the radio
code available and take note of any special
procedures recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.
Use a memory saver device to prevent loss of computer memories if possible.
Disconnection of vehicle batteries
can result in memory loss from some computerised vehicle systems
for example body control modules.
Safety
reminder :
Batteries contain acid which can cause burns.
Car batteries can emit hydrogen gas which is an easily ignited and explosive gas. Metallic objects in contact with battery
terminals, and terminal disconnection / connection can cause sparks which may ignite hydrogen gas causing explosion. Avoid
smoking and other sources of ignition.
High currents can be discharged through metal objects such as jewellery causing burns. Batteries contain Lead and can
be heavy. Dispose of correctly.
Ensure all battery terminal clamps are clean and in good condition. Corroded or damaged battery terminal clamps should
be cleaned or renewed depending on condition.
On Negative ground systems always disconnect the Negative terminal first .
When installing the new battery
first fit the battery securing device. Then fit
the Positive terminal first and ensure the
terminal clamp is fully tightened before
fitting the Negative terminal and tightening.
Anti corrosion spray may be applied to the
terminals according to manufacturers
recommendation.
Charge Warning light on after the battery has been changed?
Low battery voltage due to a failed battery or charging system may cause computer system fault codes to be logged which may
need to be cleared using diagnostic equipment. Some vehicle computer memories are reset to basic setting by battery disconnection
and may have an adaptive learning period after the vehicle is restarted .
Dual Batteries, Split Charge, Battery Backup etc.
Link: For more information about auxiliary battery charging systems visit our Onboard Power page
There are times when just one vehicle battery is not enough. Linking of two 12 volt heavy duty batteries
in series is commonly used
to attain 24volt system requirements on goods vehicles and heavy equipment.
Advanced battery charge management equipment
is often fitted to specialist vehicles such as ambulances ,fire fighting , breakdown vehicles, leisure and marine equipment.
This
may involve fitment of advanced voltage regulation devices, to optimise battery charging, together with additional batteries
and switchgear.Typical situations when an extra battery is useful:
Commercial vehicle
on multi drop distribution
fitted with a tail lift :
Extra batteries are fitted on a split charge system to power the tail lift equipment which is isolated
from the main vehicle starter batteries whilst in use. Should the Auxiliary batteries become discharged the vehicle can still
be started on its normal batteries and the auxiliary battery be recharged as the engine is running.
Caravan
fitted
with deep cycle leisure battery
for internal lighting etc: The towing vehicle is fitted with a split charge relay to enable the
leisure battery to be recharged as the vehicle is driven. An inverter may also be fitted to supply electricity at higher voltage
for mains appliances, and possibly mains or solar powered battery charging equipment.
Breakdown vehicle
fitted with auxiliary
batteries to enable dead vehicles to be boost started without leaving the breakdown vehicle immobilised due to a discharged
battery.
Marine craft
fitted with a dual battery system so that the vehicle can still be started should one battery become
discharged or fail whilst out at sea.
Waste Battery Disposal
Dispose of your disused battery correctly.
If you are located in Shropshire, Car batteries can be taken for disposal at local authority waste sites located at Ketley, in
Telford, or Battlefield in Shrewsbury, or disposed of through your battery supplier.
|
| Battery Manufacturer & Waste
Disposal Links:
Yuasa
Bosch Varta |
G
& P Batteries ; disposal & recycling |
|
