Media Room - Press Releases

Service Is The Name Of The Game- May 2011

Renowned battery distributor Manbat is the company that Ronnie Palmer and his team at Northside Motor Factors rely on when it comes to the important subject of their battery supplies.

Northside pride themselves on the service they provide to their customers, which is the same philosophy that is employed by manbat in relation to their own customers. For Manbat, Northside is one of those special customers that is both important from a business perspective and a pleasure to work with.

However, as Ronnie explains, the appreciation is not limited to Northside, "Originally we referred to Manbat as our preferred battery supplier, but as the relationship blossomed and the service we received and the products they provided us with were so good, Manbat became our sole battery supplier."

"Over the years, we've obviously had many of Manbat's competitors come and present their services and promise the earth, but on every occasion they expect us to transfer our business just because their prices are cheaper. However, we don't do business like that. We need a supplier that we can rely on over the long-term.

"Our business with Manbat is built on a close working relationship, which has grown into a partnership. They supply us with good quality products that cater for the varying needs of our customers. They are well packaged and presented, and our customers know that if we supply it, we have confidence in it. We experience very few product returns, but on the rare occasions when a battery has been found to be faulty, the problem is sorted out very quickly and a replacement battery is provided without issue.

"We fully transferred our battery business to Manbat when they opened their own branch in Glasgow and since making the decision, we have never looked back. We naturally get regular deliveries, but if we need something out of the ordinary like a motorcycle battery or a battery for a golf trolley, the branch is only half an hour away.

"For us, it's easy to see why Manbat is the UK's number one battery supplier," concluded Ronnie.

Take a Look at AGM Technology with Manbat - April 2011

Battery development is an on-going process and continues to move very quickly, particularly as the vehicle manufacturers have now made such a significant commitment to ‘stop-start' technology. 

The battery in a vehicle with ‘stop-start' technology is obviously required to start the engine more frequently than a conventional vehicle and also provide ample energy to support all of the vehicle's electrical systems while in the ‘stop' mode. It is also therefore integrated within a sophisticated energy and battery management system. the battery technology necessary to support ‘stop-start' is predominantly AGM (absorbed glass matt), along with EFB (enhanced flooded battery), which is designed for entry-level ‘stop-start' vehicles.


It is anticipated that by 2015, 70% of all the vehicles produced in europe will feature ‘stop-start' technology, which will have a major impact on the battery aftermarket and workshops in particular.

This will have important implications when these vehicles filter through to the independent aftermarket and factors should gear themselves towards this significant shift in demand. Battery suppliers and technicians must be aware that vehicles with ‘stop-start' technology require specific ‘stop-start' batteries. the wrong battery will not only impair the ‘stop-start' function, but will also reduce the service life of the incorrectly specified battery itself.

Myles Pemberton, Marketing Manager for Manbat, the UK's largest battery distributor said: "This is where an accurate and comprehensive battery application guide is invaluable. We have experienced many instances of technicians inadvertently fitting the wrong battery because they've replaced a battery on a like-for-like basis, not knowing that the battery fitted was not the right application for the vehicle."

Questions have been raised as to the longevity of AGM batteries bearing in mind the increased workload they are under. However, an AGM battery supplied as original equipment in a ‘start-stop' vehicle will have had its specification designed in close conjunction between the battery manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer, to ensure that the battery provides a lifespan similar to a standard non-agm battery in a standard non-‘start-stop' application. Although the batteries will work harder, they are designed to do so and should therefore not need replacing any earlier than conventional batteries.


"Ultimately though, all batteries eventually fail and at that point it would obviously be wise to replacement the battery with a unit that has been produced by a battery manufacturer with close technology and supply links to the vehicle manufacturers. This will ensure compatibility with the vehicle and ensure that the service life of the product is maximised.

"Johnson Controls is the leading supplier of agm batteries to the world's vehicle manufacturers, with an 80% share of the market. it is also the manufacturer of the Varta agm battery range.

"As varta main distributors for the UK and Ireland, Manbat is well placed to face the challenges that the increasing trend towards ‘stop-start' will bring and so businesses looking for a dependable supplier of OE quality batteries need look no further."

There has been quite a debate between the respective strengths of the established brands and the private label alternatives and during 2010 the momentum seemed to be towards the brands as they were clawing back market share. However, in 2011 the competition has intensified with a flood of very cheap batteries hitting the market and reversing some of these gains.

"At the height of the recession, many motorists were keeping they're cars for longer and so to ensure their maximum reliability, they insisting that a recognised brand was fitted to the vehicle. However, now that cars sales are starting to increase again, this phenominom is changing as motorist's just want to fit a cheap battery to sell the car on.

"One thing is clear though, if the trade concentrates on quality rather than just the price, they can usually convince motorists to pay a little more to get a significantly better product. As ever, the issue is education and that's the message we wish to send to our customers. Quality product is a better product, which results in higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty and the long-term profitability of their business," Concluded Mr Pemberton.

 

More Profit with Manbat - March 2011

CAAR members who already deal with manbat will know that what motivates the team behind the Manbat name is to help them improve their profitability and sell more batteries. By working closely with Manbat, many members have reaped the benefits that the combination of top quality products, great brands and good service can provide.

Batteries can rarely be discussed these days without the conversation turning to ‘start-stop' technology and the growth in the sales of agm batteries. if current predictions are fulfilled, then in just four years the vast majority of new cars produced in europe will adopt the technology, so it is vital that caar members are aware of these developments.

Manbat are the principle supply partners for the Varta brand, which is the market leader for the agm batteries used in ‘start-stop' applications. It is therefore wise for members to speak with Manbat in order to ensure that they are able to respond to the inevitable increase in the demand for AGM batteries that will result.

As well as the quality automotive/cv brands of Varta, Lucas and Numax with which members are so familiar, there are a host of other products that members can add to develop their power storage offering and prolong the battery season to become an all-year-round revenue stream.

The obvious sectors that members are well placed to develop are the motorcycle, leisure, marine, mobility and golf markets, all product groups in which Manbat excel.

With the clear similarities that exist between automotive and motorcycle batteries, it is a relatively small step for members to offer motorcycle batteries alongside their automotive range. Manbat distribute the premier motorcycle brand Varta, ably supported by a comprehensive Lucas and Numax range to provide a good, better and best portfolio.

2010 was a record year for leisure battery sales and the numax brand is the undisputed market leader in this valuable sector. Members wishing to develop additional battery sales can do very well with leisure batteries, particularly during the current tough economic climate, when many people will cancel their holiday overseas in favour of an outdoor experience in the UK.

Although a smaller market than leisure, marine batteries provide a very profitable niche product for those members strategically located close to Britain's many inland waterways and water sports centres. Numax marine batteries are very prominent in the sector and are OE fitment with a number of luxury yacht manufacturers.

Golf is never far away from the thoughts of many in the trade and is another sector in which excellent margins are possible, along with mobility, which is only going to grow as ever greater numbers of disabled people begin to benefit from the freedom that mobility equipment provides.

 

Flooded Batteries Maintenance Training - February 2011

A healthy battery is a key component to the reliability of any commercial vehicle. Therefore workshops and technicians should understand the importance of battery care and maintenance, which can only be established through effective training.

Despite the many developments in battery technology, it is still the ‘flooded' lead acid battery that makes up the majority of battery related jobs in the workshop, so it is to flooded batteries that these principles apply.

Preparation

Remember the phrase ‘safety first' so always wear goggles, rubber gloves, and a rubber apron and ensure that the maintenance is carried out in a well-ventilated area. Always follow the correct handling protocols when lifting or moving batteries. So keep a straight back and if in any doubt seek assistance from a colleague. Never smoke or use a naked flame when around batteries.

Inspection

Examine the outside of the battery, looking for cracks in the case and ensure that the posts and connections are free of dirt, fluids and corrosion. Any fluids on or near to the battery could indicate that the electrolyte is spilling or leaking out of the battery, which can cause serious damage to the vehicle.

Always make sure there is good contact with the terminals and check all battery cables and connections are secure. Look for any loose connections or damaged parts, and if the cabling appears frayed in any way, or is broken replace it.

Always replace any damaged batteries immediately.

Warning - do not over tighten the terminal connections. Over tightening can lead to post destruction, post melting or fire.

Open circuit voltage testing

for accurate voltage readings batteries must have been idle for at least 6 hours prior to testing.

• Disconnect all loads from the battery and measure the voltage with a dc voltmeter. Consult the table below for the state of charge and charge the battery if it is 80% or less of full capacity.

state of charge %	specific gravity	12 volt battery
100	1280	12.73
90	1258	12.62
80	1238	12.50
70	1217	12.37
60	1195	12.24
50	1172	12.10
40	1150	11.96
30	1124	11.81
20	1100	11.66
10	1073	11.51

Specific gravity testing

Do not top-up the cells prior to testing.

Fill and drain the hydrometer three or four times prior to testing and then ensure that you have enough sample electrolyte in the hydrometer to completely support the float, keep the pipe submerged in the electrolyte.

Take a reading, and return the electrolyte to each cell after testing. The readings should be between 1270 and 1280. If any of the cells read below 1240, then put the battery on a complete charge, and retake the specific gravity readings again afterwards. should the cells still read low then perform an equalising charge (detailed below).

If any of the cells still read low after performing the complete charge and a subsequent equalising charge, then the battery is likely be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.

Charging

Prior to charging, check that the electrolyte covers the plates and if necessary top-up with deionised water.

The key to charging is to administering the correct amount of current at the right voltage. The vast majority of charging equipment automatically regulates these values, but some chargers do allow the user to set them. a non-automatic charger should be set at 10% of the ah (amp/hour) capacity of the battery, so a 150 amp/hour battery should be set at 15amps.

Equalising

Equalising is a controlled overcharge performed after a battery has been fully charged. It helps eliminate stratification, and sulphation - two conditions that greatly reduce the overall performance of a battery.

Ideally equalising should only be used when the specific gravity readings are low, or if there is a noticeable disparity between the cells after the battery has been fully charged.

Remove all load from the battery and connect a suitable battery charger, which has an equalisation setting. Set the charger to the equalising mode and begin the charging process.

The battery will gas and bubble vigorously during the process, but continue to take specific gravity readings every hour. Equalisation is complete when the specific gravity readings no longer rise during the gassing stage.

By applying these principles cv operators will ensure that they get the best return from their battery investment and prolong the life of their batteries. however, when the time does come to replace a battery, nothing beats fitting quality. with the Varta, Lucas and Numax brands, Manbat customers have quality assured.

 

AGM Technology - January 2011

Battery development is an on-going process and continues to move very quickly, particularly as the vehicle manufacturers have now made such a significant commitment to ‘stop-start' technology.

The battery in a vehicle with ‘stop-start' technology is obviously required to start the engine more frequently than a conventional vehicle and also provide ample energy to support all of the vehicle's electrical systems while in the ‘stop' mode. It is also therefore integrated within a sophisticated energy and battery management system. The battery technology necessary to support ‘stop-start' is predominantly AGM (absorbed glass matt), along with EFB (enhanced flooded battery), which is designed for entry-level ‘stop-start' vehicles.


It is anticipated that by 2015, 70% of all the vehicles produced in europe will feature ‘stop-start' technology, which will have a major impact on the battery aftermarket and workshops in particular.

This will have important implications when these vehicles filter through to the independent aftermarket and factors should gear themselves towards this significant shift in demand. battery suppliers and technicians must be aware that vehicles with ‘stop-start' technology require specific ‘stop-start' batteries. The wrong battery will not only impair the ‘stop-start' function, but will also reduce the service life of the incorrectly specified battery itself. 

Questions have been raised as to the longevity of agm batteries bearing in mind the increased workload they are under, but an AGM battery supplied as original equipment into a ‘start-stop' vehicle will have had its specification designed in close conjunction between the battery manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the battery provides a lifespan similar to a standard non agm battery in a standard non ‘start-stop' application. The batteries will work harder, but they are designed to do so and will therefore not wear out any faster than conventional batteries.


When the battery does eventually fail it would be wise to source a replacement that has been produced by a battery manufacturer with close technology and supply links to the vehicle manufacturers. this will ensure compatibility with the vehicle and ensure that the service life of the product is maximised.

Johnson Controls is the leading supplier of agm batteries to the world's vehicle manufacturers, with an 80% share of the market. It is also the manufacturer of the Varta AGM battery range.

As Varta main distributors for the UK, Manbat is well placed to face the challenges that the increasing trend towards ‘stop-start' will bring and so businesses looking for a dependable supplier of OE quality batteries need look no further.

For more information about Varta, Lucas or Numax AGM batteries, please call Manbat customer services on: 01743 218500