RAC commences diagnostics roll out
The RAC has begun equipping all of its 1,500 patrols with state-of-the-art battery testers which will enable them to carry out full roadside diagnostic checks.
Breakdowns involving batteries are the number one cause of RAC call-outs with patrols attending more than 445,000 members in 2015. But the nature of these breakdowns is becoming increasingly complex due to advances in battery technology.
Batteries have developed rapidly in recent years with the advent of Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) and Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) technology, both of which are used in ‘stop-start’ vehicles. And, with up to 70% of new vehicles produced in Europe featuring ‘stop-start’ technology, there is a growing requirement to diagnose issues with these batteries in breakdown situations, particularly the EFB ones as they are becoming the manufacturers’ preferred ‘more affordable’ option for mass production.
RAC technical director Phil Ryan said, ‘The RAC Midtronics battery diagnostic tester brings a new level of quality, accuracy and consistency to breakdown battery testing from one device. One particular benefit is a significant improvement in the testing accuracy of partially discharged batteries, allowing our patrols to give members a definitive opinion on their batteries’ health or that of the vehicle’s starting and charging system.’
After testing a vehicle’s starting and charging system the RAC member can ask the patrol for the detailed report to be emailed, providing them with a permanent record.
