In the world of automotive maintenance, the importance of using battery support during diagnostics and repairs is absolutely key. As cars, trucks, construction and ‘off-highway’ vehicles become more reliant upon sophisticated electronic systems, ensuring a stable power source is crucial. The number of electrical consumers – i.e. components which impact electrical load on the battery, are far higher on modern vehicles, so it’s not sufficient to purely rely on the vehicle battery itself during diagnosis and maintenance. In addition, with integrated systems such as ‘smart-charging’ being so prevalent, battery support plays an essential role in maintaining system integrity, protecting sensitive components, and ensuring accurate and efficient diagnostics and repairs across all types of vehicles. There are several key reasons as to why it’s so important:
- Ensuring Accurate Diagnostics
Modern vehicles, whether they are cars, motorcycles, or trucks, are equipped with a multitude of electronic systems and computer controls that are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Diagnostic tools used by technicians depend on a steady power supply to function correctly. If the battery is weak or unstable, it can lead to incorrect readings, complicating the identification of the root cause of a problem. Battery support provides a consistent power source, eliminating the risk of diagnostic errors caused by voltage drops, ensuring that diagnostic tools operate at their optimum level. - Protecting Sensitive Electronic Components
Vehicles today are integrated with a multitude of advanced electronic components and systems, such as driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment units, and numerous engine control modules. These components are highly susceptible to damage from sudden power surges or drops. The use of a battery support unit, ensures a stable voltage at the required current, protecting these vital electronic components from potential damage. This ensures the longevity of the vehicle’s electronics and prevents expensive repairs and replacements. - Supporting Accurate Software Updates and Calibrations
Sometimes vehicles require software updates, coding of components process. These updates can range from minor adjustments to significant system overhauls and are crucial for optimal vehicle performance. Conducting a software update with an unstable power supply can result in corrupted data, incomplete installations, or even rendering the vehicle’s computer systems inoperable. ADAS calibration is a perfect example of a routine which is heavily reliant upon consistency and accuracy, therefore battery support must be used to guarantee that the power supply remains constant during these routines. This ensures successful calibrations and installations, preventing malfunctions due to incomplete transfer of data. - Minimising Diagnostic and Repair Time
In the automotive repair industry, time is of the essence. Quick and efficient diagnostics and repairs are vital for reducing vehicle downtime and improving customer satisfaction. Battery support expedites these processes by providing a reliable power source that allows technicians to work without interruptions. This efficiency translates into faster diagnostics and repairs, enabling technicians to resolve issues more quickly. By reducing diagnostic and repair time, repair shops can increase productivity and service more vehicles, benefiting both the business and the customer. - Preventing Battery Drain
During diagnostics and maintenance, the vehicle’s ignition may need to remain on for extended periods, which can drain the battery. A depleted battery can leave the vehicle inoperable, necessitating a jump start or battery replacement. Battery support prevents battery drain by supplying the necessary power to the vehicle’s systems, allowing technicians to conduct diagnostics and repairs without worrying about draining the battery. This saves time and effort, preventing potential delays in the process and ensuring the vehicle is ready for use immediately after the work is completed.
In essence, using battery support has to be considered “best practice” when diagnosing and repairing any vehicle and the importance cannot be overstated. As vehicles continue to evolve and become more dependent on electronic systems, battery support remains an indispensable tool for automotive technicians. By prioritising battery support, repair shops can ensure the reliability and longevity of the vehicles they service, ultimately benefitting both the business and the customer.
Here at VTS, we offer a choice of Battery Support solutions from GYS, covering a range of vehicle applications and voltages.
For 12 volt systems:
GYSFLASH 101.12
For 24 volt systems:
GYSFLASH 101.24
N.B. the above product will also support 6 volt, 12 volt, and 16 volt (Tesla Lithium Ion battery) systems.
