COLD START MEASUREMENT WITH QUICK TEST DEVICE
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE TIPS!
First of all - only a laboratory test in accordance with EN 50342 guarantees an exact assessment of the cold start capability of a battery. A cold start measurement with a quick tester is always an approximate or estimated value.
The quick test device provides a brief indication of the approximate condition of the battery and is subject to measurement inaccuracies. In contrast to the far more accurate professional workshop testers, but that is a different topic.
Which parameters influence the measurement result?
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The ambient temperature has a significant influence on the measurement result! If the operating and ambient temperatures are constantly too warm or even hot, the chemical reaction is accelerated, resulting in faster self-discharge and a shorter battery life.
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The cold start value also varies with the state of charge - i.e. the open-circuit voltage - of a battery. The lower the state of charge, the lower the cold start value will be, without, however, making any real statement about how much or how little cold start power the battery actually delivers.
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At higher voltages, incorrect measurements can occur due to acid stratification or surface voltages directly after charging.
In general, if the test result is “REPLACE”, i.e. “replace battery”, it is essential to use common sense and answer the following 2 questions:
1. How long has the battery been in use? The proof of purchase provides information or the previous owner of the car.
2. Could the battery possibly just be discharged? If so, simply try charging it and don't rush to buy a new battery!
TIP! Only buy a new Banner battery after an unsuccessful charging attempt.
Please consider this information as general statements, as remote diagnoses are very difficult.
The battery should always be examined in detail in each individual case and more background information on the specific application of the battery is required.
When comparing cold start values, also take into account the different standard systems!
In Europe, EN values are almost always used (EN = European standard); the standard is indicated on the top label of the battery in the cold start information. However, there are also cold start specifications according to CCA, DIN, IEC, ISO, JIS or SAE.
A professional workshop tester such as the BBT Banner Battery Tester HD1+ delivers far more accurate results due to internal resistance measurement, temperature compensation and a few more features.
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