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Introduction
As vehicles are becoming more dependent on electricity with advanced features, the batteries play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the cars. However, over time and use, batteries start degrading and need replacement. While replacing the battery is an option, there is a more sustainable alternative – battery rebuild service. Rebuilding old batteries gives them a new lease of life by restoring their charge holding capacity and increasing their lifespan. This article delves deeper into battery rebuilding as an emerging service sector and its various benefits.
What is Battery Rebuilding?
Battery rebuild service dismantling the old battery, cleaning and inspecting each component, replacing worn out or faulty parts, and reassembling it. The main components of a battery that are checked and replaced, if required, include:
– Plates: The lead plates inside the battery are closely examined for damage or deterioration. Corroded or broken plates are replaced.
– Separators: These thin perforated sheets placed between the plates are replaced to prevent short-circuiting.
– Electrolyte: The sulfuric acid-based electrolyte inside is drained out, and fresh electrolyte solution is added.
– Terminals: The terminals connecting the battery are sanded, cleaned, and tightened. Corroded terminals are replaced.
– Case: The battery case or container is thoroughly washed to remove dirt, dust or acid deposits. Cracks are sealed.
Depending on the condition of individual components, not all parts may need replacement. The rebuilding process brings the battery back to an “like-new” condition by restoring its charged storage capacity and increasing its service life.
Benefits of Battery Rebuilding
Opting for battery rebuilding has several advantages over outright replacement:
Cost Savings: Rebuilding a battery costs only about 30-50% of the price of a new replacement battery. This provides significant savings.
Environment Friendliness: Reusing existing battery components is eco-friendly as it reduces waste generation and natural resource depletion involved in manufacturing new batteries from scratch.
Extends Battery Life: A rebuilt battery can last 2-3 years, whereas a new battery typically lasts only 1-2 years. So battery rebuilding nearly doubles the lifespan.
Readily Available: Rebuild service is convenient as rebuilt batteries are readily available off the shelf at most auto electrical shops. In contrast, replacement batteries may need to be ordered.
Warranty: Most reputed battery rebuilders provide a warranty of 6-12 months on rebuilt batteries ensuring customer satisfaction.
Thus, battery rebuilding strikes the right balance of being cost-effective, sustainable and quality-assured – making it a win-win service for both businesses and customers.
Testing Process Adopted by Battery Rebuilders
For ensuring top-quality rebuilt batteries, professional rebuilders follow a stringent multi-point testing methodology:
– Visual Inspection: Each battery component is visually checked for defects, cracks or damage.
– Load Testing: The battery’s ability to deliver a specified minimum amount of current is evaluated using specialized electronic load testers.
– Capacity Testing: State-of-the-art Battery Cycler Machines are used to precisely measure the battery’s charged storage capacity.
– Internal Resistance Testing: Advanced resistance meters measure internal opposition to current flow, as higher resistance impacts performance.
– Voltage Testing: The voltage under no-load and load conditions is accurately measured to identify voltage-related problems.
Only batteries clearing all tests within specified limits are deemed fit for rebuilding. Those failing are discarded to uphold rebuild quality standards. Computerized record-keeping of each battery’s test results is also maintained.
Battery Rebuilding – A Thriving Small Business Model
Seeing the rising demand, many entrepreneurs have started battery rebuilding as a small-scale business from their workshop or garage. Here are the key aspects of running a viable battery rebuilding business:
– Minimal Infrastructure: Basic requirements include a covered workspace, battery assembly station, cleaning tanks, testing equipment.
– Low Startup Costs: Setup costs for tools and machinery range between $10,000 to $20,000, much lower than for other businesses.
– Outsourcing Options: Services like plate sheeting, case molding etc. can be outsourced to keep fixed costs low.
– Strong Networking: Tie-ups with auto workshops, repair shops help in regular supply of used batteries and sales of rebuilt stock.
– Quality Standards: ISO certification, trained technicians and calibrated equipment enhances rebuild quality and credibility.
– Competitive Pricing: Pricing rebuilt batteries 30-50% lower than new ones makes the business model attractive to customers.
With growing vehicle count worldwide, battery rebuild service holds potential as a profitable self-employment option with low investment and steady demand. Variants like mobile rebuild vans have also emerged to better serve customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Battery rebuild service has established itself as an important service sector necessary for sustaining the usage of existing vehicle batteries. By restoring old batteries to their former performance at a lower cost, it promotes sustainability as well as cost savings for businesses and consumers. With strict quality control protocols in place, battery rebuilders provide an assured alternative to outright battery replacement. Going forward, automation and digitization of rebuilding processes are expected to further strengthen this viable small business model.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
