Monro Inc. says it is making "sweeping changes" in its battery sales and service business. The company now offers free battery checks "and in a departure from the industry standard," is waiving battery installation fees at its locations.
Independent automotive repair locations could stock, sell and install DieHard batteries under a new stocking program offered by Advance Auto Parts Inc.
U.S. market share for start-stop systems is growing quickly. Estimates call for start-stop systems to be installed on 40% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2020, up from less than 2% today.
When it comes to batteries, it’s a brave new world in a service bay. “The days of standard alternator output — it’s good if it is between XX.X and YY.Y volts — across all makes and models are over,” says Jim O’Hara, vice president of marketing for Clore Automotive Inc.
All but the youngest drivers remember when a slow cranking start or dim headlights signaled a dying battery. Those days are gone. Modern vehicles start instantly until — with no warning — they don’t. Many no-start problems occur when temperatures drop just a few degrees.
