During a winter service, it is imperative to check and, if necessary, replace, the three ‘B’s of winter service: batteries, bulbs, and blades. Life is made much easier for garages when they are able to source these products from the same company, which is where HELLA comes in.
BULBS
“As lights are such safety critical components, it is best practice to replace left and right side bulbs at the same time, as both have a similar life span.”
As the clocks go back, headlights are switched on earlier in the morning and kept on for longer in the evening, which is why it is common that bulbs fail and need replacing more often in winter. HELLA is an OE manufacturer of lights, so whether it’s a headlight, sidelight or taillight that needs replacing, the company claims to provide a high quality and durable solution, catering for virtually all of the vehicle parc. As lights are such safety critical components, it is best practice to replace left and right side bulbs at the same time, as both have a similar life span.
BLADES
Drivers frequently put wiper blades to the test under difficult conditions. These consumables must withstand temperatures of -30 to 70 ̊, as well as the changeable winter weather conditions such as snow, sleet and rain. It is easy to see when wiper blades need to be changed: if the visibility is even slightly impaired, it is important to change them. HELLA understands just how crucial it is for high quality wipers to be fitted onto a vehicle, which is why the manufacturer’s range covers a large portion of the passenger car parc. All HELLA wiper blades are said to be long-lasting and durable, featuring a graphite-coated edge, which ensures the blades glide smoothly and quietly across the windscreen for a perfect view.
BATTERIES
Underperforming batteries remain the root cause of the majority of winter breakdowns, with one in four vehicles at risk of battery failure, while battery performance is reduced by 35% if temperatures hit freezing. HELLA has recently updated and expanded its battery range to provide the most appropriate solution to the varied needs of drivers. The company says it has focused on high quality and choice, offering four ranges within the battery portfolio – Classic, Premium, Supreme and AGM – all of which cater for a variety of needs, vehicles and applications.