By Julie D’Aloiso
I sat down with Ron Weber the other day. I wanted to know more about his battery business. He started in the automotive aftermarket industry dealing with lighting for the trucking industry for 6 years, then he moved to Chicago and got into the alternators and starter business. He was servicing a lot of the warehouses in the Cleveland area. He worked with batteries a lot because starters alternators and batteries go together. In 1994, the people in charge of the batteries for the warehouses were looking for a new manager. So they hired him. In 1998 they shut down the facility in Cleveland. He then went out on his own. He purchased Western Reserve Battery in 2010 and never looked back!
I asked him how the battery business has changed. He said “The batteries are basically the same – what has changed is the cars. Today they have AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries that are designed to go down, lose power and get recharged. A standard lead acid battery hates not to be charged. It wants to have a constant charge.”
He also explained: “Now the vehicles need so much more power because of all of the computers and other . There are many demands even when the vehicle is not on. Average life of the battery is about 3 years. Back in the day they lasted 4,5 or 6 years, depending on what type of vehicle you have. Batteries today are built just as good as in the past, maybe even better. It is just the demand that is so much more.”
TIP: Do not leave anything plugged into your vehicle after you turn it off. It drains your battery. When it is turned off people charge their phone, use GPS and other devices (even laptops). Today’s vehicles that are built after 2014 has well over 100 – 150 sensors or computers on it that constantly need power. The more expensive vehicles have a auxiliary battery that is smaller and helps with the demand for power once you vehicle is shut off. This helps your main battery last longer.
AGM Batteries cost about $200. A standard batter costs around $100. If you buy a battery from a dealer you will pay much more.
Other types of batteries and accessories that he sells:
- cars, trucks, RVs ,golf carts, etc.
- sump pumps
- terminals, cables and chargers for motorcycles and vehicles
- standard alkaline batteries
- rechargeable batteries
- SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) designed for UPS back up, alarm systems, exit signs, industrial equipment
- coin cell batteries for low power devices
- limited charging accessories
I asked Ron if there are some signs that your battery could be going. He said “look for corrosion around the connectors or if it is hard to start.
Also a good tip, batteries in warmer regions are different than the batteries here. So if you buy a car in Florida, you will need to buy a different battery.
Listen to this podcast (click the green button) and learn more battery facts (old and new), including signs that could indicate your battery is getting old.
Western Reserve Battery is located on Highland Road in Macedonia.
Ron Weber can be reached at 330-908-0088 or 419-651-8744
Email: penmacompany1@aol.com
Website: https://www.wrbattery.com/
