Summer used to be the season when the rotating electrics sector went very quiet, but Autoelectro  Sales Manager, Nick Hood says the market is now changing, things are far less seasonal the “off-season” is getting busier and busier. 

Nick says, “Without doubt, winter is our busiest season. More vehicle electronics are in use and the alternator is working closer to its capacity and this is traditionally when failures occur. However, over the years the demands on the starter motor and alternator have increased. For example, air conditioning or climate control is standard on most vehicles these days and the use of daytime running lights and infotainment systems puts added strain on the alternator throughout the year.”

He adds, “In addition, emission control has come to the forefront in recent years, so not only is the alternator working harder but so is the starter motor; therefore, although seasonality does exist, the spikes we’re used to seeing in sales are more ‘blips’ these days.”

When it comes to replacement of rotating electrics Nick says customers need to be quality conscious. He points out, “For a considerable time now, many customers have been lulled into a pre-fixation of price-competitive, low-cost and surcharge-free units, but, as with most components, there is an increasing recognition that technology is changing and experts and not box-pushers, are the only ones capable of providing the support and information for these modern unit requirements.

He goes on, “Autoelectro is the supplier to provide technical support. We have set out to reach this position in the market, in part through the development of late units where we see the changing and latest technologies. As we move forward, this technical support will only become more prevalent. In addition availability of these latest applications is key and we are already known in the aftermarket for having the best range and availability.”