If you live in a developing country (or prefer better-priced options), you’ve asked yourself at some point (or wondered), ‘How do I positively identify an original Korean starter battery?
The reason?
Fakes flood the market and instead of the traditional 5-7 years that original starter batteries offer before their time with you (or the vehicle, whichever is first) is up, these fake, recycled, less-than-ideal options usually give way less than two (2) years into their use, if you’re lucky.
If you’re not, then, a year is all you get.
Cursed by the ‘gods’? Then, six (6) months it is!
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Original Korean Starter Battery vs. Fakes: What (Really) Goes On?
Remember your out-of-service starter batteries? I mean the ones that you ‘mortgage’ at the battery dealer when it’s time for a replacement, top some bucks more, and pick a new one?
Ever wondered what happens to the batteries? Or, you believe that the folks who take them from you and pay a token discard them afterwards?
Nay!
These out-of-service starter batteries are opened up and examined: the ones with compromised cells are ‘patched up’ or the cells replaced.
The ones with perfectly healthy cells are topped up with electrolytes, cleaned, ‘branded’, and sent back to the market at at rate of least, 200 – 300% (more) of what they were, when you gave them up initially.
And then, guess who comes back to buy them?
YOU, of course – without the slightest idea that these are actually refurbished units and not anywhere near new.
The implication?
In six (6) months or less (if you’re very lucky, a year or two max), the vicious cycle repeats itself.
Not a great way to live/buy.
4 Ways To Identify An Original Korean Starter Battery in the Market
Identified below are the methods to identify an original Korean starter battery. These tests/methods, like everything else in the world, aren’t static. These folks evolve their criminal ways almost daily.
That said, as at the date of publication, the methods mentioned below are your best bet if you’re interested in an original Korean starter battery.
1. The Label Test
A label on an item is only just a label, nothing more…at least when it comes to business that isn’t starter batteries.
However, when you’re dealing with starter batteries and, in particular, are interested in a genuine Korean starter battery, the label on a battery is much more than just a label: it’s the ultimate mark of quality.
Let’s get this straight: folks who manufacture batteries go to extra lengths to make sure that everything regarding their product is perfect: label, fonts, packaging box etc.
This extensive care and attention to detail usually results in one thing: an overall, great unit, worthy of having.
The same can’t be said of folks whose main aim in life is simply to make a quick buck at the expense of another: for such folks, ‘a label is a label’ and that is that.
The result of such poor thinking? Labels that are inferior, inconsistent fonts, and label adhesives that have a hard time holding themselves to the product naturally arise.
If you’re in the market for an original Korean starter battery and can easily attempt to peel off the label on a starter battery, you probably should stop at that – and run…it’s a FAKE.
2. The Country of Manufacture Test
Countries take pride in the products they manufacture and for some countries, their products have come to be synonymous with quality (or a lack thereof).
One of the countries that has made a name for itself in the starter battery world is South Korea.
Accordingly, starter batteries manufactured in South Korea are clearly labeled so, usually, in places it’s difficult to imitate. Such places include the handles and the body of the battery itself (and not the labels).
Banking on general ignorance and the popularity of starter batteries from South Korea, folks in the counterfeit/recycle starter battery market ride on that wave across.
Instead of cresting their starter batteries ‘Made in Korea’, these fellows simply use: ‘Korean Tech’ or ‘Korea Tech’.
This way, they somehow managed not telling a lie but also, not telling the truth.
Since there’s nothing like ‘Korea Tech’ (or any of the appendages that mean nothing), be on the watchout for these anomalies, when you go ‘hunting’.
Avoid any variation that seeks to play either on ‘Made in Korea’ or your brain.
3. The ‘Google’ Test
The world is now a global village and every battery manufacturer is eager to display their products for the world to see.
Websites, social media, YouTube and a plethora of other options such as press releases are common – for any original Korean starter battery.
However, when you approach a retailer in the market and they argue that the product they’re ‘introducing’ to you is ‘new’ and for that reason, has no website/social medial/online presence when run on search engines, you can rest easy, knowing that you’re dealing with a fake and not an original Korean starter battery especially if the starter battery ticks all the other boxes indicated before now.
For instance, my starter battery, the Delkor Calcium 57539 is well represented by this link and also, the Delkor website.
Same as Solite – another well-known Korean brand.
As a matter of fact, same as all the other original Korean starter battery brands.
So, if you can’t find out where or if your starter battery is represented online, then, your guess is as good as mine.
4. The Price Test
Finally, original Korean starter batteries are pricier than sub-standard units, recycled garbage, or the outright trash sold in most markets today.
Generally, expect to pay at least 50% more for an original Korean starter battery; sometimes, this difference will go as high as 100% more, easily.
However, this test is a double-edged sword: some retailers, aware of this method deliberately hike the price of sub-standard starter batteries to have them read like original units.
Always, to be on the safe side, cross-check this point to avoid being taken as a fool at the battery stand.
Sometimes, It’s Not All About ‘Original’
Sometimes, it isn’t all about whether or not a starter battery is ‘original’ but more about how ‘fresh’ such a starter battery is, in the first place.
This is how it works: according to Interstate Batteries, car batteries on the shelf lose about 5% of their charge every month, and they get permanent damage if they ever drop to 75%.
Now, this may not seem like much, except that, most retailers NEVER bother recharging their stock and for some, this can be months/years!
A recharge is only deemed necessary when/if the starter battery drops below acceptable levels/won’t start a vehicle again.
The summary? You may buy a new, original Korean starter battery that is as good as BAD – before even getting into your vehicle.
The net result?
You’ll be changing it again sooner than later, just like the folk(s) who bought and installed the recycled units.
The solution?
Always consider using a dedicated battery tester, such as the Ancel BA 101 battery tester (in addition to the knowledge shared in this article) when you go battery hunting.
It’s Also About How You Care for Your Starter Batteries
Buying original is the first part of the puzzle; the second is making sure that you buy fresh.
However, that’s not all: caring for your vehicle’s starter battery like a true professional/enthusiast will certainly make your battery last in your hood longer than you’ve ever imagined possible.
Truly.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer