The organisation said that breakdowns involving batteries are the number one cause of RAC call-outs with patrols attending more than 445,000 members in 2015. But the nature of these breakdowns is becoming increasing complex due to advances in battery technology.

RAC technical director Phil Ryan said: “The RAC Midtronics battery diagnostic tester brings a new level of quality, accuracy and consistency to breakdown battery testing from one device. One particular benefit is a significant improvement in the testing accuracy of partially discharged batteries, allowing our patrols to give members a definitive opinion on their batteries’ health or that of the vehicle’s starting and charging system.

“The unit carries out a five-minute charge acceptance test which displays both the battery's cranking state of health – the ability to start the vehicle – and its reserve capacity. This gives patrols a final decision on whether a battery is fit for purpose or needs replacing.

“Sometimes the battery can be the victim and not the cause as there can be occasions where an inferior testing device shows that a battery needs replacing when in fact it is actually a symptom of a wider problem in the vehicle’s starting and charging system. This would often lead to a new battery being damaged or flattened in a short space of time which can be very frustrating for all concerned. Fortunately, this is one challenge that RAC patrols will no longer have to face going forwards.”

After testing a vehicle’s starting and charging system the RAC member can ask the patrol for the detailed report to be emailed, providing them with a permanent record.