Warranty Information

Batteries have a finite life, determined by the application and the operating conditions. Battery failure can be attributed to various factors; however, the causes of failure fall under two distinct categories: manufacturing and non-manufacturing faults.

These typically occur within the first 3 months and include:

• SHORT CIRCUITS/DEAD CELLS
  Where one cell will show a dramatically lower Specific Gravity (SG) reading than the other cells.
• INTERNAL BREAK
  Usually resulting from physical damage to a battery during transportation.
  Stringent quality assurance and inspection processes demanded by leading vehicle manufacturers ensures genuine manufacturing faults in batteries are negligible.

These fall outside of strict quality control systems and are more likely to occur the longer the battery is in service. They are often attributed to a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, its operation, or the battery application.

These can include:

• PHYSICAL DAMAGE
  Incorrect fitment, handling and storage often leads to external damage and subsequent battery failure.
• INCORRECT APPLICATION
  Fitting a smaller, less powerful battery or a battery designed for another application can lead to early failure.
• NEGLIGENCE
  Failure to maintain fluid levels in maintainable batteries exposes the internal components and accelerates battery failure.
• SULPHATION
  Occurs when the battery is allowed to stand in a discharged state for an extended period.
• OVER-CHARGING
  Often caused if the alternator is incorrectly set or the alternator voltage control fails.
• UNDER-CHARGING
  Short journeys, stop start driving or faulty alternators will not fully recharge a battery.
• DISCHARGE
  Lights or other accessories left on for extended periods.

• Parasitic drains
  Many modern vehicles have electronic systems that draw a small amount of power from the battery even when the car is turned off. Over time, this parasitic drain can deplete the battery. It can be caused by things like interior lights left on, aftermarket accessories, or a malfunction in the electrical system.
• lights left on
• Doors left open
• Radio left on without the car running
• Air-conditioning left on without the car running
• In some cases, not locking the vehicle causes the computer(ECU) to drain the battery
• Short Drives
  If you frequently take short trips, especially in stop-and-go traffic, your alternator may not have enough time to recharge the battery fully. This can lead to gradual battery depletion.
• Charging System Issues
  Problems with the alternator or voltage regulator can prevent the battery from charging properly.
• Corroded or Loose Connections
  Corroded or loose battery terminals can hinder the electrical connection between the battery and the car, making it difficult for the battery to recharge or supply power.
• Faulty Components
   Malfunctions in other vehicle components, such as the starter motor or ignition system, can lead to repeated attempts to start the car, draining the battery.

This is a very common thing within the industry and there are a few reasons for this.

Most companies will do a battery check as standard. However this test is usually carried out at the end of the service, after the vehicle has been left sitting with the doors open, radio playing, lights on etc.

This will then show the battery at a reduced state of health.

Other things that are a factor is the testing facility used. Electronic testers generally do not have accuracy as they are not calibrated correctly or routinely. Our company will use an electronic tester for the purposes of getting a snapshot at the over-all state of the battery, for the purposes of testing, we utilise a Carbon Pile tester which is the most accurate measure.

So why have you been told this? Well most companies need to make money. And most customers when they are told their battery needs replacing will say “ok” and pay for a battery they do not need.

There will be instances when the battery has failed legitimatly however, you should always return to the original battery supplier and have them test the battery. If it is under warranty then you can make a warranty claim. 

If you get your battery replaced at another provider because you were told your battery has failed, the original supplier may not be able to provide any warranty coverage for you.