Car battery guarantees. Are they worthless?

rbulph

I bought a car battery two and a half years ago from http://www.batmanuk.com/. It came with the benefit of a three year guarantee. It became flat about a month ago, and I was only able to start the car each time I wanted to use it by recharging the battery with a portable battery charger. I've now bought a new battery. On seeking to claim under the guarantee from Batman I have been sent the following message:

"Hi,
Thanks for you e-mail.
If the indicator is blank, it indicates the Battery is either completely
discharged or the Battery has been overcharged causing the electrolyte to
evaporate
It is important to remember that under normal operating conditions, a
Battery cannot become discharged on its own. The reason for this discharge
is normally attributable to :-
* Malfunctioning Alternator, regulator or Starter motor.
* Slipping Fanbelt,
* Electrical fault.
* Excessive use of electrical consumers - car phones or air conditioning
etc.
* Long standing time without recharge.
* Boot light / Glove box malfunction
* Vehicle lights being left on

If the Battery is consistently used in a discharged condition, it will
eventually reach a condition where even prolonged recharge will not return
to its original condition. This is classed as deep discharge /
undercharging.
This is not a manufacturing fault.

As a first step the Battery needs to be fully tested by a Battery specialist
to determine the fault, please let us have the report.

Regards,
Alan.
Batman UK"

I hardly want the trouble of having to get it tested as this will probably cost me as much as a new battery, and will be a lot of hassle. So if, whenever you try to claim on a car battery guarantee you are going to have to do this, are the guarantees completely worthless (unless you happen to be able to test them yourself)?

steveo3002

its true what he wrote, it does need charging first to test it

ive had a few replaced over the years with no fuss..and ive also had a few hitlers that wouldnt budge, id suggest you get the next battery from somewhere that can test on site ( most good motorsit shops will)

Inactive

Agreed, I have had a few batteries changed under warranty, but they obviously need testing first.

rbulph

OK, thanks. I do occasionally go for periods of several weeks without using my car, so that may be the cause. Anyway, the new battery is from a local garage, so if it doesn't last I can take it back there for checking.

steveo3002

its also true if you keep leaving a battery flat due to lights on /stood for long periods that will kill the battery

if the car stands around...try and get a trickle charger or run it for 20 once a week

rbulph

Thanks, have now bought a solar charger.