Starting Battery Warranty

Starting Battery Warranty

Battery Empire – Warranty, Testing & Fault Assessment

Starting batteries are designed to deliver high cranking power and be immediately recharged by the vehicle’s alternator. Most starting battery “warranty” returns are caused by discharge, vehicle faults, or short-trip use — not manufacturing defects.

Flat does NOT mean faulty

If your battery is flat, that is not proof of a defect. A battery can be discharged by the vehicle or driving habits and still be a good battery.

Before you claim warranty – do these checks

Please do the below before bringing your battery in:

  • Confirm the vehicle starts with a jump start (if safe to do so)
  • Check for lights/accessories left on (including boot light, interior lights, dash cams)
  • If you have a multimeter: check charging voltage with engine running (typical is around 13.8–14.7V depending on vehicle)
  • If the vehicle is doing mostly short trips, assume the battery may not be fully recharged
  • If the battery has a “magic eye” and it is black/dark, it is discharged and requires charging

Magic eye indicator (if fitted)

  • Black/dark = discharged (not a warranty fault)
  • Green but no start = possible internal fault (requires testing)
  • Clear/yellow = severe discharge/low electrolyte (requires charging/inspection)

Common non-warranty causes (starting batteries)

  • Parasitic draw (vehicle systems, aftermarket electronics, alarms, dash cams)
  • Alternator/charging faults
  • Short trips / stop-start traffic not recharging the battery
  • Vehicle left unused for weeks
  • Loose/dirty terminals or poor earths

What MAY be covered

A battery may qualify for replacement if, after being fully charged:

  • It fails a load/capacity test
  • It has a confirmed dead cell/internal fault

What is NOT covered

  • Discharged/flat battery requiring recharge
  • Vehicle electrical or charging faults
  • Incorrect fitment/incorrect battery selection for the vehicle (Example: using conventional battery in stop-start application).
  • Damage from corrosion, impact, or modification
  • Abuse, neglect, or storage in a discharged state

How Battery Empire tests starting batteries

  • Fully charge battery
  • Rest battery
  • Test with appropriate load/capacity equipment
  • Outcome determined by test results (not voltage alone)

Important: Testing a flat battery does not confirm a fault. The battery must be fully charged before assessment.

Fees

Batteries found to be discharged or not faulty may incur a recharge fee.

Removal and re-fitment of a battery not deemed faulty will incur labour fees.

Bring-in requirements

  • Proof of purchase required
  • Battery must be presented clean and safe to test
  • If possible, bring vehicle details or symptoms (helps identify non-battery causes)

 

Battery Empire will always assess warranty claims fairly and in line with manufacturer guidelines. Where a claim is approved as a genuine manufacturer warranty, the cost is passed on to the supplier.

In goodwill or non-warranty situations, Battery Empire must absorb the full cost of replacement, which is not sustainable and cannot be offered as a standard outcome.