That's disappointing - I've had good service from Yuasa batteries and also from Halfords when I've needed to return something (non-battery) that wasn't up to standard.

If they insist on taking their line then ask then to provide the section of the warranty that is worded in such a way that they think they don't have to exchange it.

Thank you for the prompt replies and insights. Xileno and Skidpan, I did look at the guarantee last night and the key thing that stood out was that the result of their battery check is final. And Paul, the young man I eventually spoke with was the manager. Gordon, a fair comment about the charging and my local garage, which is excellent, has tested the electrical system and all is well. In fairness, an MR2 is remarkably reliable despite its age. The only issues we've had over five cars owned have been linked to aftermarket additions. The CTEK system is also working well. I've always bought heavy and cumbersome items from local shops in case I need to return them for any reason and a car battery fits that category. Anyway, I have been encouraged by these comments, especially yours Doc, to take to my keyboard and write to Halfords HQ. I will of course feedback any response. Many thanks again.

Edited by Ex Alfa mail on 16/08/2025 at 11:42

Whilst I can understand that present battery condition can be assessed but I'm at a loss to understand how how the usage pattern can be assed from its present condition.

If Halfords are going solely on the car's mileage then they should either word the warranty with a time and mileage limit - or pay up if it's only worded as a time limit.

If a battery guarantee isn't effectively unconditional, then it is effectively a worthless scam, since AFAIK they can have no knowledge of how it was treated. Your CTEK might have killed it, for example,and thats probably the way I'd bet, but they wouldn't be able to prove that

It MIGHT be possible to deduce persistent low charge states from the morphology of sulfate dendrites on the plates, but you would need a scanning electron microscope and more postdocs on the staff than Halfords usually field at the branch level,

The only exceptions I can think of would be evidence of physical damage (burning/melting suggesting shorting, for example), or, (if it was a maintenance possible FLA, my preferred Yuasa type, if you still get those in The Yook) if cells were low on electrolyte, suggesting it hadn't been topped up.

Assuming there is no mileage clause in the guarantee (or if there is, that you can prove that you didn't exceed it, perhaps via MOT records) - (Hmm, I suppose Halfords MIGHT check these) might be worth a stern letter to head office.

If not, custom elsewhere in future.

Edited by edlithgow on 17/08/2025 at 02:55