Breakdown services and battery sales

Please publish this warning to your readers.

Two week's ago, my wife's car failed to start. Being a member of one the largest car breakdown service providers, I called and an operative came to my house. A defunct battery was diagnosed. I was told that all was working OK and a quote for a new battery could be obtained, delivered and fitted. The quote was £160 odd. When I expressed my surprise at the high quote, I was told that the price of lead was currently very high. When I refused the quotation, I was advised that I would not be able to make a further call out as I had refused their offer.

A subsequent check revealed a corroded terminal and low electrolyte levels. Cleaning and topping up have resulted in trouble free starting.

Asked on 29 December 2011 by HA

Answered by Honest John
Quite a lot of that going on with both big breakdown services. Seem the patrols are on commission for selling batteries.
Similar questions
My brand new, two week old car was suffering from electrics problems - e.g. alarm going off for no reason, air con not working etc - which the dealer quickly agreed to sort out. They sent a transporter...
I had a semi breakdown the other day - a wheel started to make a strange noise and the brakes felt a bit dodgy plus the car started to smoke slightly. And the brake disks and wheels got hot. At first I...
My 10 year old Smart Forfour lost its oil while driving recently. I stopped immediately and arranged for recovery to my local garage with my recovery provider. After a 10 day wait for a replacement sump...
 

Ask Honest John

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 10% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ10 to save on an ALA policy

See offer