Like a new pin?

QI had trouble starting my Triumph Acclaim on a cold morning, so I went out and bought a new battery. On returning home, I noticed a sticker saying it was due to have its charge checked in

July 2016!

I was told that it was a ‘new’ battery regardless of when it was produced. I don’t believe this to be correct and have since obtained a refund. I assume the battery was produced around 2015 – was I right to reject it?

John Adams, Stocktonon-tees

Nigel says:

AYes. This indicates very poor stock control by the seller. Once filled with acid, batteries start to age – used or unused. Standing unattended for a long time causes the lead deposits to ‘set’ in position, reducing the usable capacity of the battery. Furthermore, there’s self-discharging, sulphation and the physical deterioration of the lead, the acid and the separators between the lead plates. This brings into question the ‘new’ status of the battery from the point of view of your rights as a consumer. Like a four-year-old orange on a cool, dark warehouse shelf, it was unsullied by use – but was likely ready to collapse as soon as you tried to do anything with it.