Don’t Buy Refurbished Car Batteries, Here’s Why
If you’re pinching pennies and recently noticed that your car’s battery is dying, you may consider replacing it with a newly refurbished one.
A refurbished battery might seem like a smart way to cut costs, especially when you’re trying to stretch your budget, but in reality, it can put your vehicle and safety at risk.
Before proceeding, let’s define what a refurbished car battery is.
What Is a Refurbished Car Battery?
A refurbished (or reconditioned) battery is a used battery that has undergone some form of restoration and improvement. This refurbishment can be:
● Deep recharge
● Fluid top-up
● And testing
While it might seem like an environmentally friendly choice, the fact is, it’s not. Currently, lead-acid batteries are 98% recyclable. By refurbishing an old battery, you’re extending the life of an outdated product that can no longer hold a charge as well as a newer, greener one.
Another factor to consider is that most batteries manufactured by companies are completely sealed and maintenance-free.
Refurbishing a sealed and maintenance-free battery requires breaking into it. Breaking into a refurbished car battery compromises its structural integrity and poses a safety risk.
The simple fact is that a refurbished car battery is cheaper because it compromises safety standards to ensure your safety.
Safety Standards and Regulations: New Batteries Must Follow
Often, tradespeople refurbish car batteries in a semi-equipped garage. This means these batteries do not abide by safety standards such as the following:
ISO 9001 / IATF 16949
There is a global organisation which oversees the safety of certain products, called the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
ISO 9001 is an accreditation for quality management systems which is used to produce automotive components. This international standard ensures consistent performance and traceability.
IATF 16949 was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in collaboration with ISO and is based on ISO 9001, incorporating additional automotive-specific requirements.
This accreditation is required for suppliers to international automakers (VW, Toyota, BMW, etc., all of which manufacture in SA).
SANS Standards (South African National Standards)
Developed by SABS (South African Bureau of Standards), SANS is our local version of the ISO and often adopts or aligns with international standards such as ISO 9001.
Legal Compliance
The NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) enforces specific standards under the Compulsory Specifications Act, which are largely ignored by those selling refurbished batteries.
However, it’s the environmental legislation around lead-acid battery disposal that manufacturers need to align that refurbishers will just ignore, disposing of old battery acid without complying with the Hazardous Substances Act and international best practices (often drawn from EU REACH, RoHS, or UN transport regulations).
While we strongly recommend against buying a refurbished car battery, here are some additional drawbacks to consider when purchasing a refurbished battery.
Cons Of Buying A Refurbished Battery
While it is not illegal to purchase a refurbished battery, the supplier must disclose whether the battery is, in fact, a refurbished unit, as required by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
For those still leaning towards fitting a refurbished battery, here are more reasons not to:
Con: Reduced Lifespan
Even the best-refurbished car battery has a limited lifespan. At most, you can expect up to one or two years of service.
Con: Unpredictable
As with any industry lacking established regulations, the use of refurbished batteries is unpredictable. Additionally, most refurbished batteries come with no warranty, or if one is provided, it typically offers minimal coverage.
If you’re wondering why this matters, it’s simple:
● Refurbished batteries are more likely to explode and are a fire risk if venting fails or casing cracks.
● As mentioned, new lead-acid batteries are sealed to prevent chemical exposure from acid leaks that can occur due to improper sealing.
● A refurbished battery can always experience an electrical failure under load (especially in cold weather).
● And there is no product liability; unlike OEMs, refurbishers typically don’t carry insurance or adhere to strict product liability laws.
Always Get a New Car Battery
A new Willard battery may cost more upfront, but it always pays for itself in peace of mind and long-term performance.
Additionally, manufacturers like us offer a 25-month warranty on batteries registered.
When you do fit a new battery, you’re buying a product that delivers consistent performance, ensuring you can get your car started on the coldest mornings and in the harshest weather conditions.
Is It Worth The Savings?
No, it isn’t.
While a refurbished battery offers a tempting saving, the trade-off is in performance, reliability and longevity.
If you’re looking for a battery that will deliver peace of mind, the best and only bet it to fit a new one.
If you need additional information, we suggest visiting a Willard battery stockist or your nearest Willard Xpress outlet.