Batteries

My M6 is only used now and again, and sometimes I do not remember to check the battery, so I usually charge it using a battery condition type charger for 3 days when I think it is going to be driven.

Last week I did this only to find that it was still flat, and required a boost to get it running. The battery was only 8 months old, so I took it along the my battery supplier for replacement.

When the battery was removed, to my horror I found that the vents on it were not connected to the vent drain pipe, being a different type to the original fitting, and had thus spat out a considerable amount of acid which had not helped the paintwork in the battery box.

The paintwork was repaired and a new battery installed. However, a notice on the faulty battery states that it will be irevocably damaged if allowed to go flat. This I had not seen, and so asked for a lead acid battery to be fitted as a replacement. I am awaiting a report from the manufacturer as to whether I get a free replacement, or have to pay up £70 for 1000 miles of battery usage.

Two lessons to be learned:
1. If your battery is likely to go flat due to lack of use, make sure that it is a lead acid type (now hard to obtain) and / or keep it charged regularly.

2. If you have a new battery fitted, make sure that the vents are connected.

Anyone know where to get vent drains sutable to fit oblong battery vents? My supplier has no idea.