At West Marine, we understand the key role that marine batteries play on a boat. That's why along with an outstanding selection of starting, dual-purpose and deep cycle batteries, we offer a comprehensive battery testing program to customers who bring a battery to us for a refund or replacement. This service is available at any West Marine store. For the location of a West Marine store near you, see our store locator.
In this article, we'll take you through our battery testing process step by step, explaining how it works and how it benefits you, our valued customer.
- Warranty Coverage
- The Battery Testing Process
- Warranty and Exchange Procedures
- Customer Support and More Information
Warranty Coverage
When you bring a battery to us that you believe is faulty, our first step is to determine if it's covered under the manufacturer's warranty. We visually inspect the battery for any signs of abuse or defects, such as a cracked container, swollen container from overcharging, or bent terminals. If you don't have a receipt, no worries — we can locate the date of purchase using the date code sticker on the battery. This sticker, usually located on the side of the battery, provides the month and year of manufacture, helping us track your purchase history efficiently.
The Battery Testing Process
Once we've determined warranty coverage, it's time to test the battery using our Midtronic Tester. This state-of-the-art device ensures accurate results every time. We test all returned or exchanged batteries to verify their status.
The testing process begins with determining the open circuit voltage of the battery, which indicates its state of charge. We will also input the battery’s rated MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) into the tester after which the tester will display one of the following test results and recommended actions. Note: In the event that testing indicates that your battery needs to be recharged, West Marine stores do not perform this service.
- GOOD BATTERY: Good and charged battery. Can be returned to service.
- GOOD – RECHARGE: Battery needs to be recharged before returning to service.
- CHARGE & RETEST: Fully charge the battery and retest. Failure to fully charge the battery before retesting may cause false readings.
- REPLACE BATTERY: Bad battery that needs to be replaced.
- BAD CELL – REPLACE: Bad battery that needs to be replaced.
Warranty and Exchange Procedures
If your battery is found to be defective and covered under warranty, we'll process a replacement for you promptly. Additionally, we participate in a battery recycling program which responsibly disposes of old batteries and reduces environmental impact. Our staff is trained for in-store handling of core batteries and damaged batteries, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free exchange process for you.
Customer Support and More Information
If you have any questions or concerns about our battery testing program or any other aspect of your West Marine experience, please reach out to a store crew member or contact our customer support team. We're here to assist you and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about all your boating needs.
If you need guidance on selecting a new set of marine batteries or maybe even a new battery charger, you'll find plenty of support online and in our stores where West Marine crew members are always ready to help. For the location of a store near you, see our store locator. For a basic primer on battery types and chemistries, see our West Advisor article How to Select a Marine Battery. To learn how "smart" battery chargers can make proper care of batteries almost goof-proof, check out our West Advisor article How to Choose a Battery Charger for Your Boat.
Conclusion
At West Marine, we're committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. Our battery testing program is just one example of how we strive to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind when shopping with us. Trust West Marine for all your marine equipment needs, and let us help you make the most of your time on the water.
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