Warranty handling guide for GS Yuasa, Yuasa and GS vehicle batteries

21 October 2024

This guide is tailored specifically for trade professionals working in workshops, distributors and motor factors. Here, you'll find detailed instructions on how to handle warranty claims for GS Yuasa batteries, including the necessary steps for testing and inspection. This guide aims to ensure that all claims are processed efficiently and in accordance with our policies.

Are you a consumer? See our automotive and motorcycle consumer guide to warranty

In the trade? See our automotive and motorcycle warranty

Understanding GS Yuasa warranty conditions

All GS Yuasa batteries come with a warranty that covers premature failure due to manufacturing or material defects for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. However, it is important to note that many distributors and retailers may offer extended warranties. These extended warranties are administered independently of GS Yuasa.

Key warranty conditions:

Warranty period: the warranty is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and is non-transferable.
Proof of purchase: a valid claim must include the original proof of purchase.
Return process: the battery must be returned to the original point of sale.
Inspection: the seller is entitled to inspect and test the battery before approving a warranty claim.
Replacement terms: if the battery is replaced under warranty, the new battery will carry the remaining warranty period of the original battery, not a new 12-month period.
Distributor-specific adjustments: GS Yuasa’s recommended market warranties are based on battery type, technology, specification, and application. These can be adjusted to suit each distributor’s internal warranty conditions, allowing flexibility in how warranties are offered to end customers.

Common warranty exclusions

GS Yuasa warranties do not cover failures resulting from misuse, negligence, or normal wear and tear. Here is a list of conditions that void the warranty:

Sulphation: caused by leaving the battery in a discharged state, leading to irreversible internal damage.
Undercharging: failing to maintain the battery at the correct level of charge can cause the battery to lose its ability to hold a charge effectively.
Overcharging: leads to overheating, electrolyte evaporation, and physical damage to the battery plates.
Deep cycling: rapidly charging from a deeply discharged state can cause internal damage, reducing the battery’s lifespan.
Physical damage: any damage due to mishandling, incorrect installation, or storage conditions. Examples include cracked cases or damaged terminals.
Incorrect application: using the wrong battery type for the vehicle or application, which can result in premature failure.
Environmental factors: exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can accelerate battery deterioration. For instance, batteries have 30% less power at 0°C compared to 20°C.
Human error: such as leaving lights or other electrical systems on overnight, leading to a discharged battery.
Natural wear and tear: loss of material and corrosion over time due to the natural cycling process during regular use.

Group of Yuasa, GS, and GS Yuasa automotive batteries in a workshop setting

Warranty handling

Visual inspection process

Before any testing, a thorough visual inspection of the battery is required to determine eligibility for warranty claims. This step is crucial as it helps identify any signs of misuse or physical damage that would invalidate the warranty.

Steps for visual inspection:

Verify battery specifications: ensure that the battery installed is the correct specification for the vehicle. Use the GS Yuasa battery lookup tool if needed.
Check purchase date: confirm that the battery is within the warranty period.
Inspect recharge label: the recharge label must be intact and match the original proof of purchase. If the label is missing or tampered with, the warranty is void.
Examine for damage: look for any signs of physical damage such as:

- Electrolyte leaks
- Swollen battery walls
- Terminal damage or corrosion
- Overfilling
- Cloudy or discoloured electrolyte.

If any of these conditions are present, the warranty claim should be rejected as these indicate misuse or abuse.

Battery testing methods & equipment risks

Testing the battery is essential to determine if the failure is due to a manufacturing defect. GS Yuasa recommends the use of modern conductance testers, such as the GS Yuasa GYT250 Battery and Electrical System Tester, which is the most up-to-date and officially recognised tool for verifying warranty failures for GS, Yuasa, and GS Yuasa batteries.

Testing equipment & methods:

Conductance testing: this method is preferred for its accuracy and safety. It measures both the state of charge and state of health by analysing the battery’s response to an AC pulse. This method can identify defects such as short circuits, open circuits, and low acid concentration.
Voltmeter testing: a voltmeter can be used to check the battery’s voltage; however, it does not provide a complete assessment of the battery’s health or starting performance, state of health or if it has failed under warranty.

Risks associated with outdated testing equipment:

Hydrometer and refractometer testing: these methods require the removal of potentially hazardous electrolyte samples, posing significant health and safety risks. Additionally, they provide limited accuracy and are not recommended.
High-rate discharge and drop testing: these methods require the battery to be fully charged and then excessively discharged, which can cause damage during the testing process and generate dangerous sparks and heat. GS Yuasa strongly advises against using these methods due to their inaccuracy and associated risks.

Conductance testing procedure:

Set up: connect the GS Yuasa GYT250 tester to the battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative).
Navigate and enter: select warranty test, select the correct battery type, EN test and then enter the correct CCA for the battery being tested.
Read the results: the tester will display the state of charge and health. Only a result indicating a "BAD CELL", “WARRANTY FAILURE” or equivalent indication of internal defects should lead to a warranty replacement.

AGM batteries

Known for their exceptional Start - Stop performance, our GS and Yuasa AGM batteries provide up to 360,000 starts, with superior charge acceptance and durability.

Construction: AGM batteries feature absorbent glass mat that absorbs and contains all the electrolyte, preventing leaks.
Benefits: superior Start - Stop performance, high dynamic charge acceptance, and exceptional durability.
Applications: ideal for high-end vehicles with extensive electronic systems and regenerative braking capabilities.

EFB batteries

With up to 270,000 starts, our GS and Yuasa EFB batteries offer an excellent solution for entry-level Start - Stop vehicles, combining cost-effectiveness with performance.

Construction: EFB batteries enhance the traditional flooded design by utilising carbon and lithium additives in the negative plate and high-density active material in the positive plate to improve durability and performance.
Benefits: enhanced charge acceptance and greater cyclic durability.
Applications: perfect for entry-level Start - Stop vehicles and the recommended choice for standard ignition vehicles that make lots of regular short journeys such as taxis & delivery vehicles.

Yuasa YBX 5000 YBX5027 displayed on a warehouse bench being tested by GS Yuasa technical person whilst showing results to customer in a warehouse setting

Non-warranty failures

It’s crucial to differentiate between genuine warranty failures and those due to factors outside the warranty’s scope. Non-warranty failures typically include:

Natural wear and tear: loss of material and corrosion over time.
Deep cycling: damage from repeated deep discharges.
Incorrect use: such as using a battery for an application it wasn’t designed for.
Environmental factors: extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can accelerate battery deterioration.
Human error: such as leaving the lights on overnight.

By following the above procedures, trade professionals can ensure that all GS Yuasa battery warranty claims are handled correctly, minimising any disputes and ensuring customer satisfaction. Contact us for further assistance or clarification on any of these steps.

GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd

GS Yuasa are one of the world’s largest global manufacturers of Lead-Acid and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. For over 30 years, GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd have been Europe’s leading battery supplier and the number one choice for quality, performance and reliability.

GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd consists of five sales companies and one battery manufacturing company.