Video: RAC accused of telling its members to replace ‘good’ batteries

80 per cent of RAC patrols told customers with 'good' batteries to get a replacement, investigation reveals

Video: RAC accused of telling its members to replace ‘good’ batteries
Several RAC customers reported instances where they were told to replace good car batteries.

RAC patrols have been advising motorists to replace “good” batteries with new ones, an undercover operation by BBC Watchdog has found.

In 80 per cent of cases where the RAC attended rigged breakdowns, the patrols told the driver they would need to buy a new battery.

However, the batteries had already been tested to verify they were in “good” condition before the patrols arrived.

BBC One’s Watchdog programme launched the investigation after a number of members complained about the breakdown company.

In a statement, the RAC said: “If a member has a battery issue, as identified by our tester, the patrol will discuss the options available to them including a jump start.

“Around 70 per cent will choose a jump start so they can go on to resolve the problem themselves or simply hope that it will recharge sufficiently while driving. We are not in the business of offering our members batteries they don’t need.

“We take any member complaints very seriously.

“We have resolved Mr Smith’s case and have apologised for the delay.

“We are currently reviewing Mr Walpole’s complaint but have not received complaints from the other two members.”

Share your comments and any concerns in the comments below.

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5 Comments

  1. Sounds just about right?? Probably bonus orientated battery selling.

    Reply
  2. Sounds just about right?? Probably bonus orientated battery selling.

    Reply
  3. Obviously the patrolman cannot charge a flat battery – only jump start the car , so in some instances a new battery is more surefire for the motorist to get home etc. Afterall he/she could stall the car before the battery has charged from the alternator thus needing to call the RAC again . But in general the motorist should be given the option and things explained properly.

    Reply
  4. Obviously the patrolman cannot charge a flat battery – only jump start the car , so in some instances a new battery is more surefire for the motorist to get home etc. Afterall he/she could stall the car before the battery has charged from the alternator thus needing to call the RAC again . But in general the motorist should be given the option and things explained properly.

    Reply
  5. Yesterday I had RAC assistance with my 2yr old vehicle and battery was replaced at cost of £146.99. I brought the 2 year old battery home with me and as soon as I got in, put a voltmeter on it reading 13.28v. I then put a smart charger on it – “Ready and Maintaining” (not charging as fully charged).
    I rang RAC immediately and was advised to ring Customer Services today who would put me in touch with a technical expert. I asked for my call to be noted on their system. I rang RAC customer services this morning, transferred 3 times, worsening line quality, no constructive response, no callback as promised.
    The difficulty I have is understanding why my old battery needed replacing given the readings I’m getting.
    My readings contradict the RAC assistance report which states – 10.79v, State of Charge 0%. There may be an explanation but RAC are non-responsive.
    You might understand why I might therefore raise these questions and not sure where I go from here with it.

    Reply

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