Please publish this warning to your readers.

Two week's ago, my wife's car failed to start. Being a member of one the largest car breakdown service providers, I called and an operative came to my house. A defunct battery was diagnosed. I was told that all was working OK and a quote for a new battery could be obtained, delivered and fitted. The quote was £160 odd. When I expressed my surprise at the high quote, I was told that the price of lead was currently very high. When I refused the quotation, I was advised that I would not be able to make a further call out as I had refused their offer.

A subsequent check revealed a corroded terminal and low electrolyte levels. Cleaning and topping up have resulted in trouble free starting.