Workshops are needlessly throwing away car batteries during services, according to Swedish battery recharging company CTEK.

Peter White, CTEK UK sales and marketing manager, believes workshops can save on disposal costs by reviving lead acid
batteries instead of throwing them away.

“Customers will be grateful they haven’t had to pay for a new battery and garages will save on disposal costs,” White said.

CTEK is planning to stage regional shows for workshops to educate them about the benefits of recharging and reviving batteries.

White said: “Our chargers are designed for unsupervised use and can revive, charge, check and maintain all types of
12v and 14v lead-acid batteries.”The advice from CTEK mirrors the warning from the Independent Battery Distributors Association (IBDA) that battery prices have risen due to significant increases in material costs.

Battery makers have seen dramatic increases in lead prices due to growing demand, particularly in China and eastern Europe.

Godfrey Ferris, IBDA secretary, said manufacturers also face escalating prices of battery acid and polypropolene used for battery cases.