Battery check says no

[Tortaruga]

Went for a free battery check at Gaylords Halfords and the lad couldn't get a reading due to 'interference'. He did tell me that because the little inspection hole thing was black, the battery was probably not in great shape - apparently it should be green. AFAIK it's the original Varta battery that came with the car 5 years ago, so I suppose it's done alright.
He also told me the starter motor was on the way out too.
He did say it was a lovely clean car though which helped!

[Apollo]

Should have asked him for his certificate of incompetence .....NEVER trust anyone to test your battery or in fact touch your car unless they are qualified. Halfords employ staff to carry out technical fault finding.....when in reality they have been 'trained' on a piece of equipment but are not qualified to give any advice.

[bacillus]

iirc the eye goes black after 3 or so years even if the battery is ok.
Get a multimeter on the terminals when the ignition has been off a while. 12V or more is ok. Start the car and the voltage should rise at least 1.5V if your alternator is ok.

[PDT]

How did they diagnose a faulty starter motor? what was the reason for having the battery check?

[Tortaruga]

How did they diagnose a faulty starter motor? what was the reason for having the battery check?

He said he could 'hear' it.

How did they diagnose a faulty starter motor? what was the reason for having the battery check?

Car is 5 years old, just thought I'd see if the battery was ok as they don't last forever.