While it was covered under warranty it concerns me that this part failed so quickly.

WSJ: Me & My Car: What's the Best Tire Pressure for a Saab?

A. In addition to the coverage provided under the existing Nissan New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, this expanded warranty applicable to LEAF vehicles in the United States will protect against capacity loss in LEAF batteries that falls below nine bars, of the available 12 bars displayed on the vehicle's battery capacity gauge, for the first 5 years or 60, 000 miles, whichever comes first.

ENGADGET: Nissan upgrades US Leaf warranties, will 'restore' batteries that lose too much charge

For LEAF vehicles whose batteries have fallen below nine bars during this period, Nissan will repair or replace the battery under warranty with a new or remanufactured battery to restore capacity at or above a minimum of nine bars.

ENGADGET: Nissan upgrades US Leaf warranties, will 'restore' batteries that lose too much charge

Now is is possible to argue that what is offered under the AppleCare Protection Plan is more than just this standard, legally required, warranty.

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Even though it is expected the great majority of owners will never have to use this enhanced warranty, we want each Nissan LEAF owner to have the security that should capacity loss exceed this defined threshold, Nissan will cover the repair or replacement of their battery under warranty.

ENGADGET: Nissan upgrades US Leaf warranties, will 'restore' batteries that lose too much charge

And there is often confusion on this time limit because the manufacturer's warranty may last for 12 months but your rights under the Sale of Goods Act are over and above your rights under any manufacturer's warranty.

BBC: Fergus Muirhead

Since we're not foolish enough to sacrifice our own expensive electronics in the name of culinary science, we caught wind of this neat trick from reader Brett, who decided to have a little fun with his not-under-warranty 'Box after the red lights of death made their dreaded appearance.

ENGADGET: Xbox 360: gaming console, media hub, and frying pan?