Costco Car Battery Reviews [Price, Warranty & Return Policy]

Costco Wholesale is a well-known global retailer with operations in eight different countries.

Costco is often compared with similar retailers, such as Walmart and Sam’s Club, with many of them selling similar products.

This includes items like car batteries! However, many consumers are unsure about the quality of the car batteries sold by Costco.

Costco sells Interstate car batteries at competitive prices. However, battery installation is not included in this price and is not offered by Costco.

A limited 36-month warranty is provided for batteries bought at Costco, which is less competitive than those provided by similar retailers.

When shopping around for a car battery, you might be unsure of which retailer to use. For this reason, it’s always important to consider reviews of certain products.

If you’re wondering about the quality of Costco’s car batteries, I am going to break down everything you need to know!

Costco Automotive Battery Reviews

A car battery can last anywhere between two and six years.

Ultimately, the lifespan of these batteries will vary between different vehicles.

However, if it’s finally time to get your car’s battery replaced, your local Costco will be able to sort you out in a jiffy!

Costco offers many automotive services, all while remaining competitive with their prices.

From car insurance to auto repairs, Costco offers many great products and services to its customers. This includes replacement batteries for your vehicle.

Compared to batteries sold by similar retailers, many consumers are surprised to find out how inexpensive their batteries are.

There’s actually a reason for this, which comes down to how Costco chooses the brands and products that they stock.

On average, your typical supermarket will generally carry an estimated 30,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) at any given store.

However, your average Costco warehouse will only have an estimated 4000 stock-keeping units.

While this may seem alarming to some consumers, this is a testament to Costco’s commitment to quality.

When selecting products to sell, Costco carefully considers aspects like the brand, price, quality, as well as other features.

In doing so, this retailer can provide great quality to members at surprisingly low costs. This includes their vehicle battery selection, which automotive experts have widely praised.

Naturally, consumers considering a Costco car battery will want to ensure they’re making an intelligent buying decision.

In order to properly review the batteries sold by Costco, it’s essential to consider a few different factors.

This includes the car battery selection offered by Costco and the prices, warranties, and return policies linked to these products.

Costco’s Car Battery Selection

Before we look at the more detailed aspect of this Costco car battery review, it’s important to consider the selection offered as a whole.

This will identify certain benefits and limitations of the car battery selection provided by this retailer.

As we discussed in the previous section, Costco prefers to carefully select its products.

After all, that’s why they have a relatively low number of Stock Keeping Units when compared to similar retailers, such as Walmart.

This is reflected in their automotive department. The first important aspect to point out here is that Costco only stocks one battery brand.

If you already have a particular car battery brand in mind, this might not be the best retailer to use when purchasing your new battery. However, Costco has carefully selected this brand!

The brand stocked by Costco is Interstate, a company that manufactures various batteries.

With a history of exceptional quality that dates back to 1952, this is quality that consumers can trust. Automotive experts also highly recommend this brand of battery.

At Costco, consumers will be able to purchase Interstate batteries for their cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and golf carts.

In fact, they’ll even be able to purchase a new battery for their lawnmower there!

To browse automotive batteries stocked by Costco, you can click here. To browse recreational batteries sold by Costco, you can click here.

When it comes down to replacing your car battery at Costco, two main types of batteries are offered to consumers.

These types are Standard Flooded Batteries and Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries.

In order to consider the prices of these batteries and how they compare to other retailers, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between the different types of batteries.

Let’s take a closer look at the two types of car batteries stocked by Costco!

Type 1. Standard Flooded Battery

A Standard Flooded Battery is perhaps the most common automotive battery type. This type of vehicle battery is perfect for those cars with standard electrical demands.

Standard Flooded Batteries are known for their durability, lasting consumers for years to come. This is mainly due to the durable grids and the free-flowing liquid design of this battery.

Furthermore, this type is sealed, which means that there is no maintenance required on the car owner’s part.

This maintenance-free design has remained a popular selling point for consumers. Typically, this will be the most inexpensive type of car battery to purchase.

However, it is still guaranteed to offer starting power you can rely on. This battery is also ideally suited to different climates.

However, when compared to newer car battery technology, the lifespan of Standard Flooded Batteries is noticeably shorter.

Type 2. Absorbed Glass Mat Battery

AGM batteries are one of the newest types of automotive batteries.

This type of car battery was designed to deliver the best performance for high-end vehicles that have higher power demands.

As mentioned above, Standard Flooded Batteries are better suited to cars with standard electrical needs.

Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries genuinely shine in their ability to provide superior starting power, as well as more power when the engine is switched off.

However, due to this increased functionality, these batteries are more expensive than flooded liquid variants.

Often, AGM batteries can cost up to twice or triple the price of their flooded counterparts.

However, this increased price may be necessary for those with vehicles that demand more power.

Luckily, when you purchase your car battery at Costco, you’re guaranteed a competitive price. Read on as we review Costco’s car battery prices!

Costco Car Battery Prices

As we discussed above, all batteries sold by Costco are manufactured by Interstate. As a brand, Interstate has a stellar reputation that dates back to the early 1950s.

Customers may be shocked to learn that the Interstate batteries sold by Costco are priced even lower than the brand’s recommended sale price.

This means that by purchasing your new car battery from your local Costco, you can save some of your hard-earned cash.

However, you might still be wondering about the actual price range consumers are looking at. Generally, the price of a new car battery from Costco will range between $50 and $100.

When this general price range is compared to those of the batteries sold by similar retailers, it’s clear that Costco offers some of the best prices.

When the price of a standard car battery size was compared across different brands, including Walmart and Sam’s Club, Costco’s battery was at least $10 cheaper.

Of course, it’s important to note that similar retailers often stock different battery brands. Despite this, Interstate is an automotive parts brand that has been lauded by professionals.

This means that, despite the lower cost price, you’re still investing in a quality car battery. It’s essential to understand the factors that impact the price of your vehicle battery at Costco.

Ultimately, the price you pay for a new battery at Costco will depend on the type and size.

Depending on these factors, your final cost price will fall within the price range discussed earlier. However, let’s take a closer look at how these factors impact the cost.

The first factor that will influence the cost of your new battery is the type.

As we have discussed, Costco stocks two types of batteries from Interstate: Standard Flooded Batteries and Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries.

Standard Flooded Batteries will cost less than their AGM counterparts. The other factor that will impact the price you pay is the battery size that you need.

Of course, this will depend on the size required by your vehicle.

If you’re unsure of your battery size, this helpful YouTube video will guide you through the process of determining your battery size and type.

Regardless of which type or size car battery you need, you’re sure to find a great deal at Costco in terms of price, brand, and quality.

You’re looking at an average cost of $50 to $100 for your battery, depending on the size and type you have selected. However, there are two crucial facts to note about this cost.

Firstly, the price you pay will not include the fee for the battery’s installation in your car. In fact, Costco does not install car batteries at all.

Therefore, even though you can find a great deal on a car battery, you’ll need to get it installed elsewhere.

Of course, you could do this yourself! There are many fantastic tutorials that explain this process.

However, it’s also possible to take your new car battery to your local Walmart to be fitted. Regardless of where you purchased your battery, Walmart will install it for just $10.

Of course, this means that the estimated $10 you save on your car battery when purchasing it at Costco will eventually be spent installing the battery.

Unless you can do it yourself, that is. However, that’s where the core fee comes in! When purchasing your battery from Costco, a $10 core fee is included.

You will pay this when purchasing your vehicle’s new battery. However, you’ll be able to reclaim this fee when you return your old battery to be recycled.

This means that you’ll still be saving money when you purchase your car battery at Costco! We’ll take a closer look at recycling your car batteries at Costco at the end of this piece.

However, suffice it to say that Costco’s battery selection is highly competitive in terms of price and selection. However, how do their warranties and return policies hold up to this?

Costco Car Battery Warranty

When you purchase a new battery at Costco, you’ll not only be getting a great price – you’ll also be getting a 36-month limited replacement warranty.

This means that your battery will be covered for three years from the date of purchase.

Typically, when used under normal conditions, a car battery has a lifespan of three to five years. This means that your car battery will be covered for most of its lifespan.

However, how does this warranty period compare to those of similar retailers?

Although consumers will save money purchasing their new car battery at Costco, the warranty provided is not as competitive as those from other retailers.

For example, the Everstart batteries sold at Walmart come standard with a five-year limited warranty, which also indicates a free replacement period within the warranty.

With Costco’s limited battery warranty, customers will be able to claim a refund or replacement within the 36-month period. However, certain conditions apply to this.

One of these is that the battery is used privately. For commercially used car batteries, the limited warranty will be reduced to a six-month free replacement period.

After this, a pro-rata limited warranty applies. Furthermore, the conditions of Costco’s warranty are the same for all regions, apart from Puerto Rico.

For those living in Puerto Rico, the Costco warranty can be found at this link. For everyone else, the conditions of the Warranty remain the same.

Let’s take a closer look at these conditions!

Costco Car Battery Return Policy

In the previous section, we reviewed Costco’s overall car battery warranty. We also discussed the conditions for returning your battery to Costco.

While the warranty is not as competitive as those provided by other retailers, the process of returning your battery to Costco is just as simple!

When compared to other retailers, the Costco return policy is standard. If the need to return your battery to Costco arises, you’ll need to understand the conditions that apply.

Furthermore, you’ll want to understand the different ways your battery can be returned to Costco. It’s important to consider these factors when purchasing a new battery!

Conditions When Returning A Costco Car Battery

When returning your battery to Costco, there are six major conditions that apply.

In order to return your battery to Costco, you will need to meet these requirements as they are set out in the limited 36-month warranty.

Let’s take a look at these return policy stipulations from Costco!

1. The Battery’s Proof Of Purchase Is Required

For any claims regarding a car battery purchased at Costco, a proof of purchase is required to proceed with the replacement or refund.

This would have been provided to the customer when the battery was purchased. It is important to hold onto your proof of purchase when purchasing a new car battery.

Without this proof of purchase from Costco, you will not be able to claim against your warranty.

2. The Original Battery Is Returned To Costco

When returning your car battery to Costco for a refund or replacement, you’ll need to return the original battery.

This is stipulated within the provided car battery warranty. If the original battery has been lost or destroyed, the warranty is voided.

3. The Battery Is Returned Within The Warranty Period

In order to return your car battery to Costco for a refund or replacement, you will need to do this within the battery’s designated warranty period. As discussed, this is a three-year period.

4. You Are The Original Purchaser

Only the customer who originally purchased the car battery from Costco will be able to return it.

A means of identification will be used to confirm this when you attempt to return your car battery to Costco.

5. The Battery Was Correctly Used

For your Costco limited warranty to apply, it can only be used within the car it was originally installed in.

If the battery has been incorrectly used according to the terms and conditions of Costco’s warranty, it will be voided.

6. The Date On The Car Battery Is Visible

On the car battery you purchased at Costco, there will be a date printed. This date needs to be visible in order to claim a refund or replacement.

If this has been removed from the battery, the warranty will be voided. In the event of two dates appearing on the battery, the oldest date listed will be used.

Returning Your Costco Car Battery

Once you’ve met the above requirements, you’ll be able to return your car battery to Costco for a refund or replacement. This cannot be done via email or letter.

Overall, there are three ways you can return your car battery. Costco’s return processes are on par with those of similar retailers.

1. Claiming In-Store

With the original battery and all required documentation, you can take your car battery to a Costco store to return it.

There, Costco staff members will be able to assist you with this process. Claiming from your limited warranty in person is often the easiest way to get the issue dealt with efficiently!

2. Claiming Telephonically

You’ll also be able to initiate the return process telephonically.

To do this, you’ll need to call Costco’s customer service hotline at 1-800-774-2678. You’ll be able to phone any day of the week, excluding holidays.

When calling during the week, you’ll be able to phone Costco anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT (pacific time).

When calling over a weekend, you’ll be able to call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT. A customer service representative will be able to guide you through this simple process.

3. Claiming Via Live Chat

By visiting Costco’s customer service page, you’ll be able to initiate a live chat online with a customer service representative.

When you visit this webpage, you’ll need to select ‘warehouse’ by the Chat Subject. Once this has been selected, you’ll be prompted to enter certain information and details.

The information you’re asked to enter will pertain to the documentation discussed above. This will allow you to proceed with the claiming process.

Finally, you’ll be allowed to type a brief message regarding the issue.

This will allow you to begin chatting with a Costco representative, who will guide you through the return process. Live chat is accessible during the same hours as Costco’s call center.

Over weekdays, live chat will be accessible between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT. On weekends, live chat will be available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT.

Finding The Right Costco Car Battery

If our review of Costco’s car batteries has convinced you to purchase your next battery there, then you might be wondering about how you can go about buying this.

Overall, there are two main ways you can do this.

Firstly, you can simply visit your local Costco’s tire and automotive department. One of their friendly representatives will be able to help you find the battery you’re looking for.

Of course, you’ll need to know which size and type you’re looking for, which we discussed earlier. However, there’s another way you can do this!

By visiting the official Costco Interstate website, you can enter details about your vehicle to locate a suitable battery replacement.

By filling in details about your vehicle – such as the year, make, and model – you’ll be able to efficiently find the right battery!

Recycling Your Costco Car Battery

When you purchase a battery from Costco, a $10 core fee is included in the price. However, you’ll be able to reclaim this fee when you eventually recycle your car battery at Costco.

If you have additional car batteries at home, Costco will also accept these in order to recycle them. For more information regarding Costco’s recycling programs, you can visit this link.

Conclusion

Costco sells Interstate car batteries at fantastic prices – especially when compared to prices from similar competitors. Unfortunately, Costco does not install car batteries.

Furthermore, the warranty period for Costco’s automotive batteries is generally shorter than those provided by other retailers.

However, the return policy offered is on par with that of competitors.