Costco automotive battery is one of the number one batteries in the world and the reason is not far-fetched; they offer interstate brand batteries for boats, cars, RVs, golf carts, and lawnmowers.
However, since Costco is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, customers need to have an active Costco membership to purchase at Costco. So, how do you buy a car battery at Costco?
How To Buy A Car Battery at Costco
Here’s how to buy a car battery at Costco:
Step 1: Get a Costco Membership
Before you start your car battery shopping journey at Costco, you need to first ensure you have an active Costco membership because shopping at Costco requires a membership.
Meaning that, if you don’t have a Costco membership, you won’t be able to purchase the battery from Costco.
So if you don’t have one, you can sign up online or at a Costco warehouse to obtain the membership by following the procedure explained in this article> how to sign up and join Costco membership.
Step 2: Check the Specifications of Your Car’s Battery
The next step in buying a battery at Costco is to check the specifications of your current low-car battery to purchase the right one. You can do this by following the steps below:
- Open your car hood and locate the battery.
- Note down important details such as the group size, cold cranking amps (CCA), and reserve capacity (RC).
- Many websites, including Costco’s, offer a battery finder tool. You can use the link to get the right type of battery you need.
Once you’re done getting this information, you can proceed to the next step. However, if it’s possible, come along with the current battery at Costco to be sure you’re getting the right one.
Step 3: Visit the Costco Warehouse
Head to your nearest Costco location. Once you get there, go to Costco’s automotive section. This section usually stocks a variety of car batteries.
- Locate the Auto Section: This section contains tires, car accessories, and batteries.
- Look for Your Battery: Look for the battery you wish to buy by following the specifications noted from your old battery.
If you’re unsure about which battery to buy or choose, ask a Costco employee for help. Provide them with your car’s battery specifications for accurate assistance.
Step 4: Compare Battery Options
At Costco, you will likely find batteries from the Interstate brand, known for its reliability.
Compare different Interstate battery models. Check for the specifications that match your car’s needs, and consider the prices.
Look at the warranty details. Costco batteries often come with a comprehensive warranty, which adds value and assurance to your purchase. So, you have to get one that has a warranty.
Step 5: Make the Purchase
Once you’ve selected the appropriate battery for your car, it’s time to buy it. Take the battery to the checkout. Make sure to bring your Costco membership card. This is when it will be needed.
Hand over the battery and membership card to the sales rep and make your payment.
However, you can also purchase car batteries online at Costco’s website. All you need to do is to check if the battery is available and purchase it using your membership.
If the battery you purchased is available for delivery, it will be delivered to you, if not, you’ll need to pick it up yourself at Costco warehouse.
Speaking of warranty, make sure to keep your purchase receipt safe so your warranty will be honored.
Step 6: Handle the Core Charge and Exchange
When buying a new battery, there’s often a core charge which is a deposit to encourage the return of old batteries for recycling.
So, if you don’t bring your old battery when purchasing a new one, you might have to pay a core charge fee of $15 which will be refunded when you return the old battery.
However, if you wish to avoid the core charge, disconnect the old battery from the car and bring it with you to Costco when purchasing a new one. The staff will assist you with the exchange.
Step 7: Install the New Battery
The next step is to install the new battery in your car. If you’re confident in your skills, you can install the battery yourself. Make sure to follow safety precautions and have the necessary tools.
Since Costco doesn’t offer battery installation services, you can take your new battery to a local auto service center for installation. They can help you install the battery the right way.
Moreover, isn’t it funny that despite selling batteries, Costco does not offer battery installation services? You have to install the battery yourself or take it to a professional who can install it for you.
Step 8: Recycle the Old Battery
Proper disposal of your old battery is important for the environment. So, the best way to do this is by returning the old battery to Costco to get your core charge refunded. That is if you haven’t done so already. You can also take the old battery to a local recycling center that accepts car batteries.
In summary, before thinking of buying a car battery from Costco, you must:
- Have a Costco membership.
- Check the hours of the Costco close to you to plan your visit.
- Call ahead to ensure the battery you need is in stock.
- Use Costco’s website to read more about the batteries they offer and confirm the specifications before you go.
If you can’t do any of these, just go to the Costco warehouse yourself with your membership card and make the purchase.
Does Costco Offer Battery Installation Services?
No, despite selling batteries, Costco does not offer battery installation services rather, you will need to install the battery yourself or take it to a mechanic for installation because Costco’s automotive services are generally limited to tire installations.
However, if you need the battery installed, many auto parts stores such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts offer this service, often free of charge if you purchase the battery from them.
Additionally, many full-service automotive repair shops and car dealerships provide battery installation services. Unfortunately, Costco does not.
How Does the Costco Car Battery Warranty Work?
Costco offers a warranty on the car batteries they sell, which includes a free replacement period and a pro-rated warranty period.
- Free Replacement Period: This is usually a set number of months during which you can get a free replacement if your battery fails. For example, if your battery fails within 36 months (the exact duration can vary), Costco will replace it at no charge.
- Pro-Rated Warranty Period: After the free replacement period, there may be an additional pro-rated warranty period. During this time, if the battery fails, you can get a partial refund or credit towards a new battery. The refund amount decreases the longer you have the battery.
Keep your receipt or make sure your purchase is logged under your Costco membership to claim your warranty.
If your battery fails within the warranty period, you’ll need to bring it to a Costco location. The customer service team will verify the purchase and process the replacement or pro-rated refund.
It’s always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the battery you purchase, as warranty details can vary slightly depending on the type and brand of battery.
Can I Buy a Car Battery at Costco Without Installation?
Yes, you can buy a car battery at Costco without installation because Costco sells a variety of car batteries in their automotive section, and you can purchase them directly.
You’ll need to install the battery yourself or have it installed by a professional mechanic or another service that offers battery installation.
Does Costco Sell Car Batteries in the Store?
Yes, Costco sells car batteries in their stores by carrying Interstate brand batteries, which are known for their reliability and performance. You can find car batteries in the automotive section of most Costco locations.
Do Costco Car Batteries Come Fully Charged?
Yes, Costco car batteries usually come fully charged and ready to use. When you purchase a car battery from Costco, it should have enough charge to start your vehicle immediately.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the battery voltage before installation to ensure it’s fully charged, especially if it has been sitting on the shelf for a while. If needed, you can give it a quick charge to ensure ideal performance.
Conclusion
Buying a car battery from Costco is a straightforward process provided you have the membership card. When it might become stressful is if you do not have a membership meaning you have to first get it before proceeding to purchase the battery.
Once you obtain the member, you can proceed to the auto section, go through the various types of batteries they have, and choose the one suitable for your car. Take the battery to where you will make your payment.
