Costco Wholesale is a well-known international auto retailer store across many countries. The company is always compared with giant retailers like Sam’s Club and Walmart, with most of them stocking the same products. This comprises accessories such as car batteries. Unfortunately, not many people know the Costco car battery cost.
Costco sells high-quality interstate auto batteries at affordable rates. However, battery installation isn’t added to this price and isn’t done by Costco. A limited 36-month replacement warranty is offered for Costco’s interstate car batteries. This is a less competitive price than what other retailers offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Costco car battery cost.
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Costco Car Battery Cost
You might be shocked to find out that interstate car batteries available at Costco are priced lower than the company’s recommended sale price. The Interstate makes all car batteries that Costco sells. As a company, Interstate has built a solid reputation that dates back to the 50s. A new battery at Costco will cost $50-$100, based on the grade and type. So, Costco should be your best choice if you want a new auto battery since you can save a few bucks with their low battery prices.
If you’re conversant with the prices of Costco’s new batteries, you’ll notice that this retailer offers the best rates. Comparing the rates of standard size from other retailers such as Walmart or Sam’s club, the Costco battery cost is $10 cheaper.
Factors Influencing the Cost
It’s vital to know the things that affect the cost of your car battery at Costco. It’s essential to note that the same retailer has different brands. Irrespective of that, Interstate is a car parts company that experts have applauded. That means, despite the low-cost price, you’ll invest in a quality product that gives you value for money.
The cost of a new car battery will depend on the size and type. Based on these aspects, your ultimate cost price will fall in the price range highlighted above. Nevertheless, let’s examine how these aspects can affect the cost.
Battery type is the first thing that will influence its cost. As you’ll find out, Costco sells two types of car batteries from Interstate: Absorbed Glass Mat and standard flooded batteries. AGM batteries will cost higher than their standard flooded counterparts.
Another aspect that will affect the cost of a new battery is size. This depends on the size you need for your car.
Irrespective of which size or type of vehicle battery you want, you’re confident of getting the best deal at Costco in terms of quality, price, and brand. You should look at an average price of $50-$100 for your car battery, depending on the type and size you want.
Important Things to Note
There are two important things to note about this battery cost. First, the amount you pay won’t include the charges for the battery installation. Besides, Costco doesn’t install vehicle batteries. So, even if you get a good deal on the battery, you will need to install it yourself or seek professional help elsewhere.
If you opt to do it yourself (DIY), numerous tutorials will help you. Nevertheless, you can take your new vehicle battery to the nearby Walmart to be fitted. Irrespective of where you bought the battery, Walmart will mount it for $10. That means the $10 you save on buying the new battery will go into installing it.
Once you purchase a battery from Costco, you’ll need to pay a $10 fee. But you can redeem that cash when you return the old car battery for recycling. That means you will save money whenever you buy a vehicle battery at Costco.
Types of Costco car batteries
As we’ve mentioned, the actual cost of the car battery depends on the type. Costco sells two types of batteries.
Absorbed Glass Mat Battery or AGM batteries
AGM batteries are the newest model of car batteries. They are created to deliver top performance for high-end automobiles that require higher power. These batteries shine in their capability to offer excellent starting power and more power when the car engine isn’t running. Because of the increased functionality, these car batteries are more costly than the flooded liquid models.
In most cases, an Absorbed Glass Mat Battery will cost double or triple that of liquid-flooded batteries. The higher price might be necessary for those with cars that require more power. Fortunately, when you buy Costco’s interstate battery, you’ll get competitive rates.
Standard Flooded Battery
Standard flooded batteries are the common model of car batteries. They are ideal for those vehicles with standard electrical requirements. The standard flooded batteries are well known for their longevity.
That’s because of the battery’s long-lasting grids and the free-flowing liquid design. Moreover, this model is sealed, meaning no maintenance is needed.
Generally, Standard Flooded Battery is the most cost-effective battery to buy. It’s still guaranteed to provide excellent starting power that one can rely on. The batteries are suited to various climates.
Costco Auto Battery Warranty Explained
Costco offers a 36-month limited replacement battery warranty. That means the car battery is covered for three years from the date of purchase. If the battery isn’t abused and utilized in the required conditions, its lifespan can be up to five years. So, new batteries have enough coverage for their whole life expectancy.
However, Costco’s warranty isn’t competitive compared to other retailers. For example, Walmart sells batteries that have a 5-year limited warranty. That warranty includes a free replacement period within the battery warranty.
Costco’s battery warranty conditions
- The battery must be utilized privately: If you use the battery for commercial purposes, your warranty will be void and can be reduced to 6 months. After that duration, a limited battery warranty at a prorated calculation will be applied. You need to use the battery privately to qualify for the limited warranty.
- Limited warranty: Costco’s limited warranty is offered to the original buyer. It remains effective, provided it stays in your car. Defects in the build construction and material sanction the buyer to a new replacement. The purchaser should return the bad battery to obtain the warranty. It can be replaced, or the buying price refunded to the buyer, excluding fees and taxes.
Warranty exception
Some of Costco’s warranty exceptions include:
- Incidental or consequential damage to the car battery. The warranty doesn’t cover car battery damage caused by careless use or abuse
- Implied warranties aren’t covered.
- The retailer will void a warranty if you utilize the battery on a different car.
- The retailer will void the battery warranty if the date coding is destroyed or removed.
Proof of purchase
A warranty claim should have proof of purchase. You must produce the original receipt Costco gave you when buying the battery. Nevertheless, they’re flexible on this aspect. If you misplaced the receipt, they could confirm if you purchased the battery from their stores.
Return Policy
Before purchasing Costco’s Interstate batteries, read and understand the return policy. The retailer’s return policy is simple. The conditions of this policy include the following:
- Proof of purchase is a must
- The original car battery must be returned
- Must be the original purchaser
- Battery should be returned within its warranty duration
- Battery date must be visible
- The battery should be used correctly
How to return the battery
Once you meet all the requirements, you can return the battery for replacement or a refund. You can’t do this via a letter or email. Generally, there are three ways to do this.
1. Claim in-store
With your original car battery and documentation, take the battery to the retail store to claim a replacement. The employees will help you through the process.
2. Claim through the phone
Initiate a return procedure through the phone by calling 1-800-774-2678. The service line is available on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. pacific time. On weekends, they can accept calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. pacific time. Once you make a call, customer service agents will guide you through the return process.
3. Claim through live chat
Visit Costco’s official customer service page and initiate a live chat session with a client support agent. On the chat subject, choose “warehouse.” You will be asked to enter details and information and proceed with the claiming procedure.
Leave a brief message about your issue. This allows you to start chatting with a rep who will help you throughout the battery return process.
The chat service is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. pacific time on weekdays. On weekends, it’s available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Conclusion
Costco car batteries cost $50 to $100, depending on the size and type. Costco’s interstate battery costs are substantially lower than other retailers, such as Sam’s Club and Walmart. Therefore, Costco is your best choice if you are looking for a new auto battery on a budget. Their low-cost batteries will allow you to save a few bucks.
However, Costco doesn’t install batteries, and their warranty duration is shorter than what you get at other stores. Overall, buying your battery at Costco is the best option since you are guaranteed quality. Feel free to comment if you have questions about the Costco car battery cost.