Are you thinking of buying a brand-new car battery from AutoZone? However, you read a couple of AutoZone battery warranty complaints, so now you are on the fence about it. What is included in the AutoZone battery warranty and return policy?
AutoZone accepts battery returns if made within 90 days of purchase. It should still be in its original condition and packaging, and you also have to present the receipt. This means the battery has never been used nor installed. If you return a defective battery, check if it is still under the warranty period. Again, it should start on the date of purchase.
Read on to learn more about the AutoZone battery warranty and return policy, so you can figure out if it is the right fit for you.
What Is the AutoZone Battery Warranty and Return Policy?
Return Batteries Within 90 Days from Purchase
AutoZone indeed allows customers to return batteries they previously purchased, provided it is within 90 days from the purchase date. Additionally, the battery should not have been installed yet. This means the battery is still in its original packaging.
Even if you had the battery installed at AutoZone, it would no longer be eligible for return/refund. However, there is a possibility that you can get the battery exchanged at the discretion of the branch manager.
Bring the Battery and the Original Receipt
If you return a battery, you will need to bring the battery and the original receipt. You may also present a picture of the receipt if you lost it. Another requirement is a valid ID. I suggest you bring two to be sure.
Refund or Replacement Within the Warranty Period for Defective Batteries
However, if you are returning a defective battery, and it is within the warranty period, you can get a refund or outright replacement. This is according to the AutoZone battery return policy.
If the battery you bought from AutoZone is defective, bring it to any branch to get a brand-new replacement. You can do that regardless of the brand or model.
Pro-rata Warranty
However, if the battery was found defective beyond the free replacement warranty period, you will get a Pro-rata warranty. This lets you buy a new battery at a discount depending on how long since the free replacement warranty expired.
Not All AutoZone Battery Brands Have the Same Warranty Periods
Note that not all AutoZone battery brands have the same warranty periods. For instance, Duralast car batteries range from 90 days to five years (combination warranty).
AutoZone History
AutoZone’s Old Name
The first AutoZone opened on the 4th of July 1979 in Forrest City, Arkansas. Back then, the store’s name was Auto Shack.
First Automotive Parts Store to Implement a Quality Control Program
In the 1980s, the store implemented an efficient system, letting them get hard-to-find parts for customers’ orders directly from wholesalers. In 1984, they became the first automotive parts store to implement a quality control program for the parts they sell.
You just needed to call your local Auto Shack. After that, they would call you back once they found the part you wanted.
Grew Into a Large Chain of Retail Stores
When 1986 came, frequent expansions allowed the company to grow considerably and turn into a large chain of retail stores. By this time, Auto Shack has expanded across the Southern and Midwest. This was also the time when the store’s Loan-A-Tool program started.
This allowed customers to rent the tools they needed for their projects, so they did not need to buy them. During this time, there were more than 300 Auto Shack stores nationwide.
Changed Its Name from Auto Shack to AutoZone
In 1987, Auto Shack changed its name to the now-familiar AutoZone. This was due to a trademark dispute with Radio Shack. The ironic part about this situation is that Radio Shack is no longer in business. Meanwhile, AutoZone is still going strong.
Has More Than 6,700 AutoZone Stores in the US
Today, more than 6,700 AutoZone stores are located in all US states. You can also find them in many parts of Mexico and Canada. Wherever you are in the US, you can be sure that you can quickly find an AutoZone retail outlet.
Prices of the Best-Selling Merchandise at AutoZone
Does AutoZone Give You Money for Your Old Battery?
Unfortunately, unlike other battery dealerships, AutoZone does not pay for scrap batteries. The good news is that they will not let you leave empty-handed. Instead of money, you can exchange your old batteries for store credit. You can use such credit for your next AutoZone purchase.
The staff has no permission to take money out of the cash register. The manager is the only one who can do that. However, there are rare occasions when the store manager allows the purchase of a used battery. In most cases, this happens if it is still in pretty good condition.
What If You Lost the AutoZone Battery Receipt?
What happens if you misplaced the original receipt of the battery you bought? Would you still be able to claim the warranty or return the battery?
Help You Look Up Your Receipt in Their Database
Fortunately, AutoZone can help you by looking up your receipts in their database. For example, you bought the battery within the last three months (90 days). In that case, they can pull up your receipt so you can continue with the transaction.
Provide the Exact Date and Approximate Time
It would help the AutoZone staff to make the process faster if you could provide the exact date. Provide an approximate time when you purchased the battery.
Does AutoZone Price Match?
Price Matching Is Only Available When Shopping In-store
AutoZone’s policy can be quite confusing when it comes to price matching. First of all, price matching is only available when shopping in-store.
It is not available through their online retail site. According to AutoZone reps, they can match prices from your area’s other auto parts retail stores. These include other competing companies, including NAPA and O’Reilly.
Does Not Allow Price Matching with Amazon or eBay
AutoZone typically does not allow price matching with online retailers like Amazon or eBay. According to some corporate reps from the company, their policy is not to match online prices. However, this policy is not always enforced.
Price Match Certain Online Prices
If you are lucky, the store manager in your local AutoZone might bend the rules a bit for you. They may also be willing to price match certain online prices. However, this is also subject to whether the store can verify the legitimacy of the online price.
Bring Proof of Product’s Price
You can also try seeing if you can get a price match at your local AutoZone. All you have to do is bring proof of the lower price to your local store.
This can be in the form of a picture of the item with a price tag. You may also present a screenshot of the online post and a working link to said post. Moreover, you can call ahead to ask if they offer price matching. That way, you do not have to go to the store yourself.
Does AutoZone Install Batteries?
Yes, AutoZone offers to install your battery whenever you purchase one. Often, they will not also charge you for the service.
Conditions Wherein AutoZone May Not Agree to Install Your Car’s Battery
However, there are certain conditions wherein AutoZone may not agree to install the battery. These include the following:
- The AutoZone associate needs to remove other components to reach the battery mounting position
- The customer asks to have the battery installed somewhere other than the usual place in the engine bay.
- In case of an unusually installed battery – It could be under the front seat, in the wheel well, etc.
Also, AutoZone will not install batteries purchased from other retailers like O’Reilly, NAPA, or Walmart.
Free Battery Testing
Aside from installation, AutoZone also provides free battery testing while the battery is in your car. You can also have your battery charged in-store for free. However, not all AutoZone branches offer this service. You may want to inquire first before going there.
Again, can I return a battery to AutoZone, and how long is the AutoZone battery warranty? AutoZone accepts battery returns within 90 days of purchase, given that said batteries are still in their original packaging and condition, and you have the original receipt. Meanwhile, AutoZone automotive battery warranties range from 90 days to four years, depending on the brand.
What Are the Best Batteries You Can Buy at AutoZone?
1. Duralast Platinum
GM Battery with an Excellent 3-year Warranty
For around $195 (prices may vary), you can get a Duralast Platinum size 24F. This is an AGM battery that comes with an excellent 3-year warranty.
Capable of 885 Cranking Amps (CA)
It is capable of 885 cranking amps (CA) and 710 cold-cranking amps (CCA). This makes it the ideal battery for folks who live up north. This battery also comes guaranteed with at least 120 reserve minutes.
Complicated Installation
It might seem like installing this battery is complicated since the terminals are not visible. However, you need to remove a couple of pins on top of the battery.
This is so you can remove the air duct and expose the terminals. After installing the wires, you can now replace the cover, and you’re good to go.
2. Duralast Gold
Suitable for Car with Many Electronics
Next is the Duralast Gold battery in size 49. This is great if your car has a lot of electronics, but you have a rather modest budget for batteries. It comes with 1000 CA, 900 CCA, and 150 reserve minutes. This battery retails for around $159.99 at almost all AutoZone retailers.
Features an Excellent AutoZone Battery Warranty
Aside from performance, this battery also features an excellent AutoZone car battery warranty. You can get three years of free replacement warranty and another two years Pro-Rata.
3. Duralast (H6-DL)
For just $139.99 at AutoZone, you can get a base, group H6 Duralast battery. This is a size 48 battery, which can fit in most conventional automobiles.
It also has 850 CA, 615 CCA, and up to 115 reserve minutes. This model Duralast battery comes with a 2-year free replacement warranty should you find your battery has a defect.
4. Duralast Size 31
Suits All Climate Conditions
This is another budget-friendly offering from Duralast. This size-31 battery is capable of 1185 CA, 950 CCA, and 195 reserve minutes. It is a heavy-duty battery means it suits all climate conditions. This battery comes with a one-year free replacement warranty.
Comes with a One-year Free Replacement Warranty
If you have a tight budget, this battery might be what you need. At just $130, it is a budget-friendly battery that will not fail you when you need it the most. However, remember that this particular battery only comes with a one-year free replacement warranty.
5. Econocraft Battery Size 78-E
Ideal for Sub-compact Cars with Few Electronics
This battery is ideal for sub-compact cars that do not have many electronics. It is also one of the most affordable batteries you can find out there.
Comes with a 3-month Free Replacement Warranty
However, it is a reliable little battery even though it does not cost that much. It has 750 CA and 600 CCA and comes with a 3-month free replacement warranty.
Deliver an Excellent power-to-weight Ratio
This battery uses the latest battery tech to deliver an excellent power-to-weight ratio. It is a cheap yet quality alternative for the more expensive brands.
6. Econocraft Size 26R-E
Econocraft is famous for providing an economical alternative for batteries. If you are looking for an affordable battery for your car, check out this brand. This model of Econocraft battery costs just $69.99 and comes with a 3-month warranty.
The battery is capable of 635 CA and 510 CCA. It is much higher than other batteries of the same size offered by other brands.
7. Odyssey Battery 34-78PC1500DT
Popular for Its Performance and Power Output
This is one of the pricier offerings that AutoZone has, but it is worth every penny. Odyssey is one of the most popular battery brands due to its high performance and power output. Get this battery in any AutoZone for around $295.99.
Can Pump Out 850 CCA
This battery can pump out 850 CCA. Even if you live where it is cold for most parts of the year, the battery will not disappoint. In addition, this battery has 135 reserve hours and comes with a 4-year free replacement warranty. However, take note that this battery has side-mounted threaded terminals.
Helpful Tips When Shopping for a New Battery
You should not just walk into an AutoZone and ask for a car battery. You should know some things first to avoid wasting your and the AutoZone employee’s time. These include the answers to the following questions:
Do You Even Need a New Battery?
AutoZone Can Check the Battery’s Condition
Here’s the thing. You may think that it is time to replace your battery. However, the only issue might be that it is not charged. Have the attendants at the AutoZone check it for you. If needed, they will recharge it for you for free. However, this is only for batteries that were bought from AutoZone.
There are also instances when the AutoZone guys find that your battery is still in good condition. It could be that it just lost its charge.
Have a Mechanic Check Your Alternator
In that case, their findings would be that there may be a problem with your car. Have a mechanic check your alternator because that should recharge your car’s battery while the engine is running.
Do You Know What Size Battery to Buy?
Avoid Wasting Time
Batteries at AutoZone can cost anywhere between $50 to $300, depending on the brand and model. You need to know what battery size your car can use before buying a new one. That way, you can avoid wasting your time returning a battery that will not fit your car later.
Battery Size Depends on Your Car’s Make and Model
If you are unsure of the size of battery your car needs, tell the attendant its make and model. AutoZone can look up the correct battery size for your vehicle in seconds, so you don’t make a costly mistake.
AutoZone Will Provide You with Options
They will also provide you with all the different battery options that you can choose from, including their prices. The more expensive brands often have a longer service life as far as batteries go. They also come with better warranty coverage.
Another nice thing about shopping for batteries at AutoZone is that the attendants will explain the available options. They will also give you sound advice that would fit your needs. They would not immediately suggest the most expensive option.
Do You Need to Have the Battery Installed?
Free Installation for Easy-to-Remove and Replace Batteries
Check if your car’s battery is easy to access. Typically, car batteries are in the engine bay, someplace easy to reach. The batteries are also easy to remove and replace. This means that the AutoZone technicians will be able to install the new battery in your car for free.
If your car’s manufacturer designed it so that owners cannot work on them, AutoZone wouldn’t install your battery.
Have the Dealership Install Your Batteries
Some cars come in configurations that prevent the replacement of the battery without having to remove certain parts. If that is the case with your car, bring the battery to the dealership. Have them install it for you.
Conclusion – AutoZone Battery Warranty and Return Policy
You can return your car battery to AutoZone if made within 90 days of purchase. Moreover, the battery should still be in its original condition and packaging.
You should also bring the receipt. This means that the battery should not have been installed or used, even if AutoZone installed it.
On the other hand, if you will be returning a defective battery, AutoZone will provide you with a brand-new replacement.
This is if it is still within its free replacement warranty period. You will also receive a new warranty. However, they will need to check the condition of the battery first. This ensures that you have not voided the warranty due to negligence.
When the time comes that you will need to replace your car’s battery, consider going to AutoZone. You can then check out what they have in store for you.
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