Does Costco Sell Car Batteries?

Yes, Costco sells car batteries through its partnership with Interstate Batteries, offering AGM, lead-acid, and lithium-ion options for most vehicles. Members get discounted pricing, core charge rebates, and nationwide warranty support. Batteries are tested in-store for voltage health, with free installation available at approved service centers. Pro Tip: Always check your vehicle’s group size and CCA rating before purchasing—Costco’s online lookup tool simplifies compatibility.

What brands of car batteries does Costco carry?

Costco exclusively stocks Interstate Batteries, including the MTZ (AGM) and MTP (flooded lead-acid) series. These meet SAE J537 standards, with CCA ratings from 450 to 850A. Pro Tip: The MTZ line suits start-stop vehicles, while MTP is ideal for standard engines.

Costco’s partnership with Interstate ensures members access batteries with 36–42 month warranties. For example, the Interstate MTP-24F (Group 24, 650 CCA) fits Honda Accords and costs $99.99 with a 3-year replacement guarantee. Technicians perform load tests to verify resting voltage stays above 12.4V. However, Costco doesn’t install batteries directly—they partner with local garages. Transitionally, while prices are competitive, always compare reserve capacity (RC) metrics: Costco’s AGM batteries average 120 minutes RC versus 90 minutes in budget brands.

Does Costco test or install car batteries?

Costco offers free in-store voltage testing but outsources installations to authorized shops. Their testers measure state-of-charge (SOC) and identify sulfation. Pro Tip: Request a printout—if SOC is below 75%, consider replacement.

While Costco doesn’t employ onsite mechanics, they coordinate installations via third parties like AAA-affiliated garages. For instance, purchasing an Interstate MTZ-34/78 AGM battery ($169.99) includes free installation at 80% of partnered locations. Testing involves a Midtronics GR8 analyzer to check for voltage drop under load. Transitionally, this process takes 15 minutes, but weekend queues can delay results. Always confirm installation fees beforehand—some shops charge $20–50 labor despite Costco’s “free” promotion.

How does Costco’s pricing compare to competitors?

Costco batteries cost 15–25% less than retail, with core charges refunded upon return. For example, Interstate’s MTP-65 (Group 65) is $109.99 at Costco versus $149.99 at Walmart.

Membership exclusivity drives savings—non-members pay 10% more online. AGM batteries like the MTX-30H (750 CCA) retail for $179.99 at Costco but $229 elsewhere. However, what about warranty value? Costco’s 36-month free replacement surpasses Walmart’s 24-month plan. Transitionally, consider total ownership cost: a $99 Costco battery with 3-year coverage equals $0.09 per day, beating AutoZone’s Duralast at $0.12.

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