How to buy a car battery at Costco

Buying a car battery at Costco is easy.

Costco is a great place to shop for everyday items provided that you have a valid membership and are able to stick to a budget. Car batteries at Costco are a great value when comparing their prices, quality and hassle-free returns policy. Costco sells batteries for cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats and golf carts. The steps to guide you through this simple process are straight forward.

Instructions

Step 1

You need a membership

Costco's memberships range from $50 to $100 a year. Once you have paid your dues you can shop there as often or as little as you want. One of the perks about trying out their membership is the flexibility of cancelling the membership at any time for a full refund with no questions asked. If you are planning to get a refund because the membership does not meet your needs, you have until the month prior to renewal to cancel it, so in fact, you have a free 11 month trial in which you can assess how often you frequent the warehouse and whether volume purchases meet your needs.

Step 2

Know your needs

Brands are not nearly as important as the total cold cranking amps (CCA). Once you assess what features your vehicle(s) need, you are ready to shop for your battery and be in and out of the warehouse within minutes. The Kirkland brand is Costco's brand and it is favorably rated by consumer watchdogs that report on best value and quality in relation to price and other brand comparisons. They also carry name brands and gel cells that are very popular for their ability to recharge fully and quickly when completely depleted. Gel batteries contain a gel core that does not need to be maintained, recharged periodically during the winter months or stored indoors during the winter months. These gel batteries are very well received by those with ATV's, Trailers and golf carts. When in doubt, you can also ask the sales person in the department because they know their products quite well and are very helpful.

Step 3

Pay the piper

Costco requires a fee of $9.50 if you don't turn in a dead battery for a new one. The charge on your card will be the amount of the battery plus the $9.50 fee. If you turn in a battery, they will immediately give you back the amount in cash. The money will be refunded to you when you turn in another battery at a later time.

Step 4

Take it home and install it.

Be aware that Costco does not install batteries. You purchase them at the warehouse and install them yourself. The process is very easy even if you have never done it before. Most batteries are held in place by a simple clamp and the connections are pretty straight forward. Watch the video on this page for detailed instructions.

Did you know?

*Old batteries can make your car lights look dim because they are not working at full power.
*Before installing a new battery in your vehicle, you should clean the terminals and holding area of corrosion, dirt and grease.
*You can tell which cable is the negative connection because it is the one that is attached or bolted. It acts as a ground wire to avoid electrocution.
*A gel battery is more successful at recharging fully after a complete discharge than a regular battery filled with acid. It will perform longer and better.
*A battery tender is inexpensive and worth having on hand if you store recreational batteries during the winter.
*A battery tender will keep your battery charged and ready to use the following season.
*An acid filled battery that fully discharges becomes "dead" and will need to be replaced.
*Jumper cables should be a basic item in everyone's trunk, alongside with a spare tire, a jack and reflective triangles that indicate other motorist to drive carefully and offer assistance.

Things Needed

A Costco membership.

Basic knowledge of what type of battery you need.

Knowing how to remove and install a battery.

Tips & Warnings

Check your current battery's CCA before you buy something that won't work for your needs.

Research the web for unbias rating on batteries.

Compare warranty and return policies among part stores in your area.

Purchase a battery that will work for your climate.

Store batteries for the winter if only used during warm weather activities.

Other how-to guides from the same author

If you store your batteries for the winter you should own one of these

Battery Tender 021-0156 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model

Amazon Price: $36.65

Basic Car Care : How to Change a Car's Battery

Before changing a car battery, be sure to clean the terminals of corrosion, disconnect the terminals and disconnect the clamp that holds the battery steady. Change a car's battery withtips from a mechanic in this free car-care and automotive maintenance video. Expert: Richard Goms Bio: Richard Goms has been researching genealogy as an amateur and a professional for the last 32 years. Filmmaker: Michael Burton

Jumper Cables

photo by Charles Williams

Always keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle's trunk. If you ever need a jump from a fellow citizen, you will be prepared. Likewise, you may be able to provide someone with a jump that will get them home safely. Make sure your teens and your spouse have them in their vehicles and know how to use them.

Was this How-To Guide helpful?