When it comes to car maintenance, your vehicle‘s battery is one of the most critical components to keep in top shape. Without a properly functioning battery, your car won‘t be able to start and you could end up stranded. That‘s why it‘s important to get a high-quality, reliable battery from a trusted retailer like Advance Auto Parts.
But what happens if you purchase a battery from Advance Auto Parts and it turns out to be the wrong size, faulty, or you simply change your mind? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about Advance Auto Parts‘ battery return policy to make the process as smooth as possible.
Advance Auto Parts‘ Standard Battery Return Policy
Let‘s start with the basics of Advance Auto Parts‘ return policy for car batteries. If you purchase a battery from Advance Auto Parts and need to return it, here are the key things to know:
- You have 45 days from the original purchase date to return the battery
- The battery must be unused and in its original packaging
- You must have the original receipt
- Returns will be refunded to the original form of payment
As long as you meet these basic criteria, you can bring your battery back to any Advance Auto Parts store for a full refund within that 45-day window. This applies whether you bought the battery in-store or online at AdvanceAutoParts.com.
It‘s important to note that this policy is intended for unused batteries only. If you have installed the battery in your vehicle, it is considered used and falls under a separate warranty policy (more on that in the next section).
Warranty Returns for Used Batteries
Now let‘s say you bought a battery from Advance Auto Parts, installed it in your vehicle, and it turned out to be faulty or stopped working prematurely. In this case, you may be covered under the battery‘s warranty for a free replacement.
Advance Auto Parts offers a few different warranty options depending on the specific battery brand and type:
- AutoCraft Batteries: Free replacement for 1-2 years from purchase date if the battery is defective
- Advance Auto Parts Batteries: 2-year free replacement warranty
- DieHard Batteries: 3-year free replacement warranty, then prorated discount for last 1-2 years
- Other Battery Brands: Varies, but most offer 1-3 year free replacement
To take advantage of the warranty and get a free battery replacement, just bring the defective battery back to your local Advance Auto Parts store along with your original receipt. A store associate will test the battery to verify that it has failed and is eligible for warranty replacement. There is no additional charge as long as the battery failure was due to a manufacturer defect or normal usage.
Keep in mind that the warranty does not cover battery failure caused by misuse, abuse, physical damage, improper installation, use in non-automotive applications, or normal wear and tear. Proof of proper maintenance and reasonable care for the battery may be required for some warranty claims.
Core Charge Credit for Old Battery Returns
Another key aspect of Advance Auto Parts‘ battery return program is their core charge and recycling system. When you purchase a new battery, you will often be charged a core fee (usually around $15-20) as a deposit.
This core charge is refunded to you in full when you bring back your old battery for recycling after installing the new one. Advance Auto Parts partners with battery recyclers to responsibly recycle the lead and other materials from spent batteries to minimize environmental impact.
To get your core charge refund, just bring your old battery to an Advance Auto Parts store within 45 days of purchasing the new one. It doesn‘t matter where you originally bought the old battery from – Advance will give you cash back for any recycled battery as long as it matches the type and size of your new battery purchase.
This core credit can help offset the cost of your new battery while also encouraging eco-friendly recycling practices. Win-win!
Returning the Wrong Size Battery
We‘ve all been there before – you go to install a new battery in your vehicle only to realize that it‘s the wrong size or type for your specific make and model. No need to worry – if you purchased the battery from Advance Auto Parts, you can exchange it for the correct size.
As long as the battery is still new and unused, simply bring it back to the store along with your receipt within 45 days. A store associate will gladly swap it out for the proper size battery for your vehicle.
This policy applies whether you ordered the wrong battery yourself or an Advance Auto Parts employee recommended an incorrect fit. They will make it right at no extra cost to you.
To avoid this situation altogether, it‘s always a good idea to double check the battery size and terminal locations specified for your vehicle before making a purchase. Advance Auto Parts‘ website has a convenient battery finder tool that allows you to enter your vehicle make, model, and engine size to find the right battery.
What If I Lost My Receipt?
If you misplaced your original receipt from Advance Auto Parts, you may still be able to return or exchange your battery depending on the circumstances.
For in-store purchases, Advance Auto Parts may be able to look up your receipt using your credit card number, phone number, or other information. This isn‘t guaranteed, so always try to hang on to your receipt just in case.
If you purchased your battery online, you should have an email receipt that was sent to the address you provided during checkout. You can print this email or show it on your phone at the store as proof of purchase.
Without a receipt, Advance Auto Parts may still be able to process your return, but you will likely receive store credit for the lowest sale price of the battery within the last 45 days instead of a refund to your original payment method.
Comparing Advance Auto Parts‘ Battery Return Policy to Competitors
Advance Auto Parts‘ 45-day battery return policy is fairly standard for major auto parts retailers. Most of their top competitors have similar policies:
- AutoZone: 90 days to return new, unused batteries with receipt for full refund. Free battery replacement under warranty.
- O‘Reilly Auto Parts: 60 days to return unused batteries for full refund with receipt. Warranties vary by brand.
- NAPA Auto Parts: 45 days for battery refunds or exchanges with receipt. Battery warranties up to 3 years.
While some retailers like AutoZone offer a more generous return window, Advance Auto Parts stacks up well in terms of warranty coverage, core charge credits for recycling, and overall customer service for battery purchases and returns.
Tips for a Smooth Battery Return Process
To make your battery return or warranty claim at Advance Auto Parts as painless as possible, follow these quick tips:
- Always keep your original receipt and store it in a safe place
- Don‘t wait too long – return new batteries within 45 days and warranty claims ASAP
- Bring your vehicle information (make, model, year, engine size) in case you need to exchange for a different battery
- Be kind and courteous to Advance Auto Parts associates – they are there to help!
- If you have questions or concerns, don‘t hesitate to speak to a store manager or contact Advance Auto Parts‘ customer support at 1-877-ADVANCE
With these guidelines in mind, you‘ll be well prepared in the event that you need to return a battery to your local Advance Auto Parts.
Real Customer Experiences
To give you a better idea of how Advance Auto Parts‘ battery return policy works in the real world, here are a few anecdotes from actual customers:
"I bought a new battery for my work truck from Advance and unfortunately it was the wrong size. I brought it back the next day and they swapped it out with no problems. The associate even helped me carry the new battery out to my truck and made sure it fit properly. Great service!" – Mike T.
"My car wouldn‘t start after a long road trip, so I took the battery to Advance to get it tested. They said it was completely shot after only 1 year. Luckily, it was still under the free replacement warranty. They gave me a new battery at no charge and had me back on the road in no time. I was impressed!" – Lisa R.
"I recycle all my spent batteries at Advance to get the core charge back and help the environment. One time they didn‘t have the right battery type in stock to match my core return, but the manager offered to refund me the core charge anyway since I was a loyal customer. I really appreciated that." – Dan W.
As you can see, Advance Auto Parts takes their battery return policy seriously and always aims to satisfy the customer, even in unique situations.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to purchasing and returning car batteries, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a comprehensive and customer-friendly policy. Whether you need to return an unused battery within 45 days, get a warranty replacement for a defective battery, or recycle your old battery for a core charge credit, Advance makes the process as easy and convenient as possible.
While some other auto parts stores may have slightly different rules or time frames for battery returns, Advance Auto Parts offers a well-rounded program that balances consumer protection with environmental responsibility.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can shop for car batteries at Advance Auto Parts with confidence, knowing that you‘re covered in case something goes wrong. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, don‘t hesitate to reach out to their knowledgeable staff or customer support team for assistance.
So the next time you need a new battery for your vehicle, head to your local Advance Auto Parts store or visit AdvanceAutoParts.com. With their wide selection, competitive prices, valuable warranties, and flexible return policy, you can trust Advance to keep your car powered up and ready for the road ahead.
