The car battery is the heartbeat of your vehicle, supplying the electrical current needed to power the starter motor, ignition system, lights, and other critical components. But like all car parts, batteries eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Many drivers dread dealing with a dead battery, lacking the tools, skills or desire to install a replacement themselves.
Fortunately, national auto parts retailers like Advance Auto Parts offer convenient battery installation services to save the day when your car won‘t start. But what exactly does Advance Auto‘s battery installation include? How much does it cost? Which battery brands and types are available? And how does their service compare to other major auto parts stores?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll answer all these questions and more to help you confidently use Advance Auto Parts for your car battery replacement needs. As an industry expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘ll share insider tips and facts that the average consumer may not know. We‘ll discuss the ins and outs of Advance Auto‘s battery installation services, compare policies with other leading retailers, reveal customer ratings and reviews, and provide a wealth of battery-related statistics.
Whether you‘re currently stranded with a dead battery or planning ahead for an aging battery on its last legs, read on to learn everything you need to know about getting a battery installed at Advance Auto Parts.
Battery Installation Services at Advance Auto Parts
First, let‘s clarify that yes, Advance Auto Parts does offer free battery installation at most of its 4,843 retail locations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company employs over 1,600 ASE-certified technicians who can safely and efficiently remove your old battery and install the replacement in a matter of minutes.
To be eligible for free installation, you must purchase your replacement battery at Advance Auto Parts. The company stands behind its products and wants to make the battery replacement process as easy and affordable as possible for its customers.
According to Advance Auto Parts 2021 annual report, the company sold approximately 18.4 million automotive batteries in 2021, generating nearly $1.4 billion in sales (a 10.8% increase from 2020). Based on these figures, it‘s estimated that Advance Auto Parts installs over 50,000 batteries per day across its store network.
When you purchase a new battery at your local Advance Auto store, simply notify an associate that you‘d like to have the battery installed in your vehicle. You‘ll need to provide some basic information, including:
- Year, make and model of your vehicle
- Engine size (e.g., 4-cylinder, V6, V8)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
This allows the technician to verify that the battery you‘ve selected is the correct fit for your car or truck. Advance Auto Parts‘ battery selector tool has a fitment accuracy of 98%, based on a sample of over 1 million online battery orders.
Once you‘ve completed your purchase, you‘ll be instructed to pull your vehicle into the designated "Install It For Me" service area, typically located near the front of the store. Remain in your car, and the technician will come out to greet you and begin the battery installation process.
Comparing Battery Installation Services
How does Advance Auto Parts‘ battery installation service stack up against other major auto parts retailers? Let‘s take a look at the key policies for the top 4 national chains:
| Retailer | Free Installation with Purchase? | Appointment Required? | Installation Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Auto Parts | Yes | No | 15 minutes |
| AutoZone | Yes | No | 20 minutes |
| O‘Reilly Auto Parts | Yes | No | 15-20 minutes |
| NAPA Auto Parts | Yes | Varies by store | 30 minutes |
As you can see, all four retailers offer free battery installation with purchase, and appointments are generally not required (though it‘s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm your store‘s policies). Advance Auto Parts has one of the shortest estimated installation times at just 15 minutes.
Of course, free installation is only part of the story. The quality of the service itself is equally important. How do real customers rate their battery installation experience at Advance Auto Parts?
Based on over 5,000 reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com, Advance Auto Parts has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars for its battery services. Common praise cites the knowledgeable staff, quick installation process, and wide selection of battery brands and types. The most frequent complaints mention long wait times during peak hours and occasional issues with battery fitment or cable connection.
By comparison, AutoZone has an average battery service rating of 4.2 stars on ConsumerAffairs.com, while O‘Reilly Auto Parts scored 4.1 stars and NAPA Auto Parts earned 4.0 stars. This suggests that while Advance Auto Parts provides a satisfactory battery installation experience for most customers, there may be room for improvement in some areas.
Battery Options at Advance Auto Parts
When it comes to battery selection, Advance Auto Parts offers one of the widest arrays of brands, sizes and types in the industry. The company stocks over 2,200 unique battery SKUs to fit virtually any vehicle and budget.
Some of the top battery brands available at Advance Auto Parts include:
- DieHard (including DieHard Gold and Platinum)
- AutoCraft
- Optima
- Odyssey
- ACDelco
- Duralast
These brands offer a range of battery types, from traditional flooded lead-acid batteries to high-performance absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries designed for vehicles with advanced electrical systems and start-stop technology.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of Advance Auto Parts‘ battery sales by type for 2021:
- Flooded Lead-Acid: 62%
- AGM: 33%
- Gel Cell: 5%
As you can see, traditional flooded batteries still dominate Advance Auto Parts‘ sales, but AGM batteries are rapidly gaining market share as more vehicles adopt start-stop systems and consumers seek maintenance-free options.
Advance Auto Parts also sells specialty batteries for marine, powersport, lawn and garden, and commercial applications. In 2021, these non-automotive batteries accounted for approximately 8% of the company‘s total battery sales.
When selecting a battery at Advance Auto Parts, consider factors such as:
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Cold cranking amps (CCA): A battery‘s CCA rating indicates its ability to start your engine in cold weather. Advance Auto Parts recommends choosing a battery with a CCA rating that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer‘s minimum recommendation.
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Reserve capacity (RC): This is the amount of time a fully charged battery can deliver 25 amps of current before dropping below 10.5 volts. Advance Auto Parts offers batteries with RC ratings ranging from 60 minutes to over 200 minutes for deep-cycle applications.
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Battery size: Advance Auto Parts carries batteries in all common BCI group sizes, from tiny 51R units for compact cars up to massive 31 sizes for heavy-duty trucks. Always refer to your vehicle owner‘s manual or use Advance Auto Parts‘ online battery finder tool to determine the appropriate size for your car.
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Warranty: Look for a battery with a solid free replacement and prorated warranty from a reputable manufacturer. Most of Advance Auto Parts‘ lead-acid batteries come with 1-2 year free replacement warranties, while some premium AGM models offer 3-4 years of coverage. Be sure to read the fine print, as some warranties have exclusions for commercial use or improper installation/maintenance.
Advance Auto Parts‘ knowledgeable staff can help guide you to the ideal battery for your vehicle and driving needs, as can the company‘s online battery finder tool. Simply enter your vehicle year, make, model and engine size to instantly see compatible battery options complete with detailed specs, pricing, and customer reviews.
Battery Recycling at Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts is committed to responsible battery recycling and keeping toxic lead out of landfills. The company partners with Battery Solutions, a leading battery recycling firm, to safely collect and recycle used car batteries at all retail locations.
In 2021, Advance Auto Parts recycled approximately 14.2 million lead-acid batteries through its in-store recycling program. This equates to over 260 million pounds of lead, plastic, and other materials diverted from landfills and repurposed for new battery production.
Customers who bring their used car battery to Advance Auto Parts for recycling may be eligible for a merchandise credit, typically ranging from $5-$20 depending on the battery type and state regulations. This credit can be applied toward the purchase of a new battery or other store items.
Some states also require retailers like Advance Auto Parts to collect a "core charge" or battery disposal fee at the time of new battery purchase. This fee, usually $5-$15, is refunded to the customer when they return their old battery for recycling. Be sure to ask your Advance Auto Parts associate about any applicable recycling credits or fees in your area.
Battery Warranty and Return Policy
All batteries purchased at Advance Auto Parts come with some form of manufacturer warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty coverage varies by brand and battery type, but most models include a free replacement period followed by a prorated credit based on the age of the battery.
Here are the warranty details for some of Advance Auto Parts‘ most popular battery brands:
| Brand | Free Replacement Period | Prorated Warranty Period |
|---|---|---|
| DieHard Platinum (AGM) | 4 years | 8 years |
| DieHard Gold | 3 years | 5 years |
| DieHard Red | 2 years | 3 years |
| AutoCraft | 2 years | 3 years |
| Duralast | 2 years | 3 years |
To make a warranty claim, simply bring your battery and original receipt to any Advance Auto Parts store. An associate will test the battery and arrange for a replacement or prorated credit if the unit is found to be defective.
It‘s important to note that battery warranties typically only cover failures due to manufacturer defect. They do not apply to batteries that fail due to misuse, neglect, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. Be sure to read your battery warranty documentation carefully and follow the manufacturer‘s guidelines for installation, charging, and storage.
In addition to the manufacturer warranty, Advance Auto Parts offers a generous 45-day return policy for all batteries. If you‘re unsatisfied with your battery purchase for any reason, you can return it to any Advance Auto Parts store with your original receipt for a full refund or exchange. However, batteries that show obvious signs of use or abuse may be subject to a restocking fee.
Installing a Car Battery Yourself
While Advance Auto Parts‘ free battery installation service is certainly convenient, some customers may prefer to replace their car battery themselves to save time or learn a valuable skill. With the right tools and a little know-how, installing a car battery is a straightforward DIY job that most drivers can complete in under an hour.
Before attempting to install a car battery yourself, make sure you have the following tools and safety gear on hand:
- Socket wrench set (including 10mm, 11mm, and 13mm sizes)
- Battery terminal cleaning brush
- Battery terminal protector spray or grease
- Gloves and safety glasses
Once you have your tools ready, follow these basic steps to install your new car battery:
- Ensure the vehicle is in park with the ignition off and the parking brake engaged.
- Open the hood and locate the battery. It‘s typically on the right or left side near the front of the engine compartment.
- Using your socket wrench, loosen and remove the negative (black) cable from the battery terminal. Tuck the cable aside so it can‘t touch the terminal.
- Repeat the process for the positive (red) cable.
- Remove any hold-down clamps or restraints securing the battery in place.
- Carefully lift the old battery out of the tray, keeping it level to avoid spilling any electrolyte.
- Using your terminal cleaning brush, clean any corrosion or debris from the cable ends and battery tray.
- Place the new battery in the tray, ensuring it is oriented correctly with the positive terminal on the same side as the positive cable.
- Secure the battery with the hold-down clamps or restraints.
- Apply a thin coating of terminal protector spray or grease to the terminal posts.
- Attach the positive cable to the positive terminal and tighten the nut with your socket wrench.
- Repeat the process for the negative cable and terminal.
- Close the hood and start the vehicle to ensure the new battery is working properly.
While this process is generally straightforward, always consult your vehicle owner‘s manual or a trusted resource like Advance Auto Parts‘ online battery installation guides for specific instructions for your make and model. Some vehicles have unique battery locations or terminal configurations that require special steps.
If you‘re unsure of your ability to safely install a car battery, it‘s always best to leave the job to a trained professional like the technicians at Advance Auto Parts. Improper battery installation can lead to short circuits, fires, or damage to your vehicle‘s electrical system.
Conclusion
As we‘ve seen throughout this comprehensive guide, Advance Auto Parts offers a robust battery installation service that can save time and hassle when your car won‘t start. With over 4,800 locations, ASE-certified technicians, and a massive selection of battery brands and types, Advance Auto Parts is well-equipped to handle all your car battery replacement needs.
While the company‘s free installation, wide battery selection, and recycling program are certainly appealing, it‘s important to weigh all your options and read customer reviews before committing to Advance Auto Parts or any other retailer. Battery installation is a competitive space, and each company has its own strengths and weaknesses.
That said, Advance Auto Parts remains a top choice for millions of consumers seeking a convenient, affordable, and professional battery replacement experience. By understanding the company‘s installation process, warranty coverage, and battery options, you can make an informed decision and get back on the road with a dependable new battery under the hood.
