As a consumer in the market for a new car battery, you want to be sure you‘re getting the best product and service for your money. AutoZone is a leading retailer of automotive batteries, but many people have questions about their battery installation services. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision when purchasing your next car battery from AutoZone.
How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?
Before we dive into AutoZone‘s battery services, let‘s discuss how often you actually need to replace your car battery. According to Battery Council International, the average lifespan of a car battery is 3-5 years. However, factors such as extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and electrical issues can shorten a battery‘s life.
It‘s recommended to have your battery tested every time you get an oil change, or at least twice per year. A weak or failing battery can leave you stranded without warning, so it‘s important to replace it proactively. Some signs that your battery may need to be replaced include:
- Slow engine crank
- Illuminated battery warning light
- Swelling or bloating of the battery case
- Battery age of 3+ years
AutoZone‘s Battery Sales and Selection
AutoZone is one of the largest retailers of automotive batteries in the United States. According to Market Watch, in 2022 AutoZone held over 15% market share in the automotive battery aftermarket, with $11.4 billion in annual sales.
Part of AutoZone‘s success can be attributed to their wide selection of battery brands, types, and price points. They carry batteries to fit virtually any make and model of vehicle, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks. Some of the most popular battery brands available at AutoZone include:
- Duralast (AutoZone‘s main brand)
- Duralast Gold (premium)
- Valucraft (budget-friendly)
- Odyssey (high-performance/deep cycle)
- Optima (spiral cell technology)
AutoZone also offers a range of battery warranties, from 1-3 years of free replacement depending on the battery type. Duralast batteries even come with a 2-year free replacement warranty plus an additional 1-3 years of prorated coverage.
AutoZone‘s Battery Prices vs. Competitors
As a savvy shopper, price is likely a key factor in your battery purchasing decision. AutoZone‘s battery prices are competitive with other major retailers like Advance Auto Parts, O‘Reilly Auto Parts, and Walmart.
For example, a Duralast Gold 24F-DLG group size 24F battery (common in Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas) costs $199.99 at AutoZone. The comparable battery at Advance Auto Parts (DieHard Gold) is priced at $209.99, and at O‘Reilly Auto Parts (Super Start Platinum) it costs $219.99.
However, it‘s important to note that battery prices can vary based on location, promotions, and time of year. It‘s always a good idea to compare prices at a few retailers before making your purchase.
Does AutoZone Install Batteries for Free?
Now to the main question at hand – yes, AutoZone does install batteries for free…with a few caveats. The free installation service only applies to batteries purchased from AutoZone, and is limited to batteries that are easily accessible.
According to AutoZone‘s Battery Services page, "We‘ll install most vehicles‘ batteries for free at the time of purchase provided the battery is located in an accessible location (without the need to remove additional components)."
If your vehicle‘s battery is difficult to access or requires removal of other parts, AutoZone staff may refer you to a professional mechanic for installation. It‘s also important to note that not all AutoZone locations have staff who are trained to install batteries, so it‘s best to call ahead to confirm their services.
The AutoZone Battery Testing and Installation Process
If you do purchase a battery from AutoZone and opt for their free installation, here‘s what you can expect from the process:
Battery Testing
First, an AutoZone associate will use a computerized battery tester to assess the health of your current battery. This test checks the battery voltage, cold cranking amps, and overall condition to determine if it needs to be replaced. AutoZone offers this testing service for free, even if you don‘t purchase a battery from them.
In some cases, the test may show that your battery is simply drained and needs to be recharged. If this is the case, most AutoZone locations will charge your battery for free while you wait.
Battery Replacement
If the test reveals that your battery needs to be replaced, the AutoZone staff will help you find the right battery for your vehicle make and model. They‘ll also go over the different brand and warranty options to help you make an informed decision.
Once you‘ve purchased your new battery, an AutoZone associate will prepare to install it for you. The installation process typically takes 15-30 minutes and includes the following steps:
- Removing the old battery
- Inspecting the battery tray and cables
- Cleaning any corrosion
- Installing and securing the new battery
- Connecting the positive and negative terminals
- Checking that the battery is properly installed
While most battery installations are straightforward, complications can arise that require additional time or expertise. Be prepared for your vehicle to be in the shop for up to an hour if needed.
What to Look for When Buying a Car Battery
As a picky shopper, there are several key factors to consider when purchasing a new car battery, beyond just the price. Here are some tips from automotive battery experts:
1. Choose the Right Size and Terminal Type
"The most important thing is to get the right size battery for your vehicle," says John Burkhauser, Director of Educational Programs at Bolt On Technology. Different vehicles require specific battery group sizes to fit properly in the battery tray. You can find your vehicle‘s required size in the owner‘s manual or by using AutoZone‘s battery lookup tool.
It‘s also crucial to get a battery with the correct terminal type (top post or side post) to match your vehicle‘s cable configuration. Getting the wrong terminal type can make installation difficult or impossible.
2. Consider Your Climate and Driving Needs
"If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or do a lot of short-distance driving, you may want to invest in a higher-end battery," advises Lauren Fix, The Car Coach and automotive expert for the Car Care Council. Batteries in hot climates tend to degrade faster, so a battery with advanced heat-resistant technology can help extend its lifespan.
If you frequently take short trips (less than 20 minutes), your battery doesn‘t have time to fully recharge between starts. In this case, a deep cycle battery with a longer reserve capacity can be beneficial. AutoZone‘s Odyssey and Optima batteries are good options for these situations.
3. Look for a Good Warranty
Finally, be sure to consider the warranty when selecting a battery. "A longer warranty can provide peace of mind and save you money in the long run if you need a replacement," says Fix. Most AutoZone batteries come with at least a 1-year free replacement warranty, but some Duralast and Odyssey models offer up to 3 years of coverage.
The Environmental Impact of Battery Replacement
When you get a new car battery, it‘s important to dispose of the old one properly. Batteries contain toxic chemicals like lead and sulfuric acid that can contaminate soil and water if not recycled correctly. Fortunately, AutoZone makes battery recycling easy and free.
According to the company, AutoZone recycles more than 9.6 million car batteries per year, which equates to over 159,000 tons of lead and 21 million gallons of sulfuric acid. When you purchase a new battery from AutoZone, they will take your old battery and recycle it at no cost to you.
Some states even require a core charge (usually $5-$20) when purchasing a new battery to encourage recycling. This fee is refunded to you when you return your old battery to the store. Be sure to ask about the core charge policy when buying your new battery.
Conclusion
In summary, AutoZone does install car batteries for free, but only if you purchase the battery from them and it is easily accessible in your vehicle. The process includes free battery testing, new battery selection, and professional installation by trained AutoZone staff.
When shopping for a new battery at AutoZone or any retailer, be sure to consider factors like size, terminal type, climate, driving habits, warranty, and price to find the best fit for your needs. With proper selection and installation, your new battery should provide reliable starts for years to come.
And don‘t forget to recycle your old battery! AutoZone makes it easy and free to responsibly dispose of used batteries and keep toxic chemicals out of our environment. As a savvy shopper and responsible car owner, you can feel good about purchasing your next battery from AutoZone.