Depending on the circumstances, shopping for a new car battery can be incredibly frustrating, but knowing where to shop for the best prices ahead of time can make a world of difference.
Walmart’s range of cheaper alternatives can be a lifesaver, especially if you weren’t expecting to replace your battery or if you do not have a lot of money to invest, but many people have asked, “Does Walmart replace car batteries?”
Walmart Auto Care Centre will fit your car battery, and they will fit it for free if the battery is purchased in-store. If the battery is purchased from another store, Walmart charges a $10 fitting fee.
Replacing a car battery used to be a pretty straightforward job; modern cars are, unfortunately, a little more work. In this post, you’ll learn how to get your car battery fitted for free at Walmart, but you’ll also learn why a modern car needs some special procedures before and after fitting a new battery.
In this post, we’ll also cover Walmart battery brands, the diverse types of battery warranties that Walmart offers, and their returns policy.
Index
- Get Free Battery Fitting at Walmart
- Know This Before Fitting a New Battery
- What Battery Brands Does Walmart Sell?
- How Much Do Car Batteries Cost at Walmart?
- Can I Return a Car Battery to Walmart?
- How Long Is the Warranty for Walmart Batteries?
- What Is a Pro-rated Warranty?
- What Does a Walmart Battery Warranty Cover?
- How Do I Replace My Battery with Walmart?
- Other Helpful Car Battery Posts
How To Get Free Battery Fitting At Walmart
I love Walmart! Is there anything they don’t sell? While Walmart sells a massive range of car care products, it must be said unless your local Walmart store has an Auto Care Center attached, you won’t be able to avail of the great free fitting service they provide. You can check for your nearest Walmart Auto Care Center here.
So that said, how do you get Walmart to fit your car battery for free? – Simply buy your new car battery from them, and they’ll be happy to fit it FOC. Okay, but what if you already bought a new battery from another store, yep they’ll fit that too, but they’ll charge you a fee of $10.
I’ve been a mechanic for twenty-five years plus, and I can tell you without hesitation these Walmart prices are hard to beat. I think they represent amazing value for money, and the great deals don’t stop there; they offer a ton of other auto care services at knock-out prices.
You can check out the complete list here.
Here’s a list of the battery services they offer and the prices.
| Battery Service | Cost | At Walmart Supercenters Auto Care Centers Only |
| Battery Testing | Free | |
| Battery Fitting | Free | When Purchased in Store |
| Battery Fitting | $10 | When Battery Not Purchased At Walmart |
| Battery Terminal End Replacement | $5 | Parts not included |
| Battery Anti-Corrosion Treatment | $3.50 | Per Battery |
Walmart May Refuse Certain Battery Installations
This surprises some customers.
Not every battery replacement is considered a quick fit job anymore.
Many modern vehicles have batteries hidden:
- Under seats
- In trunks
- Behind wheel arch liners
- Under cowl panels
Some vehicles also require battery registration or advanced recalibration afterwards.
Because of this, Walmart may refuse installation on certain vehicles or recommend professional installation elsewhere.
Luxury and European vehicles are the most common examples.
Sometimes The Battery Isn’t Actually Bad
This is one of the most common battery misdiagnoses I see.
Corroded battery terminals can create symptoms that look exactly like a dead battery.
Common symptoms include:
- Clicking when starting
- Slow cranking
- Dash lights flickering
- Intermittent no-start
- Random electrical faults
Before replacing the battery, always inspect:
- Battery terminals
- Ground connections
- Positive cable connections
You Should know This Before Fitting a New Battery
While back in the day, swapping out a car battery was a simple DIY chore. Not so with some modern cars; many aren’t so forgiving. While most older cars are easy to swap a battery, be mindful that a radio code may be required to reactivate the radio.
The issue with modern cars is they use a ton of control modules, many of which don’t like being powered down. A module’s main function is to manage a system, and to that, it must retain vital stored data.
Take, for example, your car’s HVAC system; flaps are used to funnel air to various zones of your car’s interior. The flap’s position is tracked carefully by the HVAC module; this, in turn, allows it to make fine adjustments to airflow, helping it manage cabin ventilation.
Unhooking the battery on some cars causes the module to lose stored flap positions, often resulting in erratic or no heater control.
This is not the case with all modern vehicles, but certainly, the higher-end the vehicle is, the more likely you’ll run into issues powering down its modules. The problems range from the “Just irritating” to “You’ll need to get this fixed ASAP.”
Typical systems affected by disconnecting car battery include:
- Steering angle sensor
- Electric Windows
- Radio settings
- Transmission shift changes
- Throttle body settings
Typical symptoms of a car needing calibration after battery change include:
- Rough erratic idling
- Awkward transmission shifts
- Steering angle calibration dash warning
- ABS/Traction warning lights
- Erratic electric window actions
- Erratic HVAC control
- Lost radio settings
- Radio code required (older vehicles)
The easiest way to avoid these issues is to use a KAM tool; it temporarily supplies power to the vehicle’s modules through the diagnostic socket located under the driver’s dash. While the modules are powered up, it’s safe to remove and replace the battery.
What happens if you just go ahead and change the battery without using the KAM tool?
In most cases, driving the vehicle as normal will fix the irritations. The smart modules will eventually just relearn new values. However, some vehicles may require a date with the main dealer diagnostic system to calibrate the troublesome module.
There’s a second issue that needs to be addressed. Most modern cars use a battery control module to manage battery health. As a battery ages, it requires a higher voltage to charge; if the battery control module isn’t notified of a new battery installation, it will likely overcharge the new battery, shortening its life.
This is where modern battery replacement gets annoying.
Newer vehicles use intelligent battery monitoring systems.
After fitting a new battery, the battery management module may need to be told:
- A new battery has been installed
- The battery capacity
- The battery type
- The battery age
This process is known as battery registration or battery coding.
Without doing this, the charging system may:
- Overcharge the battery
- Undercharge the battery
- Trigger warning lights
- Shorten battery life
BMW, Audi, VW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes are especially known for this.
Anyway, I covered this repair in greater detail in the post “Is it hard to change car battery?”
Okay, that’s all the housekeeping out of the way; let’s take a look at the batteries on offer at Walmart.
The Cheapest Battery Isn’t Always The Best Choice
This catches a lot of people out.
Modern vehicles are far more sensitive to battery quality than older cars were.
Fitting the wrong battery type can create:
- Start-stop system faults
- Charging issues
- Battery warning lights
- Reduced battery life
- Strange electrical behavior
AGM batteries are a big example.
Many newer vehicles require AGM batteries from the factory. Replacing them with a standard flooded battery can create all sorts of headaches.
I see this a lot after “quick cheap battery swaps.”
Always match:
- Battery group size
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- Battery technology type (AGM/EFB/Flooded)
Simple stuff first.
What Battery Brands Does Walmart Sell?
Walmart sells several affordable batteries in its service centers, and customers can shop for brands such as EverStart, ValuePower, and Optima.
- EverStart Batteries: One of the more popular brands sold in Walmart stores is EverStart. They are one of the more affordable options for people looking for high quality for a low-budget price.
- ValuePower: EverStart Value batteries, called ValuePower in some locations, are one of the cheaper battery options available at Walmart. However, they do not have as wide a range of options.
- Optima: These maintenance-free batteries are a bit more expensive than many of the other brands, but their unique Sprialcell and Pureflow technologies make them worth the price.
Depending on where you shop, you may find other battery brands as well, but the ones listed above are consistently sold throughout all Walmart locations.
How Much Do Car Batteries Cost at Walmart?
How much you will spend on a battery from Walmart will depend on the location from which you buy your battery and the type of battery your vehicle requires. However, the table below highlights the current average prices for Walmart car batteries in 2021.
| Brand | Price Range |
| All Batteries | Least Expensive: $55 (EverStart Value Lead Acid Automotive Battery—Group Size 26) Most Expensive: $365 (OPTIMA YellowTop AGM Spiralcell Dual Purpose Battery — Group Size D31A) |
| EverStart Value | Price: $64.88 (EverStart Value Lead Acid Automotive Battery—Group Sizes Include 26R, 24F, 78, 35, 65, & 75) |
| EverStart Plus | Least Expensive: $79.87 (EverStart Plus Lead Acid Automotive Battery—Group Sizes Include 24F & 78) Most Expensive: $99.84 (EverStart Plus Lead Acid Automotive Battery—Group Sizes Include 65, 35-3, & 25-3) |
| EverStart Maxx | Least Expensive: $88 Most Expensive: $149.84 (EverStart Maxx Lead Acid Automotive Batter—Group Sizes Include 24F, 65N, 78N, 27, 24, H7, 34N, 121R, 59, 124R, T5, 35N, 51R, 151R, & 51) |
| OPTIMA Yellowtop | Least Expensive: $264.99 Most Expensive: $364.99 (OPTIMA Yellow AGM Spiralcell Dual Purpose Battery—Group Sizes Include D31T, 27F, 74/25, D34, D34/78, & D35) |
| OPTIMA RedTop | Least Expensive: $299.97 Most Expensive: $274.99 (OPTIMA RedTop AGM Spiralcell Automotive Battery—Group Sizes Include 35,75/25, & 34R) |
| XS Power | Price: $199.95 (XS Power D925 AGM 2000 Amp Sealed Power Cell Car Battery) |
Source: Walmart
Can I Return a Car Battery to Walmart?
Walmart will accept batteries returned within 90 days (about three months) of purchase if they are unused, faulty, or do not fit in the vehicle. Additionally, they should replace a car battery that is still under warranty. However, some conditions may apply.
Walmart has a 90-day automotive battery guarantee which allows shoppers to return a battery to any Walmart service center within 90 days of purchase if the battery tests bad, is unused, or does not fit the shopper’s vehicle correctly.
Car batteries must be returned in-store, with a receipt, and are ineligible for returns or refunds via mail. After the 90-day period is up, shoppers must follow the terms of their warranty.
Although Walmart has a general policy to guide stores, not all stores follow these guidelines exactly. Some locations will allow a shopper to return an item without a receipt for in-store credit, and in some cases, outside of the 90-day period.
Additionally, most locations reserve the right to deny a refund or return for any reason, so it’s always best to call the store you plan to visit prior to returning the object to ensure you’re not wasting a trip.
Note: Because receipts tend to fade over time, even if they are put away in a wallet, it’s a clever idea to write down any essential information from the receipt and store it, with the original copy, in your glove box.
That way, even if the numbers fade, you will always have the information handy for your warranty or simply take a quick photo of it on your phone.
How Long Is the Warranty for Walmart Batteries?
The type of warranty coverage you have will depend on the battery, and since the warranty is included in the price, the more expensive the battery is, the better warranty it will have. Generally, Walmart batteries will follow the warrant schedule below:
| Type of Battery | Length of Warranty |
| EverStart Value | Free replacement for one year if the battery is defective at no fault of the shopper and will no longer hold a charge. |
| EverStart Plus | Free replacement for two years if the battery becomes defective at no fault of the shopper and will no longer hold a charge. |
| EverStart Maxx | Free replacement for three years if the battery becomes defective at no fault of the shopper and will no longer hold a charge. After three years, it may be eligible for a pro-rated warranty. |
Source: RepairClub & Walmart
Although OPTIMA batteries typically have a three-year warranty, we could not find any information about Walmart honoring the warranty. An outside company may handle it.
If you plan to buy a brand other than EverStart from Walmart, it may be a good idea to ask for details surrounding the warranty and whether Walmart is the one that would supply the replacement.
What Is a Pro-rated Warranty?
Pro-rated warranties, also known as partial warranties, cover only part of the initial cost if the item becomes defective. The amount that is covered will depend on the age of the item when it becomes defective.
The pro-rated warranty extends the warranty of the EverStart Maxx battery by another two years. The battery will be replaced for free during the first three years. However, during the remaining two years, the shopper will have to pay a pro-rated fee for a replacement.
The fee is calculated by dividing the battery price by the number of months that it’s covered under warranty. The formula used to calculate the pro-rated fee for an EverStart Maxx battery is — Age of the battery (in months) divided by 60 times the new battery price.
For example, if you bought your battery three years ago and paid $150 dollars, it would cost you $77.50 to replace your battery under the pro-rated warranty.
How Long Should A Car Battery Last?
Most car batteries last between 3 and 5 years.
But battery life depends heavily on:
- Climate
- Driving habits
- Vehicle electrical load
- Battery quality
- Charging system condition
Short trips are especially hard on batteries because the alternator never gets enough time to fully recharge them.
Extreme heat is also brutal for battery life.
In the trade, I usually start suspecting the battery once it passes the four-year mark.
What Does a Walmart Battery Warranty Cover?
According to DoNotPay, Walmart’s battery warranty covers:
- Leakage
- Corrosion
- Inability to charge
- Inability to start a car
It does not cover damage that is the fault of the customer, such as:
- Accidental damage
- Improper installation
- Misuse and abuse
How Do I Replace My Battery with Walmart?
If you have purchased a car battery from Walmart and it becomes defective while under warranty, you can follow these steps to claim your warranty:
- Round up any documentation you have collected regarding the purchase of your battery. If you bought the item in-store, you would need your original receipt. If you purchased the item online, you would need a printout of your order confirmation or your order number.
- It may be a good idea to call the store ahead of time and ask the service technician if there is anything else you need to have with you when you come in. This is especially true if you must travel a long distance to get to your local shop.
- Visit your local service center. The technician will walk you through the process from here. They will test the battery, and if it will not hold a charge and has become defective at no fault of your own, they should issue and install a replacement at no cost.
Check out the link below for great deals on car batteries conveniently delivered to your door by Amazon.com.
Amazon Car BatteriesFAQs
Does Walmart install car batteries for free?
Yes — if you purchase the battery directly from Walmart.
Most Walmart Auto Care Centers will install the battery free of charge when bought in-store.
If you bring your own battery, they typically charge around $10 for installation.
Does every Walmart install batteries?
No.
Only Walmart locations with an Auto Care Center offer battery installation services.
Some smaller stores don’t have automotive service departments.
Will Walmart install batteries in all cars?
Not always.
Modern vehicles can make battery replacement much more complicated.
Some batteries are located:
- Under seats
- In trunks
- Under cowl panels
- Behind wheel arch liners
Luxury and European vehicles may also require battery registration or programming after installation.
Because of this, Walmart may refuse certain battery installations.
Does Walmart install AGM batteries?
Yes — if the correct battery is available for your vehicle.
However, it’s important to replace AGM batteries with the proper AGM type rather than downgrading to a standard flooded battery.
Modern charging systems are designed around specific battery technologies.
Does Walmart register or program batteries?
Generally no.
Most Walmart locations can physically replace the battery, but battery registration or coding is usually outside the scope of standard installation services.
Vehicles commonly requiring battery registration include:
- BMW
- Audi
- VW
- Mercedes
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
What happens if a new battery isn’t registered?
On vehicles with intelligent charging systems, the battery management module may continue charging the new battery incorrectly.
That can lead to:
- Overcharging
- Undercharging
- Reduced battery life
- Warning lights
- Charging system faults
Can disconnecting the battery cause warning lights?
Absolutely.
Modern vehicles store learned settings and calibration values inside multiple control modules.
Disconnecting the battery can sometimes trigger:
- Steering angle warnings
- ABS lights
- Rough idle
- Window calibration issues
- HVAC problems
- Transmission shift changes
Most systems eventually relearn after driving, but some require recalibration.
How long do car batteries normally last?
Most batteries last between 3 and 5 years.
However, battery life depends heavily on:
- Climate
- Driving habits
- Vehicle electrical demand
- Charging system condition
- Battery quality
Short trips and extreme temperatures are especially hard on batteries.
Does Walmart test batteries for free?
Yes.
Most Walmart Auto Care Centers offer free battery testing.
They can usually test:
- Battery voltage
- Cranking performance
- Charging condition
This helps confirm whether the battery is actually faulty before replacement.
Can a bad battery cause strange electrical problems?
Definitely.
Low battery voltage can create all sorts of weird symptoms, including:
- Flickering dash lights
- Random warning lights
- No-start issues
- EPB faults
- Communication errors
- Transmission warnings
Modern vehicles absolutely hate low voltage.
Does Walmart install batteries while you wait?
Usually yes.
Simple battery replacements are often completed fairly quickly depending on workload and vehicle complexity.
However, some vehicles take longer due to difficult battery access or additional procedures.
Can I return a battery to Walmart without a receipt?
Possibly, but it depends on the store.
Some locations may offer store credit without a receipt, while others strictly require proof of purchase.
Calling ahead is always a good idea.
What does Walmart battery warranty actually cover?
Generally, the warranty covers battery failure caused by manufacturing defects, including:
- Inability to hold a charge
- Internal failure
- Leakage
- Premature failure
It usually does not cover:
- Improper installation
- Physical damage
- Abuse
- Neglect
Are Walmart batteries actually good?
Honestly?
For the money, many of them are pretty decent.
EverStart batteries are extremely common and generally perform well for everyday vehicles.
Like all batteries, lifespan depends heavily on:
- Vehicle charging system
- Climate
- Maintenance
- Driving habits
I’ve seen expensive batteries fail early and cheaper batteries last years.
Can I replace my own battery instead of paying for installation?
Absolutely on many vehicles.
Older cars are generally very DIY-friendly.
Modern vehicles can be trickier because of:
- Battery registration
- Tight battery access
- Module recalibration
- Start-stop systems
Always check your vehicle requirements before swapping batteries yourself.
Why does my car run rough after a battery replacement?
Disconnecting the battery can erase learned adaptive settings from various modules.
The vehicle may need to relearn:
- Idle control
- Throttle settings
- Transmission shift patterns
- HVAC positions
Most vehicles settle down after a few drive cycles.
Can a bad alternator ruin a new battery?
Absolutely.
If the charging system is faulty, the new battery may quickly fail as well.
That’s why professional battery testing usually includes checking alternator output too.
I’ve seen plenty of people replace the battery only to discover the real problem was the alternator all along.
Other Helpful Car Battery Posts
Below you’ll find links to other battery-related posts, all located on this site. We’ve included troubleshooting battery issues like battery testing, finding parasitic battery drains, Alternator testing, and of course, a battery replacement post.
We’ve also added some other battery-buying posts.
Battery Troubleshooting
Battery sparked now won’t start
How hard to change car battery?
Car won’t idle after flat battery
Common battery issues and battery testing
Common alternator issues and alternator testing
Battery Buying
O’Reilly’s vs. AutoZone batteries
Would You Know What To Do?
If your engine warning light came on tonight, would you know to keep driving, pull over, or call for recovery?
Most drivers wouldn’t.
That’s exactly why I wrote this guide.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.