Walmart Car Battery Return Policy: Your Full Guide

If you've recently purchased a car battery from Walmart and find yourself in a situation where you need to return it, you need to consider the various rules that apply. You also need to be aware of how the process works. Below, we'll get you up-to-date with all you need to know about Walmart's Car Battery Return Policy.

Walmart's car battery return policy allows customers to return or exchange faulty, unused, or incompatible car batteries within 90 days of the initial purchase. You must have the original packaging and receipt to be eligible for a refund or exchange. This policy ensures that customers have the flexibility to make the right choice when it comes to their car battery needs.

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When Does Walmart's Car Battery Return Policy Cover You?

Walmart's car battery return policy covers several situations:

If the battery is not fully charged. A volt of 12.45 volts or below is returnable. New car batteries come almost fully charged at 12.65 volts which is 90% charge.
If it is not holding a charge or simply not working, you can return it to Walmart.
If the battery does not fit your vehicle's battery mount.
If the battery is unused or has not been installed, you are eligible for a refund or exchange within the 90-day timeframe.

It's important to note that Walmart's return policy does not cover batteries that have been damaged in any way by the buyer or other third parties. Furthermore, if you purchase from a reseller other than Walmart, it is not eligible for return.

Required Documentation for Car Battery Returns

To ensure a smooth return process, it is essential to have the original packaging and receipt when returning a car battery to Walmart. These documents serve as proof of purchase and help facilitate the refund or exchange. Without a receipt, proof of purchase can still be retrieved from the debit or credit card used.

However, the refund process may take up to 10 business days. If the original card used to purchase is lost or unavailable, the refund will be in the form of a Walmart Gift Card, while that of online purchase will be issued back to the bank.

Warranty Coverage for Walmart Car Batteries

Walmart car batteries come with a warranty that varies depending on the type of battery purchased. Generally, each battery includes two warranties, a free replacement warranty and a prorated replacement warranty. For example, the Everstart Maxx battery has a 5-year battery warranty. The first three years guarantee a free replacement, while the remaining two years provide prorated replacement coverage.

This means that if you need a replacement within the first three years, you will receive a battery of the same type at no additional cost. However, if you require a replacement during the prorated warranty period, you may need to pay a portion of the price based on the remaining warranty period.

Returning Car Batteries to Walmart

To return a car battery to Walmart, you can visit any Walmart store within the 90-day return window. It is recommended to bring the battery, original packaging, and receipt to the Walmart Auto Care Centers or the customer service desk. Walmart staff will verify the date of purchase and the battery's condition before processing the return. If you purchased the battery from a Walmart Auto Care Center, you can visit the automotive department for the return.

In both cases, the technician will test the battery to ensure its eligibility for return. Once approved, you can choose between a refund, store credit, or exchange, depending on the availability of the options. The installation service is complimentary. However, if you bring a battery from another retailer for installation, a $10 installation fee may apply.

Walmart's Battery Core Charge

When purchasing a new car battery from Walmart, you may notice a core charge included in the price. The core charge is a recycling fee that encourages customers to return their old batteries for proper disposal or recycling. By returning your old battery to Walmart when purchasing a new one, you can avoid paying the core charge again, resulting in potential savings of $5 to $10 on your new battery purchase.

Walmart's Discretion in Accepting Returns

While Walmart has a customer-friendly return policy, each store manager has the right to reject returns based on their discretion. If a return falls within the approved terms and conditions of the policy, it is likely to be accepted. However, if a return request seems questionable or if there is evidence of police abuse, the store manager may exercise their right to refuse the return.

Walmart Customers' Return Experiences

We sampled two reviews of customers from the Walmart website who had to return their car batteries to Walmart. This is what they had to say.

Negative Review

"Bought a Maxx Everstart 78 3-year warranty from Walmart in 2019. It lasted about 18 months, so they replaced it with another one just like it in 7-21. 3-23, it is already dead and will not take charge. Returned it to Walmart, and they told us they could not do anything about it because we had already had a return on the first battery."

Positive Review

"My Everstart Maxx 800 CCA went bad after two years. It was the first Walmart battery I have had go bad very early like that (It was supposed to last 5 years). I brought it back with no receipt. They tested it, agreed it was bad, found my purchase data in their records, and gave me a new one for free. Hey, I was glad I bought my battery at Walmart. it is a $100 battery with the tax."

Conclusion

Walmart's car battery return policy is usually a painless experience. It is especially simpler for exchanges rather than refunds. Even without a receipt, the battery's serial number, which is captured during purchase, is tied to the receipt. The return can only be approved at the Auto Care Center by the attending technician. Therefore, you can only return during the business hours of your local Walmart Auto Care Center. Remember to check with your local Walmart store for any specific variations or updates to the policies discussed in this article.