Advance Auto Parts does charge batteries, but only in limited situations
Advance Auto Parts offers battery charging as a free service at most locations, but the scope is narrower than many people expect. The company will charge a battery that is already installed in your vehicle if you bring the car to the store. They will not charge a battery that you have removed from your vehicle and brought in separately, and they do not offer charging for batteries from other brands or for non-automotive batteries.
The service exists primarily to help customers whose batteries have drained but are otherwise functional. If your battery is dead and you need it charged before you drive home, Advance Auto can do that while you wait — typically in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how deeply discharged it is. This is different from a jump start, which gets you enough power to start the engine but does not fully recharge the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto will charge a battery that is still installed in your vehicle at no cost, but you must bring the vehicle to the store.
- The company does not charge batteries that have been removed from the vehicle or batteries purchased elsewhere.
- Charging typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and is intended for batteries that are drained but not damaged.
- If your battery is old, cracked, or leaking, the store may refuse to charge it and recommend replacement instead.
How the in-vehicle charging process works
When you arrive at an Advance Auto location with a vehicle that has a dead or weak battery, an employee will connect a charger directly to the battery terminals while the battery remains in the car. You do not need an appointment. The charger will run for as long as needed to bring the battery to a usable state of charge.
The store will not charge the battery to 100 percent in most cases — the goal is to charge it enough that your vehicle will start and the alternator can finish the job as you drive. A fully depleted battery typically reaches this point in 30 to 60 minutes. You can wait in the store or in your vehicle while this happens.
Advance Auto staff may also perform a battery test while the charger is connected. This test measures whether the battery can hold a charge and whether it is likely to fail soon. If the test shows the battery is failing, the employee will usually recommend replacement rather than continuing to charge it.
When Advance Auto will not charge a battery
Advance Auto will refuse to charge a battery if it shows visible damage. A cracked case, leaking acid, or swollen casing means the battery is unsafe to charge and must be replaced. The store will not attempt to charge it.
The company also will not charge a battery that has been removed from the vehicle. If you have taken the battery out and brought it into the store loose or in a box, Advance Auto cannot charge it there. This policy exists because charging a loose battery requires different equipment and carries different safety considerations than charging one that is secured in a vehicle.
Batteries from other retailers or other brands are treated the same way as Advance Auto batteries — the store will charge them if they are installed in your vehicle. However, if you bring in a battery that is not an Advance Auto product and it fails during or after charging, the store will not warranty the charge or the battery itself.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring your vehicle and your keys. You do not need to bring paperwork, a receipt, or proof of purchase. The charging service is free regardless of where you bought the battery.
Expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour. During busy times, there may be a short queue ahead of you. The store will let you know how long the charge will take once an employee has assessed the battery.
If the battery test shows the battery is failing, the employee will present you with replacement options and pricing. Advance Auto will install a new battery for a fee, or you can purchase the battery and have it installed elsewhere. The installation fee varies by location and battery type but typically ranges from $0 to $20 if you purchase the battery from Advance Auto.
Charging versus replacement: how to decide
A single deep discharge does not mean your battery is dead. If your battery drained because you left the lights on, left the car parked for weeks, or had a parasitic drain, charging it will usually restore it to working condition. Once charged, monitor it for a few weeks to see if it drains again on its own.
If the battery drains repeatedly after charging, or if it is more than three to five years old, replacement is usually the better choice. Advance Auto batteries typically come with a three-year full warranty and a five-year prorated warranty, meaning the company will replace or credit a battery that fails within that window.
If the battery test at Advance Auto shows a low reserve capacity or a weak load test result, the battery is aging and will likely fail soon. Charging it will buy you time, but replacement within the next few months is probably inevitable.
Alternatives if Advance Auto cannot help
If your vehicle's battery is installed in a way that makes it difficult to access, or if the store is too busy to charge it that day, you have other options. Many auto repair shops, tire shops, and dealerships offer battery charging for a small fee or free with a purchase. AAA members can request roadside information, which includes a jump start or tow to a repair facility.
If you need to charge a battery that has been removed from the vehicle, a hardware store, battery specialty shop, or auto parts store with a service bay may have a standalone charger available. Some will charge it for free; others charge a small fee. Call ahead to confirm they have the equipment and are willing to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Advance Auto charge my battery if I just bring the battery in without the car?
No. Advance Auto only charges batteries that are installed in vehicles. If you have removed the battery, you will need to either reinstall it in your vehicle and bring the car to the store, or take the battery to a different shop that has standalone charging equipment.
How long does it take to charge a battery at Advance Auto?
Charging typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how deeply discharged the battery is. During busy times, you may wait longer for an employee to become available. Call your local store ahead of time if you want to know current wait times.
Do I have to buy something to get my battery charged?
No. Battery charging is a free service at Advance Auto regardless of whether you purchase anything. You do not need a membership, a loyalty card, or a receipt from a previous purchase.
What if the battery test shows my battery is bad?
The employee will recommend replacement. Advance Auto will show you available batteries and pricing, and can install a new battery on the spot for a fee. You can also purchase the battery and have it installed at another shop if you prefer.
Can Advance Auto charge a battery from a different brand?
Yes, as long as the battery is installed in your vehicle. Advance Auto will charge batteries from other retailers and manufacturers. However, the store will not warranty a non-Advance Auto battery if it fails during or after charging.