What AutoZone sells in battery chargers

AutoZone carries several types of car battery chargers, from small portable units you can keep in your trunk to larger bench chargers for home use. The store stocks chargers made by brands like Schumacher, NOCO, and Clore Automotive, ranging from basic trickle chargers to smart chargers that adjust their output automatically. You can also find jump starters that combine charging with the ability to start a dead battery without another vehicle.

Most AutoZone locations have chargers in stock, but availability depends on your local store. You can check what's available at your nearest location through the AutoZone website or by calling ahead. If a specific model isn't in stock, AutoZone can order it for you, though delivery times vary.

Key Takeaways

  • AutoZone sells trickle chargers, smart chargers, and jump starters from brands like Schumacher and NOCO at prices ranging from under $30 to several hundred dollars depending on power and features.
  • Smart chargers automatically adjust their charging rate and stop when the battery is full, making them safer for overnight charging than basic trickle chargers.
  • Portable jump starters let you start a dead battery without calling for help or waiting for another vehicle, and many also charge your phone.
  • The charger you need depends on whether you want to charge a battery slowly at home, keep a backup in your car, or start a dead battery when ready.
  • AutoZone staff can help you match a charger to your vehicle type and battery size, and the store often has sales on chargers during seasonal changes.

Trickle chargers versus smart chargers

A trickle charger delivers a steady, low amount of power to your battery over many hours. These are inexpensive — usually $20 to $50 — and work well if you're charging a battery that's only partially dead and you have time to wait. The downside is that they don't know when to stop, so leaving one connected too long can overcharge the battery and damage it. Many people use trickle chargers to maintain a battery during winter storage or when a car sits unused for weeks.

A smart charger (also called an automatic or intelligent charger) monitors the battery's voltage and adjusts its charging rate as the battery fills. When the battery reaches full charge, the charger stops or switches to a maintenance mode that keeps it topped off without overcharging. Smart chargers cost more — typically $50 to $150 — but they're safer for leaving connected overnight and work faster on deeply discharged batteries. If you plan to charge regularly or leave the charger connected for long periods, a smart charger is the better choice.

Portable jump starters and their advantages

A portable jump starter is a battery pack that stores enough power to start your engine without needing another vehicle or a wall outlet. You keep it in your car, and when your battery dies, you connect the jump starter's cables to your battery terminals, press a button, and start the engine. Models range from compact units the size of a large phone to heavier-duty versions, with prices from $40 to $300 depending on power output and extra features.

The main advantage is speed and independence — you don't have to wait for roadside help or flag down another driver. Many newer jump starters also charge your phone or other devices through USB ports, and some include LED flashlights. The trade-off is that a jump starter won't charge a battery fully; it just gives you enough power to start the engine and drive to a charger or mechanic. After using a jump starter, you should still charge your battery properly at home.

Choosing the right charger for your vehicle

The charger you need depends on your vehicle's battery type and your situation. Most cars use a 12-volt battery, which is what most AutoZone chargers are designed for. Larger vehicles like trucks and RVs sometimes use 24-volt systems, so if you drive one of those, tell the AutoZone staff — they carry chargers for both. The battery's amp-hour rating (printed on the battery case) tells you how much power it stores; a charger with higher amperage charges faster, but you don't need extreme power for routine charging.

If you charge at home and have time, a basic smart charger works for most situations. If you need to charge quickly or you want a backup in your vehicle, a portable jump starter makes sense. If you're storing a car for the winter or maintaining a battery that sits unused, a trickle charger is the most affordable option. AutoZone staff can help you match these choices to your specific vehicle and battery.

Price ranges and what affects the cost

Basic trickle chargers start around $20 to $30. Smart chargers typically run $50 to $150, with higher prices for models that charge faster or include extra features like microprocessor controls and multiple charging modes. Portable jump starters range from $40 for small, lower-power models to $200 or more for heavy-duty versions with extra features. Specialty chargers for specific battery types (like lithium or AGM batteries) cost more than standard chargers.

AutoZone frequently runs sales on chargers, especially during spring and fall when people prepare vehicles for seasonal changes. Buying during a sale can save you 20 to 40 percent. The store also offers a price-match may provide, so if you find the same charger cheaper elsewhere, AutoZone will match that price.

Where to find chargers in the store and online

In most AutoZone locations, battery chargers are in the battery and electrical section, usually near the batteries themselves. Jump starters and portable chargers are often displayed separately in a more visible area since they're popular impulse purchases. If you can't find what you're looking for, ask a staff member — they can show you what's in stock and order items that aren't.

You can also browse AutoZone's full charger selection on their website, read customer reviews, and check prices before you visit the store. The website shows you what's in stock at your local store and lets you order online for in-store pickup, which saves time if you know exactly what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AutoZone charger on a battery that's completely dead?

Yes, but a smart charger is better than a trickle charger for a completely dead battery. A trickle charger may take 24 hours or longer to bring a fully discharged battery back to life. A smart charger detects a dead battery and uses a higher initial charge rate to wake it up, then slows down as the battery fills. If the battery is so dead that the charger can't detect it, you may need a jump start first.

Do I need a special charger for a car battery versus a truck battery?

Most chargers work for both cars and trucks as long as they're both 12-volt systems, which covers the vast majority of vehicles. Larger trucks or RVs with 24-volt systems need a different charger. Check your vehicle's battery or owner's manual to confirm the voltage, then tell the AutoZone staff so they can point you to the right charger.

Can I leave a charger connected to my battery overnight?

It depends on the charger type. A smart charger is designed to be left connected overnight — it stops charging when the battery is full and switches to maintenance mode. A basic trickle charger can overcharge if left connected too long, so check the charger's instructions. Most trickle chargers should not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

What's the difference between a charger and a jump starter?

A charger slowly restores power to a dead battery over hours and is meant for home use. A jump starter is a portable battery pack that gives you enough power to start your engine when ready, then you drive to charge the battery properly. Jump starters are for emergencies; chargers are for regular maintenance and recovery.

Will AutoZone install a charger for me?

AutoZone does not install chargers. Chargers are tools you use yourself — you connect the cables to your battery terminals and plug the charger into a wall outlet. The process takes just a few minutes. AutoZone staff can show you how if you're unsure, and the charger's instructions include step-by-step directions.