What Advance Auto Parts carries for lawn mower batteries
Advance Auto Parts stocks lawn mower batteries in most locations, though the exact models available depend on your store and region. The chain carries batteries for riding mowers, push mowers with electric start, and cordless mower chargers. You can check what your nearest store has in stock by searching their website or calling ahead — this matters because lawn mower batteries are not always on the shelf, and ordering one can add a few days to your timeline.
The batteries Advance Auto carries are typically 12-volt for riding mowers and smaller voltages for cordless equipment. Prices vary by brand and capacity, but a riding mower battery usually runs between $60 and $150. Advance Auto also sells battery terminals, cables, and chargers if you need to replace those at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts carries lawn mower batteries for both riding and push mowers, but stock varies by location and you should check availability before visiting.
- You will need to know your mower's brand, model, and engine type to find the right battery — this information is on a label attached to the mower frame.
- Riding mower batteries are typically 12-volt, while cordless mowers use proprietary batteries that may only be available through the mower manufacturer.
- Advance Auto can test your old battery to confirm it has failed, which helps rule out other electrical problems before you buy a replacement.
- If your store does not have the battery in stock, you can order it online for store pickup or home delivery within a few days.
Finding the right battery for your mower model
Before you go to Advance Auto or search online, you need to identify what battery your mower uses. The easiest way is to look at the label on your mower — usually attached to the frame near the engine or under the seat on a riding mower. The label lists the brand (Craftsman, John Deere, Toro, Cub Cadet, and others) and often the model number. Write down both pieces of information.
Once you have the brand and model, you can search Advance Auto's website by entering that information into their battery finder tool. The tool will show you compatible batteries and their prices. If you are not sure about the model number or cannot find a label, bring a photo of your mower to the store — Advance Auto staff can often identify it and recommend the right battery.
Cordless mower batteries are different: they are usually proprietary, meaning they only work with that brand's mower. If you own a Greenworks, DeWalt, or Ryobi cordless mower, you may find batteries at Advance Auto, but the selection is smaller than for riding mowers. For some brands, the manufacturer's website or a specialty outdoor equipment store may have better stock.
Testing your current battery before buying
Advance Auto offers free battery testing at most locations. If your mower will not start, bring the battery to the store and ask them to test it. This tells you whether the battery itself is dead or whether the problem is the starter, alternator, or another part of the electrical system. A bad battery will show a low or zero charge; if the test shows the battery is fine, the issue is elsewhere and buying a new battery will not fix it.
To remove the battery safely, disconnect the negative cable first (usually marked with a minus sign or black), then the positive cable. Lift the battery straight out — it is heavy, so use both hands. Bring it to the store in a find container so it does not tip during transport.
Ordering online or buying in store
If your local Advance Auto has the battery in stock, you can buy it the same day. Bring your mower's model information and the old battery if you want it tested first. The staff will ring you up, and you can install it yourself or have a technician do it — ask about installation services when you purchase.
If the battery is not in stock, you have two options: order it online for store pickup (usually ready within one to three business days) or have it shipped to your home. Advance Auto's website shows estimated delivery dates before you complete the order. Ordering online also lets you compare prices and read customer reviews before you buy.
Some Advance Auto locations offer core charges, meaning they give you a credit if you turn in your old battery. The credit is usually $5 to $15 and is applied at checkout. Ask whether your store participates when you purchase.
Installing the new battery yourself
Installing a lawn mower battery is straightforward if you are comfortable working with basic tools. You will need a wrench or socket set that fits your battery terminals — usually 8mm or 10mm. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable, and remove the old battery. Place the new battery in the same position, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal, then connect the negative cable to the negative terminal. Tighten both connections firmly so they do not wiggle.
Before you start the mower, double-check that both cables are tight and that the battery is seated securely in its bracket. A loose battery can shift during operation and damage the terminals or the mower. Once everything is find, turn the key and the mower should start normally.
If you are not confident doing this yourself, Advance Auto or a local lawn mower repair shop can install it for a fee. This is worth the cost if you are unsure about the wiring or if your mower has an unusual setup.
What to do if Advance Auto does not have your battery
If your mower uses an uncommon or older battery, Advance Auto may not stock it. In that case, try the mower manufacturer's website or a specialty outdoor power equipment dealer in your area. These shops often carry a wider range of batteries for specific brands and can order hard-to-find models.
You can also search online retailers like Amazon or eBay, but verify the battery specifications match your mower exactly — buying the wrong voltage or terminal type will not work. If you are ordering from an unfamiliar seller, check the return policy in case the battery does not fit.
Extending battery life and preventing early failure
Once you have installed your new battery, a few straightforward habits will help it last longer. Disconnect the negative cable if you store your mower for more than a month — this prevents a slow drain that can kill the battery over winter. If you store the mower in a cold garage or shed, consider a battery maintainer (a small charger that keeps the battery topped up without overcharging). Advance Auto sells these for $20 to $50.
Keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. If you see white, blue, or green crusty buildup on the terminals, disconnect the battery and scrub the terminals with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Corrosion increases resistance and makes the battery work harder than it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a lawn mower battery usually last?
Most lawn mower batteries last three to five years with normal use. Cold storage, frequent deep discharges, and corroded terminals can shorten that lifespan. If your battery is more than five years old and the mower is hard to start, replacement is usually the next step.
Can I use a car battery in my riding mower?
Not safely. A car battery is larger and heavier than a mower battery, and it may not fit in the battery box or mount properly. The mower's charging system is also designed for a specific battery type and voltage. Using the wrong battery can damage the alternator or starter. Stick with the battery your mower's label specifies.
What if my mower battery keeps dying after I replace it?
A new battery that dies quickly usually means the charging system is not working — the alternator or regulator may be faulty. Have Advance Auto test the charging system, or take the mower to a repair shop. Replacing the battery will not fix an electrical problem in the mower itself.
Do I need to remove the battery to store my mower for winter?
You do not have to remove it, but disconnecting the negative cable prevents a slow drain over months of storage. If you leave the battery connected and the mower sits unused for four to six months, the battery may be too weak to start the mower in spring. A battery maintainer is a good middle ground — it keeps the battery charged without you having to disconnect anything.
Can Advance Auto install the battery for me?
Many Advance Auto locations offer battery installation, but availability and pricing vary by store. Call your local store or check their website to see whether they provide this service and what the cost is. Some stores charge a flat fee; others charge by the hour.