Walmart will install a car battery you buy from them, but not one you bring in from somewhere else

Walmart's tire and battery centers offer installation for batteries purchased at their store. A technician will remove your old battery, install the new one, and dispose of the old one — usually at no extra charge beyond the battery price. The service is available at most Walmart locations with an automotive department, though you should call ahead to confirm your store offers it and to ask about wait times.

If you already own a battery and want Walmart to install it, they will not do that work. Walmart's policy is to install only batteries sold through Walmart. If you have a battery from another retailer or supplier, you will need to take it to that retailer, an independent mechanic, or an auto parts chain that offers installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart installs batteries only if you purchase them from Walmart; they do not install batteries from other retailers.
  • Installation is typically included in the battery price with no separate labor charge.
  • You can buy a battery online and pick it up in-store, then have it installed the same day at many locations.
  • Call your local Walmart automotive department before you go to confirm they have your battery size in stock and to check current wait times.
  • If Walmart cannot install your battery, auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA will install batteries they sell, and some will install batteries you already own for a fee.

How to buy and install a battery at Walmart

Start by finding your battery size and type. You can look in your vehicle's owner manual, check under the hood for the existing battery label, or use Walmart's online battery finder tool on their website. Once you know what you need, you can buy in-store or order online for in-store pickup.

If you order online, Walmart will hold the battery at the store for pickup. When you arrive, bring your vehicle keys and let the automotive department know you want installation. A technician will move your car into the service bay, disconnect the old battery, install the new one, and reconnect the terminals. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Walmart accepts the old battery as a core return, meaning they take it for recycling. Some Walmart locations charge a core fee (usually $5 to $15) if you do not return the old battery, but this is waived when they remove and recycle it during installation.

What information you need before you go

Bring your vehicle keys and have your car parked and ready. The technician will need access to your vehicle to complete the work. You do not need to bring paperwork or proof of purchase if you are buying and installing on the same day.

If you are installing a battery you bought previously, bring your receipt. Walmart's warranty on batteries typically runs three to five years depending on the battery type, and the receipt proves when you purchased it if you ever need to make a warranty claim.

Walmart battery prices and warranty

Walmart's battery prices vary by type and size. Standard lead-acid batteries typically cost between $50 and $100, while premium or specialty batteries may cost more. Prices change based on the battery's cold cranking amps (CCA) rating and whether it is a standard flooded battery or an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery.

Most Walmart batteries come with a warranty that covers defects for three to five years from the purchase date. Some batteries include a free replacement period of one to three years if the battery fails. Read the warranty details on the package or ask the associate before you buy, since warranty terms differ by battery model.

When Walmart cannot install your battery

Walmart will not install a battery if you did not buy it from them. They also may not be able to install batteries for certain specialty vehicles, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, if your local store lacks the equipment or training. Call ahead to ask whether your vehicle type is supported.

If your store cannot help, auto parts retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts will install batteries they sell. Some of these retailers will also install a battery you already own for a labor fee, usually between $10 and $20. Independent mechanics and dealerships are another option, though they typically charge more for labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Walmart battery installation take?

Installation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, but wait times depend on how busy the automotive department is. Call your store before you go to ask about current wait times, especially during busy seasons like winter or summer.

Can I buy a battery online and have it installed at the store?

Yes. Order online for in-store pickup, then bring your vehicle keys when you pick it up. Let the automotive department know you want installation, and they will install it while you wait or schedule a time that works for you.

What if my battery is still under warranty and stops working?

Bring the battery and your receipt to Walmart. If the battery is within the warranty period and the failure is due to a defect, Walmart will replace it. Some warranties cover the full replacement cost; others require a prorated charge based on how long you have owned it.

Does Walmart install batteries for trucks and SUVs?

Yes, Walmart installs batteries for most trucks and SUVs as long as your local store carries the correct size and type. Specialty vehicles like hybrids or electric vehicles may not be supported at all locations, so call ahead to confirm.

What happens to my old battery?

Walmart recycles it. The old battery is removed during installation and taken for proper recycling. You do not need to dispose of it yourself, and you will not be charged a core fee when the store removes and recycles it.