What brand are Kirkland batteries?
There is quite an extensive line of products that carry the Kirkland brand name, including Kirkland batteries, which most people simply call Costco batteries. Kirkland is Costco’s signature brand and entails an extensive product line of nearly everything imaginable. Essentially, Kirkland is Costco’s generic option for high-priced items.
You can find a Kirkland branded product for any item sold at Costco. Costco negotiates a branding agreement with other companies, and those companies make the product, but it bears the Kirkland label. Typically, the company that makes Kirkland is also making their own branded products for Costco.
And for years, the internet was dripping with the question; which makes Kirkland batteries? With numerous rumor mills at work, they were all put to rest in 2016. During an Atlanta-based TV station interview, Costco CEO Craig Jelinek revealed the incredible secret behind Kirkland batteries.
What company makes Kirkland batteries?
Among the many big-name brands behind the Kirkland line of products, the company name that makes most Kirkland batteries stole the show. That’s right! Most Kirkland batteries are Duracell batteries.
The line of Costco Kirkland batteries is pervasive, and Duracell makes most of their alkaline batteries, such as the Kirkland aa batteries, aaa batteries, and even Kirkland hearing aid batteries.
But what about the once prevalent Kirkland automotive batteries? Though Duracell makes automotive batteries, they only made Costco’s alkaline batteries, not the car battery.
Who makes Kirkland car batteries?
Duracell batteries are commonly known as one of the best battery brands for all and any battery type needed to power home electronics and other such items.
While most of Costco’s batteries are made by Duracell, they did not make one of Costco’s most popular batteries, the automotive battery. The answer to that question was another industry leader; Johnson Controls.
Johnson Controls was the original company that made Kirkland automotive batteries. At the time, virtually all car batteries in the United States were made by Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls was the most prominent automotive battery maker in the world.
So, ironically, most of the batteries sold anywhere and under any name were most likely made by Johnson Controls. However, in 2018, the company’s battery division was sold to Brookfield Business Partners, who then incorporated it into their battery division, Clarios LLC.
Clarios LLC is world-renowned in their own right for making quality batteries as they also make brands such as Optima batteries and the DieHard automotive battery. From 2019 and up to late 2021, when Costco and Clarios LLC discontinued the Kirkland car battery, Clarios LLC was the company making and behind Kirkland car batteries.
Where are they made?
Though the Kirkland automotive battery is no longer in production, and Costco has an international presence, it could have been made at Clarios manufacturing plants. Though most, if not all, were likely made at one of their three plants based around the United States.
Clarios LLC operates and houses its automotive battery manufacturing process worldwide in these countries and cities.
Currently, Clarios LLC makes car batteries in :
- 17 US factories; including:
- Missouri
- Michigan
- Ohio
- North Carolina
Kirkland car battery review
In its heyday, the Kirkland car battery was trendy and received an impressive amount of positive reviews that it was a perfect battery.
Battery price
As far as how much Kirkland automotive batteries used to cost, that depended on the specific battery you were buying. Regardless though, every battery model was priced well under the competition.
The average cost of Kirkland automotive batteries was approximately 77.00.
Even by today’s standards, that was an excellent price. Then, when you consider Costco’s warranty and the fact that the batteries typically had a life of nearly six years, it is easy to see why they were so popular.
Battery performance
These batteries were considered one of the best batteries on the market, not only for price and support but also for performance. They were built with first-rate specifications.
Both Johnson Controls and Clarios LLC combined top-notched technology with superior components to create high-quality batteries. It was consistently reported that these batteries outperformed most others on the market.
Battery warranty
When Costco sold Kirkland automotive batteries, all the Costco car batteries came with at least a limited 36-month replacement warranty. However, the Kirkland car battery came with a warranty of 3 years with complete replacement and a 100-month prorated limited warranty.
A Kirkland car battery generally lasts a minimum of 4 years and eight months, but many reviews state the batteries have lasted a full six years.
Customer support
Costco provides incredible customer support for every product they sell, not only their car batteries. The warranty on these batteries provided a free replacement if necessary. But even if you no longer had the receipt for the original purchase, it was not a problem.
You could still get a new battery as a replacement via the warranty by simply taking the old battery back to the store. There were no questions asked about the missing receipt.
In addition to the no questions asked replacement policy, if you wanted to return the old battery for a new replacement, you simply had to bring the old one into the store and tell them you wanted a new one.
The workers at the front counter simply took the old batteries and provided you with what you wanted. They did not even check the old batteries to see if they were no longer any good. Among the excellent quality that the Kirkland product line provides, the Costco customer service is second to none.
Is Costco A Good Place To Buy Car Batteries?
Costco is among the most incredible locations to purchase a car battery. Costco consistently attempts to provide the best value for its consumers by selling batteries at affordable pricing. Costco offers Interstate-brand car batteries at affordable pricing but does not offer auto battery installation. While Costco is a famous destination for petrol (if you’re a member) and most locations include tire shops, its auto services are limited to gas and tires.
Since Costco sells car batteries, it may still be a viable alternative, provided your vehicle is in excellent enough condition to get you to the store. You can contact your local Costco to ensure it carries the correct battery size for your car.
Costco offers a limited guarantee on Interstate batteries; Costco will restore or refund a portion of the purchase price if your battery dies within the warranty term. Costco provides interstate batteries to vehicles other than automobiles, including golf carts, boats, motorbikes, and all-terrain cars.
In addition, as a Costco member, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on some parts and services at non-Costco service locations that participate in Costco’s Auto Program. over, Costco accepts used batteries. When purchasing a battery from Costco, you will be charged a refundable fee. Bringing your old battery to them and allowing them to destroy or recycle it correctly will enable you to receive a refund.
Costco can still assist you if you seek a repair shop to install your battery. Costco‘s Auto Program is available to guide you on the correct route.
Does Costco Offer A Warranty On Car Batteries?
When you buy batteries at Costco, you do receive a limited warranty. The guarantee period may vary based on the type of battery you buy. Typically, you can receive a free replacement or complete refund if the battery dies before the end of the specified warranty period or is shown to be otherwise defective during that time frame. What usually is available depends on what happened, how long you’ve owned the battery, and the warranty terms.
The first alternative is to research car batteries on the Costco webpage. On the website, there are several places where you may enter precise information about your vehicle (make, model, year, engine type, etc.).
Costco can then decide whether a car battery is available to buy at a nearby location. If there are no car batteries available at the Costco location closest to you, you can use an alternative zip code to look for the battery you need at other stores. You may be fascinated by Costco’s oil change service (which has been discontinued), battery core charging, and car leasing programs for further car-related services.
Interstate Batteries That are Available at Costco
Costco offers two primary varieties of Interstate batteries, including;
Standard Flooded Battery
Standard Flooded Batteries are the most popular form of a car battery. This sort of car battery is ideal for vehicles with basic electrical requirements. Standard Flooded Batteries are renowned for their longevity, typically lasting clients for decades.
It is primarily due to the battery’s robust circuits and free-flowing liquid architecture. In addition, this type is sealed, requiring no maintenance on the car’s owner. This design’s lack of upkeep has maintained a prominent selling point among consumers.
Usually, this is the least expensive sort of automobile battery you can buy from Costco. Nonetheless, it is assured to provide reliable starting power. This battery is also suitable for various climates. Standard Flooded Batteries have a significantly shorter lifespan when compared to more modern automobile battery technologies.
Absorbed Glass Mat Battery
AGM batteries are among the most modern forms of car batteries. This sort of car battery was created to provide optimal performance for high-end vehicles with more significant power requirements. As stated previously, ordinary flooded batteries are more suitable for cars with standard electrical requirements.
Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries excel in delivering higher starting power and increased power when the engine is off. But, these batteries are more expensive than their flooded liquid counterparts due to their improved capability.
AGM batteries typically cost twice or three times as much as their flooded counterparts. However, this cost increase may be required for drivers of automobiles that require more power. When purchasing a car battery at Costco, you are assured of fair pricing. Continue reading as we discuss Costco’s car battery prices!
Replacing Your Own Car Battery
Replacing a car battery yourself might sound daunting especially if you are new to vehicle maintenance in general, but it can be a very simple process.
In fact, it will only take you a few minutes and needs only one or two basic tools. You won’t need to invest in a fancy tool kit or drill to get the job done.
With just 10 easy steps, you can replace your own battery.
- Ensure your vehicle is in park and the engine is turned off. If you are parked on an incline, be sure to use your emergency brake and wheel chocks for added safety.
- Open your hood and locate the battery. It is normally in the front left or right corner near the headlights, but may be elsewhere. It’s hard to miss, regardless of its location.
- Identify which side is the positive terminal and which is the negative. The positive terminal will have a plus sign and a red cap or cord leading to it. The negative side will have a minus sign and a black cap or cord.
- Use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the terminal of the negative or black side first. It should only take you a minute to locate the right size wrench for the bolt you need to loosen.
- Repeat the above step on the positive or red side of the terminal. Push the two cords away from the battery to prevent sparks while you are removing it from the vehicle.
- Carefully lift the battery up and out of the vehicle. Be aware, the battery may be heavy and can weigh up to 50 pounds. If the battery has a handle, be sure to use it to make this process easier.
- Check the terminal caps for corrosion. If you see any green coloring or white crystals on the terminals, now is the perfect time to clean them so this corrosion does not spread to your new battery. You can use a thick bristle brush or a terminal cleaning solution to do this.
- Place the new battery in the same spot you removed the old battery from. Ensure the red and black terminal posts are aligned in the same way the old battery was.
- Connect the terminals to the new battery. Attach the positive or red side first, then move to the negative or black side. Ensure the bolts are tight so your vehicle gets a solid connection to the battery.
- You’re done! Close the hood and test the connection by turning your vehicle on.
Keep in mind that car batteries include toxic chemicals and acids inside them, so they must be disposed of in very specific ways.
You can return your old battery to your local Costco, or any other vehicle shop as well. They have the means for proper and safe disposal of these items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Costco car batteries include a warranty?
Costco batteries are covered by two warranties; one from Costco themselves which depends on the specific store you go to, and one from the battery manufacturer. In most cases, the warranty from the manufacturer will last from 1 to 5 years.
If your battery stops holding a charge within the warranty time, you can return it to Costco for an exchange or a refund.
Are Costco car batteries a good deal?
In short, yes! Costco offers a huge range of battery types and sizes for all kinds of passenger and recreational vehicles. You will not easily find another retail establishment that offers batteries at such competitive prices.
Do I need a membership to buy a Costco car battery?
Costco only sells batteries to members, so you will need a membership card. Membership is easy to sign up for and helps Costco track your purchases so they know which items are in demand. Having a membership also entitles you to various additional in-store and seasonal discounts.
How long should a car battery last?
Depending on the brand and type of battery, 3 to 5 years of use is not uncommon. However, this time span may be shortened depending on your daily drivetime, temperature extremes in your area, or a faulty electrical system in your vehicle.
Does Costco take your old car battery?
Yes, Costco encourages you to return your old battery to their stores for proper and safe disposal. When you purchase a new battery from Costco, you are charged a core fee which can be around 10 dollars. If you bring in your old battery when you purchase a new one, this fee will be waived.
The Best Place To Buy a Car Battery
Team Clark is adamant that we will never write content influenced by or paid for by an advertiser. To support our work, we do make money from some links to companies and deals on our site. Learn more about our guarantee here.
Finding yourself in need of a new car battery can be frustrating, so knowing ahead of time where to shop for the best price can be a big help.
In this article, I’ll take a close look at a few of the best places to buy car batteries. You’ll find and information for Advance Auto Parts, Costco and NAPA among others. I visited each of the stores’ websites to see current on car batteries, the length of warranties and whether the installation is included in the purchase price.
This article was updated in July 2023 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
Where To Buy a Car Battery
When it comes to deciding where to buy a car battery, there are a few things to keep in mind: Make sure that you’re shopping for the right size battery, be sure to compare prices, familiarize yourself with the warranty and see if the installation is included. You should also take the time to check the ratings and reliability (Consumer Reports subscription required) of a certain brand or battery model before buying.
If you do all those things, you’ll likely find the best deals on car batteries at a store near you instead of at online retailers. On top of great prices, you’ll also typically find longer warranties (compared to online stores) and free installation.
I’ve found that Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Advance Auto Parts are great places to buy car battery. AutoZone and NAPA are also worth checking out!
Below, you’ll find more detailed information on these retailers including where to find the best price.
The Top 6 Places To Buy a Car Battery
To see where I could get the best overall deal, I compared the prices, warranties and installation fees for similar lead-acid 24/24F car batteries. This size battery fits several Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota models including the car I drive.
Here’s what I found in July 202 3.
Warranties may vary based on the original date of purchase.
As you can see, you’ll have access to low prices, reliable warranties and free installation at stores you can visit in person.
Overall, I found the lowest overall price at Costco. However, Costco doesn’t offer installation, which means I’d either have to install it myself or pay to have it installed somewhere else. But Walmart will install car battery, no matter where you buy it for only 15.
Walmart offered the second-lowest price including free installation and a great warranty. Plus, you can use your Walmart rewards card to get 5% cash back by ordering the car battery online.
Sam’s Club offered the next-best deal. followed by NAPA, Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone.
You can also find a wide variety of car batteries at Amazon for reasonable prices, but you won’t get the best deal. The warranties vary by battery, and in many cases, they aren’t valid because you’re buying through Amazon instead of a dealer certified by the manufacturer. And of course, installation is not included.
For the best overall deal, be sure to check out these top six places to buy a car battery.
Costco
If you’re a Costco member, you won’t be surprised to hear that this is where you’ll find some of the lowest on quality car batteries. Costco carries only Interstate Batteries. which are highly rated in several sizes and models by Consumer Reports (subscription required).
While you can’t order a car battery online from Costco, you can use the store’s online battery finder to see which batteries will fit your car and how much they cost. From there, you can visit your nearest Costco to make your purchase.
Costco offers a 36-month limited warranty on most batteries. but unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your battery installed here. Again, keep in mind that Walmart offers installation for batteries bought elsewhere for only 15. That still means you’ll most likely be saving big with this purchase compared to the at stores with free installation.
Walmart
Based on my research, Walmart offered some of the lowest in addition to great warranties and free installation if you buy your battery from the same location. Be sure to make your purchase online and use your Walmart rewards card for an additional 5% cash back.
You’ll mostly see EverStart car batteries at Walmart. That brand has several models that get high ratings from Consumer Reports. EverStart Value automotive batteries are available from 69.74 and up.
To get started, visit the website and enter your car make, model and year. This will filter your results by batteries that will fit. From there, you can browse the selection and order the battery online to be picked up in-store nearby.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is great place to find car batteries at a good price, but of course, you have to be a member. The warehouse carries Duracell brand batteries, which Consumer Reports labeled “CR Recommended” options in several categories.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Costco or Sam’s Club member, you’ll likely find the best deals on car batteries at your favorite warehouse store. If not, Walmart is a great place to shop for car batteries. All three retailers offer three-year warranties, and the latter two offer free installation.
Additionally, you can find some of the lowest total on car batteries at Advance Auto Parts if you use promo codes. Also, remember to collect your 22 refundable core charge.
Finally, be sure to check AutoZone, NAPA for other competitive and free installation. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, feel free to check out the wide variety available on Amazon. Just be mindful of warranty information and have a plan for installation.
No matter where you decide to make your final purchase, be sure to comparison shop so that you know you’re getting the best, most current deal.
Have you shopped for a battery at any of the places listed? Did we miss a deal? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!
- July 9, 2023: Updated battery pricing across all retailers
- July 9, 2023: Updated Consumer Reports rankings and recommendations