Yes, you can return a car battery to AutoZone, but the policy differs based on your reason for the return and how long you've had it. For a standard purchase return, you typically have 90 days with a receipt for a full refund. If you're returning a battery under its warranty, the process is different and involves a pro-rated credit based on the battery's age. The most critical thing to bring is your original receipt and a valid photo ID.
The process is generally straightforward. You'll need to bring the battery, the receipt, and your ID to the store. The associate will process the return. A key point many people forget is the core charge. This is a refundable deposit you paid when buying the new battery, meant to incentivize the recycling of the old one. To get this core charge back, you must return your old, dead battery. If you're returning the new battery itself, you'll get the core charge refunded as long as you provide the old core.
There are some important exceptions. Batteries purchased as part of a special order may have different return rules. After the 90-day return window, you typically cannot get a cash refund but must handle the issue through the manufacturer's warranty. Items bought online can often be returned in-store, but it's best to check the specific online purchase policy first.
| Return Scenario | Time Frame | Required Items | Refund Type | Core Charge Handling |
|---|
| Change of Mind / Wrong Purchase | 90 days | New Battery, Original Receipt, Photo ID | Full Refund | Refunded if old core is returned |
| Defective Battery (In Warranty) | Varies by Warranty Length | New & Old Battery, Receipt, Photo ID | Pro-rated Credit/Exchange | N/A (Part of warranty process) |
| Returning Old Battery for Core | No Time Limit | Old Battery Only | Core Charge Refund | This is the purpose of the return |
| Online Purchase Return | Typically 90 days | New Battery, Packing Slip/Order Confirmation | Varies (In-store credit common) | Refunded if old core is returned |
My best advice is to always keep your receipt in your glove compartment and bring both the new and old battery to the store to simplify the process.
