Walmart or Costco Batteries

[GrumpyCat]

I know you don't want "facts", but this is still pretty important to know:

"Costco primarily sells Interstate Batteries for automobiles. These batteries are manufactured by Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls Power Solutions)".

"Walmart car batteries, known as EverStart, are primarily manufactured by Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls Power Solutions), East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide Technologies. Clarios is the largest supplier."

In short, it really doesn't matter.

It does matter because starter battery manufacturers build to whatever cost their customer specifies. Their customer (Walmart, Interstate, etc) bears the cost of warranty coverage for their brands.

Just because two brands share the same OEM does not mean their offerings are equivalent.

 

[f355spider]

It does matter because starter battery manufacturers build to whatever cost their customer specifies. Their customer (Walmart, Interstate, etc) bears the cost of warranty coverage for their brands.

Just because two brands share the same OEM does not mean their offerings are equivalent.

When comparing Walmart and Costco...at least on the west coast with Clarios, they are equivalent. The specifications, particularly with AGMs are identical, right down to the country of origin...meaning they are coming from the same factory. I see the "made in Korea" or "made in Germany" stickers in both stores. The German Clarios are all made by Varta. (note below the Costco Interstate had their "made in Korea" label placed over the "made in Germany" label...oops.)

 

[robbobster]

I prefer flooded, unless the application calls for AGM due mounting or vibration-type issues

 

[RaymondP]

Yeah, flooded is probably fine since that's what this car came with, but I feel like the electronics and heated seats and Starlink stuff drain so I'd like a battery that can tolerate being discharged overnight a little more. AGM might tolerate this better? I know a Red Top or X2 are probably even better for that kind of stuff.

But I've literally had a variety of Japanese vehicles in my life and batteries have always lasted more than 4 years before testing kinda weak. Even my current Toyota just went about 9 years before I preemptively replaced it due to lower voltage at rest and lower cranking amps.

If not already aware, AGM batteries require a different charging algorithm and will not operate with the longevity you would expect if the vehicle's charging system is not designed or reprogrammed to utilize an AGM battery.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

If not already aware, AGM batteries require a different charging algorithm and will not operate with the longevity you would expect if the vehicle's charging system is not designed or reprogrammed to utilize an AGM battery.

Agreed. My 13' CRV came with a flooded lead acid battery. Has that dual charging system nonsense to " cut back on drag and improve fuel economy", so I've read. When the OE battery pushed up daisies, I put in an AGM replacement. The vehicle didn't like it. I guess it keep it somewhat undercharged. Lasted about 2-1/2 years. Put back a flooded from Walmart. No problems 4 yrs later.

 

[Joe1]

I recently went with Walmart instead of Costco for an H5 AGM. The 4 year non-prorated warranty was the deciding factor.
I scheduled free installation on the Walmart app. They handled the old battery return credit seamlessly at the auto center. The warranty and all paperwork appears right inside the Walmart app. My serial number started with EP. East Penn seems to have a good reputation on this site.

 

[dfarr67]

I've paid the big bucks for 'brand', been disappointed every time. Now it's regular flooded witht he best warranty/price. And the biggist upsize that will fit even with minor mods.

 

[repairman54]

I've bought 2 WM platinum AGM's this month. H7 and a H6 for my daily drivers. Both EP made. Replaced a 3 yr old weak OEM AC battery and a 7 yr. old AZ battery that tested at 34%. Only AGM batteries for me when I can get one in the size I need.
I get over 10 yrs. out of powersport Yuasa AGM routinely and those snowmobile batteries mount sideways on their ends.
All my batteries are on BM maintainer / conditioners except the daily drivers. Odyssey AGM in my HD was installed in 2011 and was fine all last summer, haven't woken it up from storage yet this year. 2001 OEM HD battery was a EP made AGM and I only changed it back then as it was 10 yrs. old due to age not performance. And HD bike charging systems are not the best either.
WM 4 yr. warranty and availability can't be beat IMO. I put one in my standby generator also.
I've got 9 batteries in play currently.

 

[edyvw]

Walmart for me. I like the idea of no pro-rating. In my area in NY, they are mostly East Penn batteries. If the car calls for a flooded, I put a flooded back.

They pro rated warranty on failed battery in my Honda.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

They pro rated warranty on failed battery in my Honda.

Good to know that info, if I ever buy another Honda. I'm guessing most vehicle manufacturer's do the same. The Honda OEM battery was beyond the 5yr. warranty, so I just bought a new one from Walmart.

 

[edyvw]

Good to know that info, if I ever buy another Honda. I'm guessing most vehicle manufacturer's do the same. The Honda OEM battery was beyond the 5yr. warranty, so I just bought a new one from Walmart.

I am saying Walmart pro-rated.
The battery from Walmart failed after a year. Took it back, and they pro-rated the warranty on the new battery. New battery comes with a 3-year warranty, they took away a year from the replacement period.
My bet is always on Costco. While the manufacturer of the battery might be the same, the quality is not necessarily the same.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

I am saying Walmart pro-rated.
The battery from Walmart failed after a year. Took it back, and they pro-rated the warranty on the new battery. New battery comes with a 3-year warranty, they took away a year from the replacement period.
My bet is always on Costco. While the manufacturer of the battery might be the same, the quality is not necessarily the same.

Sorry, misunderstood the thread. IMO, Walmart shouldn't have pro-rated the battery, and leave you short 1 year. But, I guess that's their policy. Good to know that, thanks -)...Fortunately, I haven't had a Walmart battery fail within warranty,,,yet.....

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Fat finger mistake.

 

[PandaBear]

For my size Walmart has better warranty but cost 30% more than Costco. I don't expect mine to fail before the warranty so I bought from Costco as they are the same despite different label.

If you ever have a plan of not renewing Costco or buy for a person who would warranty it without you, I'd definitely rule out Costco.

 

[HowAboutThis]

If not already aware, AGM batteries require a different charging algorithm and will not operate with the longevity you would expect if the vehicle's charging system is not designed or reprogrammed to utilize an AGM battery.

Yeah, Internet folklore is to drive with your lights on (my wife always does) and it kicks the alternator out of gas saving mode. Not sure if it's true or not. But kinda makes sense. So given she drives it with headlights on (not just DRL), I think an AGM should get plenty of current? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Yeah, Internet folklore is to drive with your lights on (my wife always does) and it kicks the alternator out of gas saving mode. Not sure if it's true or not. But kinda makes sense. So given she drives it with headlights on (not just DRL), I think an AGM should get plenty of current? Correct me if I'm wrong.

That " folklore" applies to my 13' Honda CRV. It has an idiot light, but no ammeter. So, I bought one of those 12 volt outlet adapter's that has an LED ammeter off of Amazon. Sure enough, if there is no draw on the electronics, ( headlights, defrosters, air conditioning, etc), it maintains 12.3 volts. That's with the daytime driving lights on. As soon as you turn on regular headlights, it kicks up to 14.2 volts.

 

[GrumpyCat]

When comparing Walmart and Costco...at least on the west coast with Clarios, they are equivalent. The specifications, particularly with AGMs are identical, right down to the country of origin...meaning they are coming from the same factory. I see the "made in Korea" or "made in Germany" stickers in both stores. The German Clarios are all made by Varta. (note below the Costco Interstate had their "made in Korea" label placed over the "made in Germany" label...oops.)

View attachment 334506

View attachment 334507

You exactly misunderstood my post.

I said Clarios batteries made in the same factory are only as good as the brand name wishes to pay for. You know nothing of plate spacing or alloy.

Battery manufacturers will build junk for your brand if that is all you are willing to pay for. Is your brand paying for your customer’s warranty coverage not the manufacturer.

 

[SC Maintenance]

If not already aware, AGM batteries require a different charging algorithm and will not operate with the longevity you would expect if the vehicle's charging system is not designed or reprogrammed to utilize an AGM battery.

I think this is old data. Either it was always a wives tail or the figured out how to formulate an AGM to work everywhere. I stuffed one in my 2011 Nissan definately nothing special and 2.5 years later its still testing very well.

I don't think Walmart would sell a 4 year warranty AGM if there was going to be a bunch of issues.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You exactly misunderstood my post.

I said Clarios batteries made in the same factory are only as good as the brand name wishes to pay for. You know nothing of plate spacing or alloy.

Battery manufacturers will build junk for your brand if that is all you are willing to pay for. Is your brand paying for your customer’s warranty coverage not the manufacturer.

I think we all understand what your saying, but if the battery is the same size with all identical specs, its doubtful its any different. If the plate spacing was different as you mentioned then you would get different CCA for example.

I am pretty sure in this case they were the same. Economies of scale would dictate if they wanted the cheapest option then they all take the same one with a different sticker.

 

[GrumpyCat]

I think we all understand what your saying, but if the battery is the same size with all identical specs, its doubtful its any different.

Oh, you doubt there is a difference. So they must be the same.

If the plate spacing was different as you mentioned then you would get different CCA for example.

Right! Brands never lie about CCA.

I am pretty sure in this case they were the same.

“Pretty sure.”

Economies of scale would dictate if they wanted the cheapest option then they all take the same one with a different sticker.

Not at all. Battery manufacturers easily put different components in the same package.

Next you’ll tell me a Yokohama tire made exclusively for Discount Tire is exactly the same as one Yokohama sells to all. “Economy of scale” says it must be!