Where to buy car battery

[Insomniator]

What is everyones favorite place to buy car batteries? I need a new one for my Camry (was able to jump start but car still died after ~5 minutes). Strauss, Costco, Walmart etc..?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I just got mine at Pepboys. Unless you have some special requirements. aka: hard core offroading or you have more speakers than Lallapolooza just get what warranty you really want.

 

[exar333]

Sears has some pretty good deals, depending on the sale. They often also just let you drive right in, and they will install the new batteryand dispose of the old battery for free, and then you are ready to go in 15-20 minutes (usually enough time to wander around for a bit). I have had great expereiences with them doing free battery/alternator tests, and even replacing batteries purchased from them, free of charge, if they are not working correctly.

Others' experiences may differ, but I actually have been impressed. I would not say the same thing about their standard service center, but the battery install/check service area has been excellent.

Edit: SP

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

If your car dies 5 minutes after it was jumped it could be your alternator about to go out. Once the car is running the battery doesn't do much of anything.

 

[MovingTarget]

I'd just go to Autozone or Advance Auto Parts or whatever the nearest chain is. One of them has to be running a sale. Of course, if you really wanted to prove you could wrench, try modding your vehicle installing a manual crank...

 

[LTC8K6]

This is most likely your alternator.

It could be a rare battery problem like a shorted battery, but that is less likely.

Most likely the jump start charged the battery enough to run the ignition for a few minutes and the alternator is not doing anything.

 

[Titan]

Surprisingly, wal-mart everstart batteries are good and a good deal. Just bring the dead one in for a core when you go.

 

[Vette73]

Test Alt first. If good then go to Costco, advance, AZ, etc...

Not many battery makers left so I usually buy on price/warranty.

 

[Insomniator]

Any easy way to test the alt?

My mechanic of.. forever on the phone said right away it is the battery... that the alternator can't do it all alone if the battery is completely dead.

 

[ChaosDivine]

Drive your car down to AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts. They'll be able to do a decent test of your alternator and battery for free.

 

[BATCH71]

I just went throught this scenario.

Lights dimmed. Truck dies.

Got a jump. Warmed up truck 2 minutes. Lights dimmed, Truck dies.

Alternator is dead.

New alternator installed.

Charged battery

Happy motorist agian

Dave

 

[zerocool84]

I have a Duralast battery. They have always been good quality and are not expensive either. Works great on my SRT. Go to Autozone and get one or just go to Costco or Walmart if you really want one on the cheap.