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6 August 2025 (updated) Car Battery Warranty Guide | What’s Covered & How to Check Coverage
Wondering if your car battery is still under warranty? This quick guide covers what’s typically included in a car battery warranty, how to check your coverage, and what steps to take if your battery fails. Stay informed and avoid unexpected costs with this comprehensive warranty guide.
Is a car battery covered under warranty?
Some car batteries are covered under warranty, but this depends on the type of warranty and the reason for the failure. Most manufacturer or retailer warranties last between 2 to 5 years and cover defects in materials or production, such as faulty cells, internal short circuits, or poor construction.
If your battery fails due to a verified manufacturing fault within this period, you may be eligible for a free replacement. However, batteries are typically classified as “wear and tear” items, which means they degrade naturally over time and are not always covered under extended or used-car warranties.
Coverage exclusions often include misuse, neglect, physical damage, overcharging, undercharging, or transferring the battery to another vehicle. New car warranties, such as bumper-to-bumper coverage, may include the battery for a limited term, which is normally around 3 years or 36,000 miles. To make a claim, you’ll need proof of purchase and the battery must be tested. If no defect is found, you may be responsible for the replacement costs.
How much warranty do you get on a car battery?
Most car batteries come with a warranty of 2 to 5 years, depending on the brand, battery type, and supplier. This warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and poor quality, but not wear or damage caused by misuse or poor maintenance. Some high-end or premium batteries may even offer warranties of up to 7 years. To maintain eligibility, the battery usually must remain in the original vehicle and be properly installed and maintained.
It’s important to note that electric vehicle (EV) batteries have different warranty terms, often 8 to 10 years or 100,000 miles, due to their higher cost, complexity, and importance compared to standard 12V car batteries.
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What a car battery warranty covers
A standard car battery warranty typically covers defects in materials or workmanship that lead to battery failure within the warranty period. It does not cover damage caused by the user or during installation.
Here’s what a typical car battery warranty covers:
- Manufacturing defects, such as faulty cells or internal short circuits
- Premature failure due to poor construction or design flaws
- Battery case defects, like cracks or leaks caused during production
- Failure to hold charge resulting from factory-related issues
- Replacement or pro-rata refund, depending on how long the battery has been in use
If a valid defect is confirmed, you may receive a full replacement or partial credit toward a new car battery, depending on the warranty terms. Always check documentation for specific coverage details.
What a car battery warranty doesn't cover
A car battery warranty will not cover issues caused by factors that the consumer is responsible for. These exclusions are important to understand, as they can void your warranty and leave you paying the replacement costs.
Here’s what a standard car battery warranty doesn’t cover:
- Normal wear and tear from age or regular use
- Damage from improper installation or incorrect sizing
Note: Stop-Start batteries must be installed by a professional - Misuse or neglect, such as leaving the lights on or allowing the battery to fully discharge
- Overcharging or undercharging caused by faulty vehicle electrical systems
- Physical damage, including cracks, leaks, or corrosion not related to manufacturing
Note: make sure to store the battery in a clean, dry place that is not exposed to direct sunlight. - Use in the wrong vehicle or transferring the battery to another car
- Lack of maintenance, like failing to clean terminals or check fluid levels (in serviceable batteries)
Always read the warranty terms carefully and follow proper usage guidelines to ensure your warranty remains valid.
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How to check if a car battery is under warranty
To check if your car battery is still under warranty, start by looking through your original purchase receipt for the date of purchase and warranty terms. Most warranties begin on the purchase date, so confirming this timeline is essential. If you don’t have the receipt, look for a warranty label or date code on the battery casing as this typically shows the manufacturing date (month and year), which can help estimate how long you have left on your warranty.
You can also contact the retailer or dealer who you bought the battery from. Providing the serial number or any identifiable markings can help them check the warranty status in their system.If the battery came with a new vehicle, it may be covered under the manufacturer’s original warranty or maintenance plan. Check your vehicle’s warranty booklet or owner's manual for details.
A useful video on this topic:
How to choose the right battery for your car
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