“There’s no way…”
One way that you can extend the life of your vehicle is by buying parts with warranties—then actually using the warranty.
While this may sound simple enough, many customers aren’t actually aware of the fact that what they’ve bought is under warranty. Alternatively, they may know that their product is under warranty but don’t end up actually taking advantage of their warranties.
For example, one 2019 study found that 53% of respondents were unaware of which components their car’s extended warranty would cover in the event of a breakdown or electrical failure.
But, if one actually manages to use their warranties to their advantage, they can massively extend their car’s lifespan. One woman famously kept her 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente alive for 43 years by buying only warrantied parts and using those warranties to the fullest extent.
That said, actually getting companies to honor these warranties can be a headache. One man discovered this firsthand after trying to take advantage of a warranty at Walmart.
In a video with over 51,000 views, TikTok user Ryan (@zooguyryan) claims that he recently tried to utilize a three-year warranty on an Everstart battery he bought two years ago from Walmart. However, he says he quickly ran into issues.
“They don’t carry this size anymore,” he explains. “So, it says three-year free replacement. Walmart says it’s not their policy. The manager said he doesn’t have it.”
While the store does have a battery with a two-year warranty on it in stock, Ryan says that the store will not replace it as it costs less money. According to Ryan, he believes that he is owed a battery of “equal or greater value.” It is unclear where this specific verbiage comes from.
“Equal or greater value would be the next size up,” he says, pointing to a bigger replacement battery that he has in his cart. “That’s $26 more.”
Ryan says that his only option to actually get this battery is to pay the difference. To him, this is unsatisfactory.
“There’s no way to get an actual warranty if they don’t stock your battery anymore,” he concludes.
Ryan’s frustration is understandable. Everstart batteries from Walmart are listed with a description that reads, “If your battery tests defective within the Free Replacement Period, we will exchange your battery for a comparable new one at no charge at any Walmart store.” Even though Ryan’s battery is defective, he says he cannot get a replacement, as no alternative apparently exists in-store.
However, Ryan’s contention that he is entitled to a battery of “equal or greater value” does not seem to appear anywhere on the battery’s listing. Furthermore, the Group 78 Maxx battery that is in Ryan’s cart may also not meet warranty guidelines. A 78 battery is a different size from the 75 battery he is returning. This would prevent the new one from being accurately classified as a “comparable new one.”
So, if this is the case, what can Ryan do? To prevent a massive load of emails, communication, and potential headaches, Ryan can simply take the battery to another store to see if they have a better solution. It’s not ideal, but it prevents Ryan from having to undergo a lot of effort to simply get a battery replacement.
If this proves ineffective, he can begin the process of taking the issue up with Walmart corporate. This can begin by calling the company. As evidence, he can ask either store to note their refusal in writing, then submit that alongside his complaint to corporate.
If all else fails, he can submit a complaint with his local attorney general.
In the comments section, shoppers and store workers alike shared their tips so that Ryan can get the part he needs.
“As someone that works at Walmart, you can 100% get the 78 instead and there should be no price difference unless you got some weird local laws,” wrote a user. “1800walmart and your problems will be solved.”
“I’d pay the difference as long as its warranty starts from the date of replacement, and be done with it,” suggested another. “You get a better battery for a few bucks more. Would be a win.”
“They did that to me and I ended up with a cheaper battery with the cash difference. They can do it,” detailed a third.
In a comment, Ryan said that he was able to resolve the issue.
“Already was message[d] by Walmart and being compensated well above the $26,” he stated.
Motor1 reached out to Ryan via Instagram direct message and email and to Walmart via media relations contact form. We will update this story if they respond.
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