Costco-sold Interstate batteries are manufactured by Interstate Batteries but may differ in model specifications, warranty terms, or exclusivity compared to those sold through other retailers. While core technologies (e.g., lead-calcium grids) remain consistent, certain Costco models like the Interstate 24DC-6 are bulk-packaged for club-store pricing, potentially omitting premium features like AGM construction found in non-Costco SKUs.
Why Interstate Golf Cart Batteries Are a Top Choice
Are Costco and Interstate batteries produced by the same company?
Yes—Interstate Batteries supplies all Costco automotive batteries. However, exclusive Costco models often prioritize cost-efficiency over premium features. For example, Costco’s 24DC-6 lacks the corrosion-resistant terminals included in Interstate’s MTZ-24DC sold elsewhere.
Interstate manufactures batteries for Costco in the same Arkansas and Missouri plants as their standard lines. Key differences: Costco SKUs typically use slightly thinner lead plates (1.8mm vs 2.1mm in premium models) and basic polypropylene cases instead of ABS composites. Pro Tip: Check the 5-digit date code on the battery—Costco rotates stock faster, so you’re likelier to get fresher units. A real-world example: The Costco Interstate 65-2 (group size 65) shares the same BCI footprint as Interstate’s MTP-65 but has 10% fewer CCA (550 vs 610).
Do Costco Interstate batteries have identical specifications?
No—while voltage and chemistry match, CCA ratings and reserve capacity often dip 5-12% in Costco models. Club-store buyers prioritize price over peak performance, leading to subtle engineering compromises in heavy-drain scenarios.
Costco’s Interstate batteries undergo value engineering to hit $109-$149 price points. The table below compares two group size 35 batteries:
| Model | CCA | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Costco 35-1 | 500 | 36mo |
| Interstate MTP-35 | 600 | 30mo |
Beyond cold cranking amps, reserve capacity drops from 120 minutes (MTP-35) to 95 minutes (Costco 35-1). Practically speaking, this means 22% shorter runtime for accessories with the engine off. However, both use identical lead-calcium alloy grids—so corrosion resistance remains comparable. Pro Tip: For diesel trucks, spring for the non-Costco MTX series with higher vibration resistance.
How do warranties compare between Costco and Interstate?
Costco offers a simpler 36-month full replacement versus Interstate’s 30-month free replacement plus 72-month prorated coverage elsewhere. But what happens if your battery fails in month 37? At Costco, you’re SOL; at Interstate dealers, you’d pay 50% of current retail for a new unit.
Interstate’s standard warranty has two phases: free replacement for 30 months, followed by 42 months of prorated coverage. Costco condenses this to 36 months of full protection with no extensions. For example, a $150 Costco battery dying at 25 months gets fully replaced, while a $200 Interstate battery failing at 40 months would cost you $80 (60% of original price). Pro Tip: Keep your receipt—Costco requires it for warranty claims, unlike Interstate’s date-code system.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—Costco-purchased units must be returned to Costco. Interstate dealers only honor warranties for batteries bought through their network.
Are Costco’s Interstate deep-cycle batteries different too?
Yes. The Costco GC-2 golf cart battery has 20% less cycle life (550 vs 700 cycles) than Interstate’s equivalent GC2-XHD due to lower-density active material.
