What Advance Auto Parts is and how to use it
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells car parts, tools, and accessories at physical store locations and online. You walk in or order online, find what you need for your vehicle, pay for it, and leave — or have it shipped to you. There is no membership fee, no process, and no credit check required to shop there. You can buy a single item or stock up, and you can return most items within a set timeframe if they do not work for your car.
The company operates thousands of stores across the United States, and most locations offer services like battery testing, wiper blade installation, and tool rental. If you are doing your own car repairs or maintenance, Advance Auto Parts is one place to get the parts and tools you need without going to a dealership, which is usually more expensive.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells car parts, tools, and accessories in stores and online with no membership or credit check required.
- You can return most items within 30 to 60 days depending on the product category, as long as you have your receipt.
- The store offers free services like battery testing and wiper blade installation at most locations.
- Prices vary by location and product, so comparing costs between Advance Auto Parts and other retailers can save you money on larger purchases.
- Online orders can be picked up in-store the same day at many locations, or shipped to your home.
How to find parts for your specific vehicle
When you enter an Advance Auto Parts store or visit the website, you will need to tell the system what vehicle you own so it shows you parts that fit. You can do this by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model — for example, 2018 Honda Civic. The system then filters results to show only compatible parts.
If you do not know your vehicle's exact year or model, you can look it up on your car's registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb, where the manufacturer posts a label with this information. Having the correct year matters because the same part does not always fit across different model years of the same car.
Staff in the store can also help you find what you need if you describe the problem or bring in the old part you are replacing. Many people find it faster to call ahead with your vehicle information and ask whether the store has the part in stock before making a trip.
Understanding return policies and warranties
Most items at Advance Auto Parts can be returned within 30 to 60 days of purchase if you have your receipt and the item is in resalable condition. Some categories, like batteries and core items (parts you trade in for a credit), have different rules. Batteries typically come with a warranty that covers defects for a set period — often three to five years depending on the battery type — and the store will replace a defective battery under that warranty.
If you buy a part and it does not fit your vehicle or you installed it and it did not solve the problem, bring it back with your receipt. The store will either refund your money or exchange it for a different part. Keep your receipt until you are certain the part works, because without it, returns become much harder.
Free services and tool rental options
Many Advance Auto Parts locations offer battery testing at no charge — they will test your battery to see if it is failing or if something else is draining it. This can save you money by confirming whether you actually need a new battery before you buy one. Wiper blade installation is also free at most stores if you buy the blades from them.
The store also rents tools by the day or week, which is useful if you need a specialized tool for a one-time repair. Common rentals include engine hoists, floor jacks, and diagnostic scanners. Rental prices vary by location and tool type, so call your local store to ask about availability and cost before you need it.
Comparing prices and finding discounts
Prices at Advance Auto Parts are not always the lowest available. Other retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto, and NAPA also sell car parts, and prices can differ significantly on the same item. If you are buying an expensive part like an alternator or starter, spending 10 minutes comparing prices online or by phone can save you $20 to $50 or more.
Advance Auto Parts runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and the store offers a rewards program called Advance Plus that gives you points on purchases. You can sign up in-store or online at no cost. The program also sends personalized offers to your email based on your purchase history, which can lower the price on items you buy regularly.
Ordering online and in-store pickup
You can order parts on the Advance Auto Parts website or mobile app and pick them up at a store location the same day in many cases. This is useful if your local store does not have the part in stock but a nearby location does. You pay online, and the store holds your order at the customer service desk for you to collect.
If you prefer to have parts shipped to your home, Advance Auto Parts offers that option as well. Shipping times vary based on your location and whether the item is in stock at a distribution center. Standard shipping usually takes several business days, and you can pay extra for faster delivery if you need the part urgently.
What to bring and what to expect at checkout
Bring a valid form of identification and a payment method — credit card, debit card, or cash. If you are returning an item, bring your receipt and the item in its original condition. At checkout, staff will ask if you want to join the Advance Plus rewards program if you are not already a member, but you can decline and still complete your purchase.
Some parts require a core charge, which is a deposit you pay upfront when you buy the part. When you return the old part (the "core"), you get that deposit back. For example, you might pay a $25 core charge when you buy a new alternator, and when you bring in your old alternator, you receive $25 back. This system encourages people to recycle old parts instead of throwing them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I installed it and it did not work?
Yes, as long as you have your receipt and return it within the return window (usually 30 to 60 days). The part must be in resalable condition. If the part was defective, the store will refund or exchange it. If the part was the wrong one for your vehicle, you can exchange it for the correct part.
Do I need a membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?
No. You can walk in and buy anything without a membership. The Advance Plus rewards program is free to join and gives you points and discounts, but it is optional. You can shop and pay without signing up for anything.
What if my local store does not have the part I need?
You can order it online for in-store pickup at another location, or have it shipped to your home. Call your local store and ask if they can transfer stock from another store, which is sometimes faster than ordering online. Some stores can also special-order parts that are not normally stocked.
How much does it cost to rent a tool?
Tool rental prices vary by location and the specific tool. A floor jack might cost $10 to $20 per day, while a diagnostic scanner could be $30 to $50 per day. Call your local store to ask about the tool you need and the rental cost before you plan your repair.
What is a core charge and how do I get my money back?
A core charge is a deposit you pay when you buy a part that has a recyclable core — like a battery, alternator, or starter. When you return the old part to the store, you get the deposit back. You must return the core within a set timeframe, usually 30 days, or you lose the deposit.