What Advance Auto Parts is and how to shop there

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, pay for what you need, and take it with you or have it shipped. There is no membership fee, no process, and no waiting period — you can buy the same day you decide you need something.

The company operates over 4,000 stores across the United States, plus an online store at advanceautoparts.com. Most people use it when they need to replace a worn part (like brake pads or a battery), fix something that broke, or add an accessory to their vehicle. You do not need to be a mechanic or have special knowledge to shop there — staff can help you find what fits your car.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts sells car parts and tools both in stores and online, with no membership or registration required to make a purchase.
  • You can look up parts by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model on their website or asking a store employee for help matching the right part to your car.
  • Prices vary by part and location, and the store often runs sales or discounts that you can check online or ask about in person.
  • If you buy a part and it does not work or you change your mind, most returns are accepted within 30 days with a receipt.
  • Some stores offer services like battery testing or installation help, though availability depends on your location.

How to find the right part for your vehicle

The first step is knowing what part you need. If you are not sure, you can describe the problem to a store employee — for example, "my car won't start" or "the brake light is out" — and they can narrow it down. If you already know the part name, you can search for it on the website or ask in the store.

Once you know what you are looking for, you need to make sure it fits your specific car. Advance Auto Parts asks for your vehicle's year, make, and model (for example, 2018 Honda Civic). You can enter this information on their website in the "Find Parts" section, and the system will show you only parts that match your car. In a store, an employee can do this lookup for you at the counter. Your vehicle's year, make, and model are printed on your registration or owner's manual, or you can look it up by your license plate on some state DMV websites.

Prices depend on the part, the brand, and sometimes your location. The same part may cost different amounts at different stores or online. Advance Auto Parts often runs sales or offers discounts — you can check their website or sign up for their email list to see current deals.

Buying in person versus ordering online

If you shop in a store, you can see the part in person, ask questions, and leave with it the same day. This is useful if you need something right away or want to make sure the part looks right before you buy it. Store hours vary by location, so check the website or call ahead if you are going to a specific store.

If you order online at advanceautoparts.com, you can have the part shipped to your home or pick it up at a nearby store. Shipping times vary depending on where you live and how busy the warehouse is — the website will show you an estimated delivery date before you complete your order. Pickup at a store is often faster than shipping, sometimes within a few hours or by the next day.

Online ordering requires an email address and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). You do not need to create an account, though creating one lets you save your vehicle information and order history for future purchases.

Payment and pricing

Advance Auto Parts accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal both in stores and online. Some locations may accept other payment methods — you can ask in the store or check the website. There are no hidden fees for shopping there; the price shown is what you pay at checkout.

The cost of a part depends on what it is and which brand you choose. For example, a basic car battery might range from $80 to $200 depending on the type and brand, while a set of brake pads might be $30 to $100. The website shows the price before you buy, and in-store prices are usually the same as online prices, though this can vary slightly by location.

Advance Auto Parts sometimes offers discounts through their website, email promotions, or in-store sales. If you sign up for their email list, you will receive notices about upcoming sales. Some discounts require a coupon code that you enter at checkout online or show to the cashier in the store.

Returns and what to do if something does not work

If you buy a part and it does not fit, does not work, or you straightforward change your mind, you can return it. Most returns are accepted within 30 days if you have your receipt. In a store, you can return the part to the same location or to any other Advance Auto Parts store. For online orders, you can return items by mail or at a store, depending on where you bought it.

If the part is defective (broken or not working as it should), Advance Auto Parts may replace it or refund your money. Bring the part and your receipt to a store, or contact their customer service through the website if you ordered online. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within a few business days.

Some parts, like certain electrical items or opened batteries, may have restrictions on returns — the store can tell you the policy when you buy. Always keep your receipt so you have proof of purchase and the date.

Additional services some stores offer

Many Advance Auto Parts locations offer services beyond just selling parts. Some stores can test your battery for free to see if it is still good or needs replacing. Some locations also offer installation services for certain parts, though this is not available at every store and may cost extra. You can call your local store or check the website to see what services are available near you.

The company also runs a rewards program called Advance Rewards that you can join for free. Members earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts on future shopping. You sign up online or in the store with an email address, and points are added automatically when you make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a part will fit my car?

Enter your vehicle's year, make, and model on the Advance Auto Parts website or tell a store employee. The system will show only parts compatible with your specific car. If you are unsure about your vehicle information, check your registration, owner's manual, or look it up by license plate on your state's DMV website.

Can I return a part if I opened the box?

Most parts can be returned within 30 days with a receipt, even if opened. Some items like batteries or electrical components may have different rules. Ask the store or check your receipt for the return policy on the specific part you bought.

What if the part I ordered online does not arrive?

Check your order confirmation email for a tracking number and estimated delivery date. If the delivery date has passed, contact Advance Auto Parts customer service through their website or call the store where you ordered it. They can check the status and arrange a replacement or refund if the item is lost.

Do I need a membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?

No membership is required to buy parts. You can shop in stores or online without signing up for anything. The free Advance Rewards program is optional and lets you earn points on purchases, but it is not necessary to make a purchase.

Can I install the part myself, or do I need a mechanic?

That depends on the part and your comfort level. Some parts like air filters or wiper blades are straightforward to replace yourself with basic tools. Others like transmission components require special knowledge or equipment. Some Advance Auto Parts locations offer installation services for a fee — call your local store to ask what they can do.