What the Advance Auto Parts app does
The Advance Auto Parts app lets you search for car parts, check prices at your nearest store, and place orders for pickup or delivery without leaving home. You can scan a barcode to find parts, look up what you need by vehicle year and make, see real-time inventory, and manage a shopping list. The app also shows you current sales and lets you track orders you've placed.
The app works on both iPhone and Android. You do not need to create an account to browse, but you will need one to place an order or use loyalty features. If you already shop at Advance Auto Parts in person, you can use the same login you use at the register.
Key Takeaways
- read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then search for parts by vehicle, part name, or barcode without creating an account.
- The app shows you which parts are in stock at stores near you and lets you reserve them for same-day pickup.
- You can add items to a list and save them for later, which is useful if you are planning a repair but not ready to buy yet.
- Creating an account unlocks the ability to place orders, track shipments, and see your purchase history and loyalty rewards.
- The app's price-check feature shows you what you would pay online versus in-store, and whether a part is on sale.
Downloading and setting up the app
Go to the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play Store if you have an Android phone. Search for "Advance Auto Parts" and tap the official app from Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Tap the read button, wait for installation to finish, and open the app.
When you open the app for the first time, you will see a home screen with options to browse, search, or sign in. You can browse and search without an account. To create an account, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and select "Sign In" or "Create Account." You will need an email address and a password. If you already have an Advance Auto Parts account from shopping in stores or online, use that email and password instead.
Finding parts by vehicle or name
The app has two main ways to search. The first is by vehicle: tap "Shop by Vehicle" and enter your car's year, make, and model. The app will then show you parts organized by category — engine, brakes, filters, fluids, and so on. Tap a category to see what is available.
The second way is to search by part name. Tap the search bar at the top and type what you need — for example, "oil filter" or "brake pads." The app will show you matching results with prices and availability. If you are not sure what part you need, you can also tap the camera icon to scan a barcode on a part you already have, and the app will find the same or compatible part.
Once you find a part, the app shows you the price, a description, and whether it is in stock nearby. Tap on the part to see more details, customer reviews, and which stores have it in inventory right now.
Checking inventory and reserving for pickup
When you view a part, the app shows you a list of nearby stores and how many units each store has in stock. The distance to each store appears next to the store name. If a store shows "In Stock," you can reserve that part for pickup — but you need to be signed into your account to do this.
To reserve a part for pickup, tap "Reserve for Pickup" on the part's page, select the store you want, and confirm. The app will hold the part for you, usually for 24 to 48 hours depending on the store. You will receive a confirmation, and you can then go to that store and pick it up. Some stores may require you to pay when you reserve; others let you pay when you arrive.
If no nearby store has the part in stock, you can order it for home delivery. Tap "Ship to Home" and enter your address. The app will show you the delivery date and shipping cost, if any.
Using the shopping list and saving items
The app lets you build a list of parts you want to buy later. When you find a part, tap "Add to List" instead of checking out. You can create multiple lists — for example, one for an oil change and one for brake work — and name them however you want.
To view your lists, tap the menu icon and select "My Lists." You can see all the parts on each list, the total price, and the availability at nearby stores. This is useful if you are planning a repair over several weeks or want to compare prices before you commit to buying.
When you are ready to buy the items on a list, you can check out directly from the list view. The app will add all the items to your cart and let you choose pickup or delivery.
Placing an order and tracking it
To place an order, add items to your cart and tap the cart icon. Review your items, enter or confirm your address, and choose your delivery method: pickup at a store or home delivery. If you choose pickup, select which store and what time works for you. If you choose delivery, the app will show you the estimated arrival date.
Enter your payment method — credit card, debit card, or a saved payment method if you have one on file. Review the order total and tap "Place Order." You will receive a confirmation email and can track your order in the app under "My Orders." For pickup orders, you will see a notification when the order is ready. For delivery orders, you will see tracking information and an estimated delivery window.
Using sales, coupons, and loyalty rewards
The app shows current sales and promotions on the home screen and in the "Deals" section. You can browse by category or search for specific items to see if they are on sale. Some sales are automatic — the discount applies at checkout. Others require a coupon code, which the app will show you.
If you have an Advance Auto Parts loyalty account, the app will display your rewards balance and any available coupons tied to your account. Loyalty rewards are usually applied automatically when you check out if you are signed in. You can also view your purchase history and see which parts you have bought before, which is helpful if you need to reorder the same item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create an account to use the app?
No. You can browse, search, and check prices without an account. You only need to sign in if you want to place an order, reserve a part for pickup, or access your loyalty rewards and purchase history.
Can I return a part I bought through the app?
Returns follow the same policy as in-store purchases. Most parts can be returned within 30 days with a receipt. Contact the store where you picked up or received the part, or call Advance Auto Parts customer service for details on your specific purchase.
What if the app shows a part is in stock but the store is out?
Inventory updates in real time, but there can be a short delay between when a part sells in the store and when the app reflects it. If you arrive and the part is gone, speak to a store associate. They can often order it for you or suggest an alternative.
Can I use the app to check prices at a specific store?
Yes. When you search for a part, the app shows prices and availability at all nearby stores. Prices can vary slightly by location, so you can compare before you decide where to buy.
Does the app work offline?
No. The app needs an internet connection to search, check inventory, and place orders. If you lose connection, you will not be able to browse or complete a purchase until you reconnect.