Advance Auto Parts locations in Bedford, Virginia
Advance Auto Parts operates several locations across the Bedford area. The main store serving central Bedford is located at 1109 Forest Road, Bedford, VA 24523. This location carries standard automotive parts, batteries, tools, and accessories for both DIY repairs and professional mechanics.
Bedford also has an Advance Auto Parts location at 1620 Graves Mill Road, which serves the eastern part of the county. Both stores maintain regular business hours, typically opening at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and closing between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., though hours vary by location and season. Sunday hours are usually 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Store hours and inventory can change, so calling ahead before you visit ensures the part you need is in stock. You can reach Advance Auto Parts customer service at 1-800-252-1643 to confirm hours or check whether a specific item is available at your nearest location.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts has multiple locations in Bedford, with the main store at 1109 Forest Road and another at 1620 Graves Mill Road.
- Most Bedford-area stores open at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and close between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., with reduced Sunday hours.
- Calling 1-800-252-1643 before visiting confirms current hours and whether your specific part is in stock.
- Both locations serve DIY customers and professional mechanics with batteries, tools, filters, belts, and other common automotive parts.
What you can find at Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts stocks the parts most people need for routine maintenance and repairs. Common items include engine oil and filters, air filters, cabin air filters, batteries, spark plugs, belts, hoses, brake pads, and wiper blades. The store also carries fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Beyond maintenance items, the store carries tools and equipment: socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, battery chargers, and diagnostic equipment. If you are working on a specific repair, the staff can often point you toward the right section or help you identify the correct part number for your vehicle.
Inventory varies between locations. A smaller store may not stock every specialty item, so if you are looking for something uncommon, calling ahead saves a trip. The Forest Road location, being the larger store, typically carries a wider selection than smaller satellite locations.
How to find the right part for your vehicle
Advance Auto Parts uses your vehicle's year, make, and model to identify the correct part. You can provide this information in person at the store, or you can look it up yourself before you go. Your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your dashboard or driver's side door jamb — contains all this information and can be decoded online.
If you already know what part you need, bring the old part with you. Store staff can match it directly, which is often faster and more accurate than looking up by year and model. For example, if your battery died, bring the dead battery so the staff can match the size and terminal configuration.
You can also search for parts online at advanceautoparts.com before visiting. The website lets you enter your vehicle information and see what is in stock at your nearest location. This is especially useful if you are looking for a specific brand or if you want to check whether the store has the item before making the drive.
In-store services and returns
Advance Auto Parts offers some services beyond selling parts. Many locations provide battery testing and installation, wiper blade installation, and battery recycling. Not all services are available at every location, so call ahead to confirm what your nearest store offers.
If you purchase a part and it does not fit or you ordered the wrong item, Advance Auto Parts generally accepts returns within 30 days with a receipt. Return policies can vary, so keep your receipt and ask about the return window when you buy. If you ordered online and picked up in store, the return process is the same.
Some parts, like batteries and core items, may have a core charge — a deposit you pay upfront and get back when you return the old part. This encourages recycling and keeps hazardous materials out of landfills. The staff will explain any core charges at checkout.
Ordering online and in-store pickup
If you cannot find a part in stock at your local store, you can order it online through advanceautoparts.com and pick it up at the Bedford location of your choice. Online orders typically arrive within one to three business days, depending on the item and current demand.
In-store pickup is free and often faster than shipping to your home. When your order is ready, the store will send you an email or text notification. You then go to the store, give them your order number, and pick up your part at the counter.
Online ordering also lets you compare prices and read customer reviews before you buy. Some items go on sale online that may not be discounted in store, so checking the website can save you money on larger purchases.
Payment and loyalty programs
Advance Auto Parts accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. The store also offers its own credit card, which provides discounts on purchases and special financing offers during promotional periods. If you shop there regularly, asking about the credit card may save you money over time.
The store runs frequent sales and promotions, especially on seasonal items like batteries in winter and cooling system parts in summer. Signing up for email notifications through the website alerts you to upcoming sales at your nearest location.
Professional mechanics and fleet customers can set up a commercial account, which often includes volume discounts and net payment terms. If you run a repair shop or manage a fleet of vehicles, ask the store manager about commercial pricing.
Nearby alternatives in Bedford
Bedford has other automotive parts retailers if Advance Auto Parts does not have what you need. AutoZone operates locations in the area and carries a similar range of parts and tools. O'Reilly Auto Parts is another option with multiple Bedford-area stores. Both chains offer in-store pickup, online ordering, and similar return policies.
For specialty items — transmission parts, engine components, or hard-to-find OEM parts — local independent shops sometimes have better access than chain stores. Calling a local mechanic's shop can sometimes point you toward a supplier they use.
Walmart and some grocery stores carry basic automotive items like oil, filters, and batteries, though selection is limited and staff knowledge is usually lower than at a dedicated parts store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I opened the box?
Yes, most Advance Auto Parts locations accept returns of opened parts within 30 days with a receipt. Some items, like batteries or core items, may have restrictions. Ask the staff about the return policy for your specific item before you leave the store.
Do I need to make an appointment for battery installation?
No appointment is usually needed for battery installation at Advance Auto Parts. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times can vary. Calling ahead lets you know how busy the store is and whether they can install your battery when ready.
What is a core charge?
A core charge is a deposit you pay when you buy certain parts like batteries, alternators, or starters. You get the deposit back when you return the old part to the store. This encourages recycling and keeps hazardous materials out of landfills.
Can I order parts online and pick them up the same day?
Same-day pickup depends on whether the part is in stock at your local store. If it is in stock, you can often pick it up within a few hours. If it needs to be ordered from another location or warehouse, pickup typically takes one to three business days.
Does Advance Auto Parts price match competitors?
Advance Auto Parts does not have a formal price-match policy, but prices vary by location and change frequently. Checking the website and calling the store to compare prices before you buy can help you find the best deal on larger purchases.