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, find what you need for your vehicle, pay, and leave with the item — or have it shipped to you. The company does not install parts, finance purchases, or provide repair services. You buy the part yourself and either install it or take it to a mechanic.
The stores are organized by category: engine parts, filters, batteries, fluids, wiper blades, lights, belts, hoses, and tools. Most locations have a parts counter where staff can help you find what fits your specific car if you know your vehicle's year, make, and model. You can also order online at advanceautoparts.com and pick up at a store, or have items shipped to your home.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells individual car parts and tools, but does not install them or provide repair work.
- You need your vehicle's year, make, and model to find the right part, or you can bring the old part to the store for matching.
- Prices vary by location and item, and the store runs sales and promotions throughout the year.
- You can shop in person, order online for home delivery, or order online and pick up at a store.
- The store accepts returns within a set timeframe if you have your receipt and the item is unused.
Finding the Right Part for Your Vehicle
Before you go to the store or search online, have your vehicle's year, make, and model ready. For example, "2018 Honda Civic" or "2015 Ford F-150." This information is on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. With this information, you can search the Advance Auto Parts website or tell a store employee what you need, and they will show you what fits.
If you do not know your vehicle's exact year or model, bring the old part with you to the store. Staff can match it to find the replacement. This works for batteries, filters, wiper blades, belts, and most other common items. If you are unsure whether a part will work, ask the employee — they can cross-reference your vehicle against the part's compatibility list.
Online, you can enter your vehicle information into the "Find Parts for My Car" tool on the website. The site will then show you only parts that fit your vehicle, which narrows the search and reduces the chance of buying something that does not work.
Pricing, Sales, and Payment Options
Advance Auto Parts prices vary by location, item, and current promotions. The same battery or filter may cost different amounts at different stores. You can check the price at your nearest location by searching the website or calling the store directly. Prices also change during sales events — the store runs promotions throughout the year, especially around holidays and seasonal maintenance periods.
The store accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can also use Advance Auto Parts gift cards if you have them. Online orders can be paid by credit card or debit card at checkout. There is no financing or payment plan option through Advance Auto Parts itself, though your credit card company may offer a payment plan if you use a card.
If you are a frequent shopper, Advance Auto Parts offers a rewards program called Advance Plus. Members earn points on purchases and can redeem them for discounts. Membership is free to join through the website or in-store.
Ordering Online and In-Store Pickup
You can order parts online at advanceautoparts.com and pick them up at a store location, usually within a few hours to one business day. At checkout, select "Pick Up in Store" and choose your nearest location. You will receive an email or text when the order is ready. Go to the store, give your name or order number at the counter, and they will bring your items out.
In-store pickup is useful if you need a part quickly and do not want to wait for shipping. It also lets you avoid shipping fees. However, not every item is available for pickup at every location — the website will tell you which stores have the part in stock before you complete your order.
If you prefer home delivery, select "Ship to Home" at checkout. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days, though faster options are available for an additional fee. You can track your order online using the tracking number sent to your email.
Returns and Exchanges
Advance Auto Parts accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase if you have your receipt and the item is unused and in its original packaging. For in-store purchases, bring the item and receipt to any Advance Auto Parts location. For online orders, you can return items by mail using a prepaid shipping label, or return to a store if you prefer.
If an item is defective or damaged when it arrives, contact customer service with your order number and photos of the damage. The store will typically send a replacement or issue a refund. Some items, like opened batteries or fluids, may not be returnable depending on store policy — ask before you buy if you are unsure.
Exchanges are simpler than returns: if you bought the wrong part, bring it back with your receipt and swap it for the correct one. If the new part costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you receive the difference back.
What Advance Auto Parts Does Not Do
Advance Auto Parts is a parts retailer only. The company does not install parts, perform repairs, diagnose vehicle problems, or provide repair information beyond basic product information. If you need a part installed, you will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic, dealership, or independent repair shop. Some mechanics will install parts you bring them, though many prefer to source their own parts.
The store also does not offer financing for purchases, warranty services beyond manufacturer coverage, or vehicle inspection services. If you need help deciding what part you need, staff can help you match it to your vehicle, but they cannot diagnose why your vehicle needs repair.
How to Get Help at Advance Auto Parts
In-store, approach the parts counter and tell an employee what you need. Have your vehicle information ready, or bring the old part. Employees can look up what fits your car and show you options at different price points. If the store does not have an item in stock, they can often order it for you, though it may take several days to arrive.
Online, you can use the live chat feature on advanceautoparts.com during business hours, or call the customer service number listed on the website. Email support is also available, though responses may take longer. For technical questions about whether a part fits your vehicle, the website's parts finder tool is usually faster than calling.
If you have a question about a specific product — such as whether a battery is the right size or whether a filter fits your engine — the product page usually has customer reviews and a Q&A section where other shoppers have asked similar questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my vehicle's exact year to find the right part?
Yes, the year matters because the same make and model can have different engines and part sizes across model years. For example, a 2015 Honda Civic and a 2020 Honda Civic need different batteries and filters. If you do not know the exact year, bring the old part to the store and staff can match it.
Can I return a part if I opened the box but did not use it?
Most items can be returned within 30 days if unopened and in original packaging. Once you open the box, the return policy depends on the item type — some opened items cannot be returned. Ask the employee at the counter before you leave the store if you think you might return it.
What if the part I ordered online does not fit my car?
Contact customer service with your order number and vehicle information. They can confirm whether the part was correct for your vehicle or if there was an error. If it was the wrong part, you can return it for a refund or exchange within 30 days.
Does Advance Auto Parts install parts or recommend mechanics?
No, Advance Auto Parts does not install parts or provide repair services. You will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic, dealership, or independent shop for installation. The store sells the part only.
How long does shipping take for online orders?
Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days. Faster options like two-day or next-day shipping are available for an additional fee at checkout. In-store pickup is usually faster — most orders are ready within a few hours to one business day.