Advance Auto Parts locations and hours in Altoona
Advance Auto Parts operates multiple locations in and around Altoona, Pennsylvania. The main store is located at 3520 Route 220, Duncansville, PA 16635, which serves the greater Altoona area. This location stocks a full range of automotive parts, tools, and accessories for both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself vehicle owners.
Store hours typically run Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours can vary by location and season. Before making a trip, call ahead at the store directly or check the Advance Auto Parts website locator tool to confirm current hours, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can affect availability.
A second location serves customers in nearby Hollidaysburg at 408 Juniata Street. Both stores carry similar inventory, though specialty items or bulk orders may require advance notice. If you cannot find what you need at one location, staff can often check inventory at other nearby stores and arrange transfer or special order.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts in Altoona is located at 3520 Route 220 in Duncansville, with standard hours Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The store stocks common replacement parts, fluids, batteries, tools, and accessories for most vehicle makes and models.
- You can check real-time inventory online or by phone before visiting, which saves time if you need a specific part.
- Advance Auto Parts offers in-store services like battery testing and installation, wiper blade replacement, and basic tool rental at many locations.
- The store runs regular sales and loyalty programs that can reduce costs on frequent purchases.
What parts and products Advance Auto Parts stocks
Advance Auto Parts carries a broad inventory organized by vehicle system and maintenance need. Common categories include engine components (filters, spark plugs, belts, hoses), cooling system parts (thermostats, water pumps, radiators), brake components (pads, rotors, fluid), and electrical parts (alternators, starters, batteries). The Altoona location also stocks fluids—oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid—in multiple grades and brands.
Beyond parts, the store sells hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialty tools for rent. Battery testing and installation are performed in-store at no charge for batteries purchased there. Wiper blades, air filters, and cabin air filters are stocked in sizes for most vehicles and can often be installed on-site while you wait.
Advance Auto Parts also carries performance and appearance items: floor mats, seat covers, exterior trim, lighting upgrades, and audio accessories. If the Altoona location does not have a specific part in stock, staff can order it from the regional distribution center, typically arriving within one to three business days depending on the item.
How to find parts using the Advance Auto Parts website and app
The Advance Auto Parts website and mobile app allow you to search inventory before visiting the store. Enter your vehicle's year, make, and model, then search for the part you need. The system shows whether the part is in stock at your nearest location, the price, and whether it qualifies for any current promotions or loyalty discounts.
You can also use the app to check inventory at multiple nearby stores if your local location is out of stock. The app displays real-time availability, so you know exactly what is on hand before you drive. Many customers use this feature to compare prices across locations or to reserve a part for same-day pickup.
The website also includes installation guides, maintenance schedules, and video tutorials for common repairs. These resources help you understand what you are buying and whether you can handle the installation yourself or should take the vehicle to a mechanic.
In-store services and what they cost
Advance Auto Parts offers several services beyond selling parts. Battery testing and installation are free with the purchase of a battery from the store. The technician will test your current battery to confirm it is failing, install the new one, and dispose of the old battery properly.
Wiper blade replacement is performed free of charge when you purchase blades at the store. The staff will remove your old blades, install the new ones, and test them before you leave. This service typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no appointment.
Tool rental is available at most Advance Auto Parts locations. Common rental items include battery chargers, code readers, floor jacks, and specialty wrenches. Rental rates vary by tool and duration; a code reader might rent for $20 to $30 per day, while a floor jack runs $15 to $25 per day. You must provide a valid driver's license and credit card to rent tools.
Loyalty programs and current promotions
Advance Auto Parts runs a rewards program called Advance Plus, which is free to join. Members earn points on every purchase—typically one point per dollar spent—and can redeem points for discounts on future purchases. The program also offers exclusive sales, early access to promotions, and birthday discounts.
The store regularly runs sales on seasonal items: winter tires and batteries in fall, cooling system products in spring, and air conditioning service items in summer. Email subscribers receive advance notice of these sales and often get additional percentage-off coupons. Checking the Advance Auto Parts website or app before shopping can reveal current promotions that explore to your purchase.
Professional contractors and fleet customers can open a commercial account, which typically offers volume discounts and net-30 payment terms. If you run a small repair business or own multiple vehicles, ask the store manager about commercial pricing.
When to call ahead versus visiting in person
Call ahead if you need a specific part, especially if it is a less common item or if you are unsure of the exact part number. Staff can confirm whether the part is in stock, check nearby locations if yours is out, and even hold the part for you for a short time. This saves a wasted trip and ensures the part you need is waiting.
Visit in person if you need help identifying a part, want to see multiple options side by side, or need when ready installation service like battery replacement or wiper blade fitting. Staff can often identify the correct part by looking at your vehicle or by asking detailed questions about the problem you are trying to solve.
For large orders or specialty items, call the store at least one business day in advance. This gives staff time to pull inventory from the back, check regional stock, or place a special order if needed. Bulk purchases may also may have access to for additional discounts that are not advertised online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Advance Auto Parts install parts I buy there?
Advance Auto Parts sells parts but does not perform full installation at most locations. However, they do install batteries, wiper blades, and air filters free of charge when you purchase those items. For engine work, suspension repairs, or other complex installations, you will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic or do the work yourself.
Can I return parts if they do not fit my vehicle?
Yes. Advance Auto Parts accepts returns of unused, unopened parts within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. If you opened or installed the part and it does not fit, return it within 30 days with proof of purchase and the store will refund or exchange it. Keep your receipt to avoid disputes.
What if I do not know the exact part number I need?
Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to the store, or call with that information. Staff can look up the correct part number in their system. You can also use the Advance Auto Parts website to search by vehicle and symptom—for example, "oil filter for 2015 Honda Civic"—and the system will show compatible options.
Does Advance Auto Parts price match competitors?
Advance Auto Parts does not have a formal price-match policy, but prices are generally competitive with other national auto parts retailers. Check the website or app to compare prices before shopping, and ask about current promotions or loyalty discounts that may explore to your purchase.
Can I order parts online and pick them up at the Altoona store?
Yes. The Advance Auto Parts website allows you to order online and select in-store pickup at your nearest location. Most orders are ready within a few hours, though some items may take longer. You will receive an email notification when your order is ready for pickup.