What Advance Auto Parts is and what they sell
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells car parts, batteries, tools, and maintenance supplies. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup, or have items shipped to your home. They operate hundreds of locations across the United States, and most people use them either to buy a replacement part for a repair they're doing themselves, or to pick up something quickly when a local mechanic needs a specific item.
The company also offers services at some locations — things like battery testing, battery installation, and wiper blade replacement — though not every store provides every service. You can call ahead or check their website to see what your nearest location offers.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells car batteries, parts, and tools both in stores and online, with prices that vary by location and product type.
- Their batteries come in different brands and price points, and many include a warranty that covers defects for a set period.
- You can have a battery tested for free at most locations to see if it needs replacement before you buy.
- If you buy a battery and later find you don't need it, most stores allow returns within a set timeframe with your receipt.
- Prices and product availability differ between stores and online, so comparing before you buy can save money.
How battery pricing works at Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts carries batteries at different price points depending on the brand, size, and features. A basic battery costs less than a premium one with extra cold-cranking amps (a measure of how much power it delivers in cold weather) or a longer warranty. The exact price for the same battery model can vary between stores and online, so it's worth checking both before you decide where to buy.
Many Advance Auto Parts locations run sales or offer discounts for members of their loyalty program, which is free to join. You can sign up in-store or online. Some sales are seasonal — for example, batteries often go on sale in fall and winter when cold weather increases demand.
If you're buying a battery, ask the staff what warranty comes with it. Most batteries include a warranty that covers manufacturing defects for a period ranging from one to three years, depending on the battery type and brand. The warranty paperwork should come with your purchase.
What to do if your battery might be dead or dying
Before you buy a new battery, you can have your current one tested for free at most Advance Auto Parts locations. Bring your car keys and be prepared to wait 15 to 30 minutes. The test tells you whether the battery is holding a charge or whether it has failed.
A battery test is useful because a car that won't start might have a dead battery, a bad alternator (which charges the battery while you drive), or a faulty starter motor. Testing narrows down the problem. If the test shows your battery is fine, the issue is likely something else, and you should have a mechanic look at it.
If the test shows the battery has failed, you can buy a replacement on the spot at most stores. Some locations also offer installation — the staff will remove your old battery and put the new one in. Ask whether installation is available and what it costs before you commit to buying.
Comparing Advance Auto Parts batteries to other options
Advance Auto Parts carries several battery brands, including their own house brand, as well as national brands like Duracell and Interstate. House brands are usually cheaper than national brands, and the difference can be $20 to $50 or more depending on the battery size. Both types typically come with a warranty, so the main trade-off is price versus brand recognition.
You can also buy batteries at other retailers — Walmart, AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and many tire shops all carry them. Prices and warranties vary, so if you have time, calling a few places or checking their websites can help you find the best deal for the specific battery your car needs.
If you're having a mechanic install the battery, ask them where they source it and what warranty they offer. Some mechanics use batteries from their own supplier rather than having you buy one elsewhere, and their pricing may be different from retail.
How to return or exchange a battery
If you buy a battery at Advance Auto Parts and later decide you don't need it, you can return it within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days, depending on your location and whether it's been installed. You'll need your receipt. If the battery is defective or fails during the warranty period, the warranty covers replacement or repair at no cost to you.
If you bought the battery online and want to return it, check the return policy on the Advance Auto Parts website or contact customer service. Some online purchases can be returned to a store, while others must be shipped back. The policy depends on how you paid and whether the item was in stock locally.
Understanding battery size and type for your car
Car batteries come in different sizes, measured by group size — a code like 24F or 35 that tells you the physical dimensions and terminal layout. Your car's manual or the old battery itself will tell you which group size you need. Buying the wrong size won't fit, so double-check before you purchase.
Batteries also vary by chemistry. Most cars use lead-acid batteries, which are the standard and least expensive. Some newer vehicles use absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, which are more expensive but last longer and handle deep discharge better. If your car requires AGM, a regular lead-acid battery won't work properly. Check your manual or ask the Advance Auto Parts staff what type your car needs.
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is another specification you'll see. It measures how much power the battery delivers at zero degrees Fahrenheit. A higher CCA is useful in cold climates, but your car has a minimum requirement — going higher than necessary doesn't hurt, but it costs more. Your manual lists the recommended CCA for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a battery myself, or do I need a mechanic?
You can install a battery yourself if you're comfortable working with tools and electrical connections. The basic steps are disconnecting the old battery's terminals (negative first, then positive), removing the hold-down bracket, lifting out the old battery, placing the new one in, and reconnecting the terminals (positive first, then negative). Many online videos walk through the process. If you're unsure, Advance Auto Parts or a mechanic can install it for you.
How long do car batteries usually last?
Most car batteries last three to five years, though some last longer and some fail sooner. Cold climates, frequent short trips, and leaving lights on drain batteries faster. If your battery is more than three years old and your car is hard to start, testing it is a good idea even if it hasn't failed completely yet.
What's the difference between a car battery and a deep-cycle battery?
A car battery is designed to deliver a large burst of power to start the engine, then be recharged by the alternator. A deep-cycle battery is built to be discharged and recharged many times, and is used in RVs, boats, and solar systems. They're not interchangeable — use the type your vehicle is designed for.
Do I need to recycle my old battery?
Yes. Car batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, which are hazardous. Most states require retailers to take old batteries back when you buy a new one, and Advance Auto Parts does this at most locations. Some places charge a core fee (usually $5 to $15) if you don't turn in an old battery, which is refunded when you bring one in later.
What if my battery dies while I'm driving?
If your battery fails while you're on the road, you'll lose electrical power and the engine will stop. Call roadside information (AAA, your insurance company, or a towing service) to get towed to a mechanic or Advance Auto Parts location. A dead battery on the road is different from a battery that won't start your car at home — if the battery dies while driving, the alternator may also be failing, and a mechanic should check both.