Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells car parts, tools, and maintenance supplies
Advance Auto Parts operates over 4,600 locations across the United States and carries parts for most vehicle makes and models. The stores stock everything from engine components and filters to batteries, wipers, and fluids. You can walk in, order online for pickup, or have parts shipped to your home. Most locations also offer services like battery testing, wiper installation, and code reading for check-engine lights — some free, some for a fee.
The chain serves both do-it-yourself mechanics and professional technicians. If you know exactly what part you need, you can find it quickly. If you're unsure, staff can help you identify the right component by asking about your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. Prices vary depending on the brand and quality tier of the part you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts stores stock replacement parts for engines, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and routine maintenance across most vehicle types.
- You can shop in-store, order online for same-day or next-day pickup, or have parts delivered to your address.
- Many locations offer free services like battery testing and code reading, while others charge for installation work.
- Staff can help you identify the correct part if you provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine information.
- Prices depend on the brand and quality level you choose, and the store often runs promotions on specific categories.
Types of parts and products you can find
Engine parts include filters (air, oil, cabin), belts, hoses, spark plugs, and gaskets. Brake components cover pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid. Suspension and steering items include shocks, struts, control arms, and tie rods. Electrical parts range from alternators and starters to batteries and wiring harnesses.
Routine maintenance supplies fill entire aisles: motor oil in various weights, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. You'll also find batteries for cars, trucks, and motorcycles; wiper blades and refills; light bulbs and fuses; and belts and hoses in common sizes.
Beyond parts, the stores carry tools and equipment: socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, jacks, jack stands, creepers, and diagnostic equipment. Many locations stock specialty items like floor mats, air fresheners, car covers, and detailing supplies. If you're looking for a specific part and the local store doesn't have it, staff can usually order it from another location or the warehouse for pickup within a few days.
How to find what you need in-store or online
In-store, the layout is organized by vehicle system and maintenance category. Filters are grouped together, batteries in their own section, fluids on dedicated shelves. Staff wear name tags and can point you to an aisle or help you identify the exact part. Bring your vehicle's registration or owner's manual if you're unsure what you need — the year, make, model, and engine size are the key details.
Online at advanceautoparts.com, you can search by part name or browse by vehicle. Enter your vehicle information once, and the site filters results to show compatible parts. You can check real-time stock at your nearest store, reserve a part for pickup, or choose delivery. The website also shows current promotions and lets you compare prices across brands and quality levels.
Many stores offer same-day or next-day pickup for in-stock items. If you order online before the store closes, you can often pick up the next morning. Delivery times vary by location and shipping method — standard delivery typically takes three to seven business days, though expedited options are available for an additional fee.
Services offered at most locations
Battery testing is free at nearly all Advance Auto Parts stores. Bring your battery or car, and staff will test it to see if it's holding a charge. If it's failing, they can sell you a replacement and often install it on the spot for a fee, or you can install it yourself.
Check-engine light code reading is also free. If your car's check-engine light is on, staff can plug in a diagnostic scanner to read the code and explain what it means. This tells you whether the issue is minor (like a loose gas cap) or something that needs a mechanic's attention.
Wiper blade installation is free when you buy wipers from the store. Staff will remove your old blades and fit the new ones in minutes. Some locations offer other services like alternator testing or starter testing for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm what your local store provides, since services vary by location and staffing.
Pricing and how to save money
Part prices depend on the brand and quality tier. A basic oil filter might cost $5 to $8, while a premium filter runs $12 to $18. Batteries range from $60 to $200 depending on size and cold-cranking amps. Brake pads for a common sedan typically run $40 to $100 per axle. Prices are generally competitive with other national retailers, though local independent shops sometimes undercut on specific items.
Advance Auto Parts runs frequent promotions: percentage discounts on entire categories, buy-one-get-one deals on filters or fluids, and loyalty program rewards. The store's loyalty program is free to join and gives you points on every purchase that you can redeem for discounts. Sign up in-store or online to start earning when ready on your next transaction.
Buying in bulk can lower your per-unit cost. If you change your own oil, buying a case of oil (usually six or twelve quarts) costs less per quart than buying individual bottles. Seasonal sales — like battery promotions in winter or air-conditioning service items in summer — offer another way to save if you plan ahead.
When to shop at Advance Auto Parts versus other retailers
Advance Auto Parts is best when you need a part quickly and want to see it before buying, or when you want informed staff help identifying the right component. The large inventory and multiple locations mean you can often walk out the same day with what you need. The free diagnostic services (battery and code reading) are also a genuine value if you're troubleshooting a problem.
Other retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto, and NAPA also stock car parts and offer similar services. Prices and selection vary by location. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target carry basic maintenance items like oil and filters at competitive prices but have smaller selections. Independent local shops sometimes offer better prices on specific parts or more personalized service, but you may need to call ahead to confirm they have what you need.
Online retailers like Amazon often have lower prices on common items like filters and fluids, but you wait for shipping. Advance Auto Parts' online-to-store pickup bridges this gap: you get the price and selection of online shopping with same-day or next-day availability.
What to bring and how to prepare before you go
Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. This information is on your registration, in your owner's manual, or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. If you're replacing a specific part, bring the old part with you — staff can match it to may support you get the right replacement. For electrical components like batteries or alternators, the part number from your vehicle helps too.
If you're ordering online, have your vehicle information ready to enter into the site's search tool. This filters results to show only compatible parts and prevents you from ordering something that won't fit. If you're unsure whether a part will work on your vehicle, call the store or chat with online support before purchasing — it's faster than buying the wrong thing and returning it.
Know your budget before you shop. Parts range widely in price depending on brand and quality. A basic replacement part costs less than a premium or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part, but may not last as long. Staff can explain the differences if you ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I buy the wrong one?
Yes. Advance Auto Parts accepts returns within 30 days with a receipt. If you opened the part but didn't install it, you can return it for a full refund or exchange. If you installed it and it doesn't work, the return policy is more restrictive — contact the store for details on your specific situation.
Do I need to make an appointment to get a service like battery installation?
No appointment is needed for most services. Walk in during store hours and ask staff. Battery testing and code reading are when ready. Installation services like wiper blades are also quick, but if the store is busy you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times.
What if my local store doesn't have the part I need?
Staff can order it from another store location or the warehouse for pickup, usually within one to three business days. You can also order online and choose delivery to your home. Some parts are special-order items that take longer — ask staff for an estimated arrival date before you commit.
Are Advance Auto Parts prices the same at every location?
Prices can vary slightly by location and current promotions. Online prices sometimes differ from in-store prices. Check the website or call your local store to compare before you buy, especially on higher-cost items like batteries or major components.
Can I return a part if I installed it and it's defective?
This depends on the part and the reason for the return. Some manufacturers cover defective parts under warranty, and Advance Auto Parts can help you file a claim. Bring the part and your receipt, and staff will explain your options. Warranty coverage varies, so ask before you leave the store with a new part.