What Advance Auto Parts is and how to use it
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells car maintenance and repair supplies — things like oil, batteries, filters, spark plugs, belts, and tools. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup, or have items shipped to your home. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States, and most people use it when they need a specific part for their vehicle or want to replace something themselves rather than pay a mechanic.
The store is organized by vehicle system: engine, cooling, electrical, brakes, suspension. If you know what part you need, you can find it by browsing those sections or asking a staff member. If you are not sure what you need, you can bring your vehicle's year, make, and model, and an employee can help you locate the right item. Many stores also offer services like battery testing or installation for a fee.
Advance Auto Parts is not a mechanic shop — they do not repair vehicles. They sell the parts and tools you need to repair your own car, or that a mechanic might order from them. The store also sells car care products like wax, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells replacement parts and tools for vehicle maintenance, not repair services themselves.
- You can shop in-store, order online for in-store pickup, or have items shipped to your address.
- Knowing your vehicle's year, make, and model helps staff find the exact part that fits your car.
- Many locations offer free services like battery testing, and paid services like battery or wiper installation.
- The store has a rewards program that gives you points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts.
How to find the right part for your vehicle
The fastest way to get the correct part is to know your vehicle's year, make, and model — for example, 2018 Honda Civic. You can find this information on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. Once you have it, tell a staff member or enter it on the website's part finder tool.
If you already know the part name or part number, you can search for it directly. Part numbers are usually printed on the old part itself or on the receipt from a previous repair. If you bring the old part to the store, an employee can often match it to the new one without needing the part number.
The website also lets you search by symptom — for example, "my car won't start" or "my headlights are dim" — and it will suggest parts that might solve the problem. This is useful if you are not sure what is broken, but it is not a substitute for a mechanic's diagnosis. If you are uncertain whether a part is the real problem, it is worth having a mechanic look at the vehicle first.
Shopping in-store versus online
In-store shopping lets you see the part in person, ask questions, and leave with it the same day. Staff can also test some items — like batteries — before you buy. This is helpful if you want to be certain the part is right before you pay.
Online shopping through the Advance Auto Parts website or app lets you browse from home and compare prices. You can choose to pick up your order at a nearby store, usually within a few hours, or have it shipped to your address. Shipping times vary depending on your location and the item, but most orders arrive within three to seven business days. Some items may not be available for shipping and can only be picked up in-store.
Prices can differ between in-store and online, and online orders sometimes may have access to for discounts that in-store purchases do not. Check both before you decide where to buy.
Understanding the rewards program and discounts
Advance Auto Parts runs a rewards program called Advance Rewards. When you sign up — either in-store or online — you earn points on every purchase. The points add up and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. There is no annual fee to join.
Members also get early access to sales, exclusive coupons, and sometimes bonus points on certain products or during certain weeks. You can check your points balance and available rewards through the website or mobile app. The program is free, and signing up takes just a few minutes.
Beyond the rewards program, Advance Auto Parts regularly runs sales and promotions. You can find current deals on the website, in the store, or by signing up for email notifications. Coupons are sometimes available in-store, online, or through the app.
Services available at most locations
Many Advance Auto Parts stores offer services beyond selling parts. Battery testing is usually free — staff can test your battery to see if it is still holding a charge or needs replacement. Battery installation is typically available for a fee, usually between $15 and $50 depending on your vehicle. Some locations also install wiper blades, though this service varies by store.
Not every location offers every service, and some services may require an appointment. Call your local store or check the website to see what is available near you. If a service is not available at your nearest store, staff can often direct you to one that offers it.
Return policy and what to do if a part does not fit
Advance Auto Parts allows returns within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the item and whether it has been opened or installed. Parts that have been used or installed are generally not returnable. If you buy a part and realize it is the wrong one before opening it, you can return it for a refund or exchange.
Keep your receipt. Returns are easier with proof of purchase, though staff can sometimes look up the transaction if you paid with a card. If you are unsure whether a part will fit before you buy it, ask a staff member or check the product description online — many parts list which vehicle models they fit.
When to use Advance Auto Parts versus a mechanic
Use Advance Auto Parts when you know what part you need and plan to install it yourself, or when you want to buy a part for a mechanic to install. Do-it-yourself repairs work well for straightforward jobs like changing oil, replacing air filters, or swapping out wiper blades. These are tasks many car owners can handle with basic tools.
Use a mechanic when you are not sure what is wrong with your vehicle, when the repair requires special tools or training, or when you do not feel confident doing the work yourself. A mechanic can diagnose the problem, tell you what parts you need, and install them. Some mechanics will let you buy parts elsewhere and bring them in, though many prefer to source parts themselves.
If you buy a part at Advance Auto Parts and it does not solve the problem, you may have diagnosed the issue incorrectly. A mechanic can help you figure out what is actually broken before you buy more parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I installed it and it did not fix the problem?
No, parts that have been installed are generally not returnable. Before you install a part, make sure it is the right one for your vehicle and that it is actually the source of the problem. If you are unsure, ask a staff member or have a mechanic confirm the diagnosis first.
Do I need to know my vehicle's part number to find what I need?
No. Your vehicle's year, make, and model is usually enough. If you have the old part, you can bring it in and staff can match it. A part number helps narrow things down faster, but it is not required.
How long does it take to pick up an online order?
Most in-store pickups are ready within a few hours of placing your order, though this varies by location and item availability. You will receive a notification when your order is ready. Check the website or call the store for a specific timeframe.
Is battery installation free?
Battery testing is free at most locations, but installation usually costs between $15 and $50 depending on your vehicle. Some stores may offer free installation during promotions. Call your local store to ask about current pricing and any ongoing deals.
What if my local store does not have the part I need in stock?
Staff can often order it from another location for pickup, or have it shipped to you. You can also check the website to see if nearby stores have it in stock. Some parts are special order and may take longer to arrive.